YSEALI Professional Exchange 2027–28: Fully Funded U.S. Exchange
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Exchange 2027–28 is a fully funded U.S. Department of State exchange programme for emerging leaders from Southeast Asia.
- FundingFully funded
- DurationApproximately 6 weeks for the U.S. exchange
- Who can applyBrunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia…
- Application feeFree
Overview
Applications are currently open until December 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
YSEALI Professional Exchange is a U.S. Department of State programme designed to strengthen professional and leadership skills among emerging leaders from Southeast Asia.
Participants take part in virtual leadership development, professional preparation, mentoring and a U.S.-based professional placement. During the placement, participants work with a U.S. public, private or nonprofit organisation and gain practical experience related to their professional interests.
The programme also includes a closing forum, networking opportunities and follow-on activities after the U.S. exchange.
Programme Structure
The exchange combines several components:
Virtual Activities
Participants begin with virtual professional and leadership development activities, including training in strategic communication, stakeholder analysis, problem framing, coalition building, project management and adaptive leadership.
U.S. Professional Placement
Participants complete a four-week professional placement with a U.S. host organisation. Placements may be with nonprofit organisations, government offices or private-sector organisations.
Follow-On Action Plan
Participants develop an Action Plan focused on a project or objective they can pursue in their home community or workplace after the exchange.
Selected alumni may later receive funding for their Action Plans or participate in Reciprocal Exchange Projects.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Professional Exchange
- Location
- United States + virtual
- Duration
- Approximately 6 weeks for the U.S. exchange
- Organizer
- U.S. Department of State
- Cohorts
- Fall 2027 / Spring 2028
Funding
- Funding
- Fully funded
- Application fee
- Free
Eligibility
- Age limit
- 25–35
- Work experience
- Minimum 2 years
- Minimum degree required
- None
- Nationality
- Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen and current resident of one of the 11 YSEALI countries
- Be 25–35 years old
- Be currently employed
- Have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience
- Be an emerging leader in government, civil society or the private sector
- Demonstrate relevant professional expertise
- Have strong written and spoken English
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Be able to identify a project or objective to pursue in their workplace or community
Applicants living outside the eligible YSEALI countries are not eligible.
Applicants must provide:
- Education history
- Comprehensive work experience
- English CV/resume
- Three written essays
- One leadership video essay
- One professional reference
- Signed Participant Terms and Conditions Agreement
- Signed American Councils Informed Consent Agreement
Applicants rank their preferred programme themes and indicate their preferred cohort.
What you get
Selected participants receive funding covering the main costs of the exchange, including:
- International travel
- U.S. visa fees
- Travel costs associated with the visa interview
- Living costs in the United States
- Accommodation arrangements
- Professional placement
- Leadership and professional development activities
- Alumni engagement opportunities
Is YSEALI Professional Exchange Fully Funded?
Yes.
The programme is funded by the U.S. Government, and the official programme information states that international travel, visa and U.S. living costs are covered for selected participants.
How to apply
- Check that you meet the YSEALI nationality, residency, age and work-experience requirements.
- Select your preferred theme and cohort.
- Prepare your CV and application materials.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload the required documents and request your professional reference.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
The application must be submitted by 10:00 AM Eastern Time on December 10, 2026.
Hidden Charges and Extra Expenses
| Expense | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Application fee | No fee |
| International travel | Covered |
| U.S. visa | Covered |
| Visa interview travel | Covered |
| U.S. living costs | Covered |
| Accommodation | Provided/arranged |
| Programme activities | Covered |
| Required participant costs | None stated |
The official FAQ explicitly says there are no required costs to participants.
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens and current residents of one of these 11 YSEALI countries:
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam.
Age Limit
Applicants must be 25–35 years old at the time of application.
Minimum Degree Required
No specific university degree requirement is stated.
The programme focuses on professional experience, leadership and demonstrated expertise rather than a particular academic qualification.
Work Experience
Applicants must be currently employed and have at least two years of relevant professional experience at the time of application.
Programme Themes
The programme supports professionals working in areas including:
- Innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies
- Strategic energy and resource management
- Governance and accountability
- Peace and security
Programme Dates
YSEALI PE has two planned cohorts:
| Cohort | Virtual Programme | U.S. Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | From approximately August 2027 | October–November 2027 |
| Spring 2028 | From approximately January 2028 | April–May 2028 |
The U.S.-based exchange is planned for approximately six weeks.
Official Link
Final Note
The YSEALI Professional Exchange 2027–28 is a strong fully funded professional exchange for young Southeast Asian professionals who want to gain U.S. workplace experience, develop leadership skills and build long-term international networks.
The application deadline is December 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.
Frequently asked questions
Is YSEALI Professional Exchange 2027 open?
Yes. Applications are currently open until December 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.
Is YSEALI Professional Exchange fully funded?
Yes. The U.S. Department of State covers international travel, visa costs and U.S. living costs for selected participants.
Is there an application fee?
No. The programme states that there are no required costs to participants.
Can Indian citizens apply?
No. Applicants must be citizens and current residents of one of the 11 YSEALI countries. India is not included.
Do I need a university degree?
No specific degree requirement is stated.
How much work experience is required?
At least 2 years of relevant professional experience, and applicants must currently be employed.
What visa is required?
Selected participants use a J-1 exchange visitor visa. The programme assists with the application, and visa fees and travel to the visa interview are covered.
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