Application Deadline: December 16, 2022 at 5:00 P.M.

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce a call for applications to the 2023 South East Asia Youth Leadership Program (SEAYLP) sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.  Each year the application process is opened to youth from different regions of Cambodia.  This year, the application is open to all secondary school students and educators (teachers/community leaders) in Cambodia. 

SEAYLP brings together high school students and adult mentors from the ten ASEAN member countries for a three-week United States-based exchange program focused on leadership and youth development.  The program explores shared challenges faced by the United States and ASEAN member countries as viewed through the three pillars of the ASEAN community:  political and security cooperation, economic skills-building, and socio-cultural leadership. Participants will develop concrete skills in project development, communication, and leadership while engaging in hands-on activities, workshops, seminars, and site visits.  Participants will also develop projects to address the needs of their communities upon their return home.  The program will take place in Dekalb, Illinois in from April 7-28, 2023 (if conditions permitting) and will include site visits, workshops, homestays, and a study tour. After returning home, participants will implement follow-on projects in their home communities.   

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, through an award to NIU, will cover all program costs, including round-trip international travel, alumni activities, lodging, stipends, all in-country program related expenses (including domestic travel for visa interviews and/or pre-departure orientation), in-country lodging and expenses, and other program associated costs. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

The 2023 SEAYLP will convene high school students and adult mentors from the ten ASEAN member countries for a three-week U.S.-based exchange program focused on leadership and youth development. Participants will explore shared challenges faced by the United States and ASEAN member countries through the three pillars of the ASEAN community: political and security cooperation, economic skills-building (through the exchange’s project development), and socio-cultural leadership (through hands-on activities, workshops, seminars, and site visits to foster greater communication). During the exchange, participants also will collaborate to develop projects that address the needs of their communities upon their return home. English language proficiency is a prerequisite of the program, as the exchange activities will be conducted entirely in English. 

ELIGIBLE CRITARIAS   

For secondary school students who: 

• Will be at least 15 years old and not more than 17 years old by April 1, 2023;  
• Have leadership potential, a commitment to or interest in civic action, strong academic and social skills, and an interest in community service; 
• Have strong English skills; 
• Have permission from both parent(s)/guardian(s) and schools to participate in the entire program; and 
• Preference will be given to participants who have not previously traveled to the United States, especially on a U.S. government-sponsored program. 

Download the student application here. 

For educators or community leaders who: 

• Are willing to serve as mentors for the youth on this program; 
• Teach at a secondary school or work with youth in a professional or volunteer capacity; 
• Are well respected in the community; 
• Have strong English language skills; and 

• Intend to continue working with or for youth in their careers and have an interest in professional development. 

Download the adult application here. 

Application Instructions 

Applications must be submitted by emailing your completed application to Public Affairs Section at PASExchanges@state.gov by 5p.m. on December 16, 2022.   

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.  For more information, please contact Public Affairs Section at PASExchanges@state.gov or 023-728-179.