Welcome to the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Institute on Civic Engagement at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)!
We are honored to host you in this program administered by the University of Montana and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Educational & Cultural Affairs Bureau.
What is the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program?
The YSEALI AFP is an educational and cultural exchange to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the U.S. and Southeast Asia, and foster a community of leaders who work across borders to solve shared issues.
YSEALI AFP brings undergraduate or recent graduates aged 18-25 from 11 countries in Southeast Asia to the U.S. for a fully funded, five-week exchange at UNO. The program hosts an academic residency, community service activities, academic field experience, a closing workshop, and a Reciprocal Exchange component that sends Americans to Southeast Asia.
Why YSEALI is important?
YSEALI is essential because it empowers emerging leaders in Southeast Asia to tackle critical regional challenges. With over 65% of ASEAN’s population under 35, YSEALI strengthens leadership development, enhances regional collaboration, and promotes cross-border understanding. It builds a network of young changemakers committed to innovation, civic engagement, sustainable development, and the U.S.-ASEAN partnership.
Who are the YSEALI Academic Fellows?
YSEALI AFP Fellows are the best and brightest young leaders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma or Myanmar, Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam who are making a difference in their communities, countries, and the region. UNO hosts typically 25 YSEALI Fellows in each cohort from the participating countries.
Program Overview
Our goal at UNO is to make this international exchange one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of your lifetime. You'll experience academic and community activities that will improve your understanding of civic engagement, leadership development, U.S. communities and democracy, and much more.
Your program has been arranged by experts in civic engagement, professors from various disciplines, community organizers, and government leaders. Designed for you, this website will answer many of the questions you may have about your upcoming adventure.
Learn about details about the institute, program schedule, program team, and your educational study tour.
You can find more information about important international travel protocols on the travel information page and information regarding your housing, food, money, transportation, and what you bring on the campus & Omaha life page.
Contact Us
If you have further questions or comments, please contact us at any time.
Your primary contact for any of your needs is YSEALI Administrative Director, Julie Jimenez. She can be reached via email at jsadofsky@unomaha.edu and will respond promptly.
Answers to popular questions will be posted on the frequently asked questions (FAQ) page.
We look forward to meeting you!
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Dr. Jody Neathery-Castro | Principal Director |
| Dr. Whitney Gent | Academic Director |
| Val McPherson | Community Liaison & Certified Gallup Strengths Coach |
| Julie Jimenez | Administrative Director |
YSEALI Academic Fellows Program (AFP) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Educational & Cultural Affairs Bureau, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. The YSEALI AFP is administered by the University of Montana and implemented by the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
