Reciprocal Exchanges

Description

The Reciprocal Exchange of the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program (AFP-RE) provides funding for U.S. citizens to implement collaborative projects with YSEALI AFP alumni in Southeast Asia. These projects build on strategic partnerships and connections developed during the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program, and provide travel and project support up to $4,000. This annual competition supports the internationalization of young U.S. partners who engaged with YSEALI AFP participants during their respective Institutes. In 2025, Fellows will attend Institutes focused on an area of academic focus in the following locations:

Civic Engagement: Northern Arizona University, Portland State University, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Natural Resources: California State University – Chico, East-West Center, University of Montana

Innovation and Entrepreneurship: University of Connecticut, University of Kansas, University of Nevada at Reno

Society and Governance: James Madison University, Syracuse University, Western Washington University

Eligibility

• Students or young professionals between the ages of 20 and 30 by the application deadline;    

• A full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated with at least an undergraduate degree in the past four years;    

• U.S. citizenship and current residence in the United States;   

• May not be employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government (including a U.S. Embassy, USAID, or other U.S. Government entity);   

• Able to travel to Southeast Asia for 7-14 days (length varies depending on the project);  

• Able to acquire a valid visa to the proposed host country;  

• Demonstrated meaningful, active engagement with YSEALI Fellows during the U.S. program;   

• Demonstrates ongoing relationships and active communication with their YSEALI partner alumni after the Academic Fellowship.   

Application Guidance and Tips

Be prepared to explain:

• How you connected with the Fellow(s) during their time in the United States. This may have been during a classroom visit, a meeting with a student club or organization, a meeting with a business or professional organization, or another connection.

• How you’ve stayed in touch and nurtured a relationship with the Fellow(s), especially around ideas for collaboration in a shared academic or professional field.

• What kind of project you are jointly proposing with the Fellow(s). What is the goal, the project plan, and the budget?

• What can be achieved by you receiving support to collaborate with a Fellow in Southeast Asia. What knowledge, skill and/or ability can you contribute to the respective project, and how would such an experience reward you personally and professionally?

Timeline

• Early November - The 2025 AFP-RE application opens

• Late November – The 2025 AFP-RE application closes

• Early 2026 –  Award offers are made

• 2026 – AFP-RE awardees have the entirety of 2026 to carry-out their 7 – 14 day RE in the region 

Application

A link to the AFP-RE application will be available in Fall 2025.

Email YSEALI AFP with any questions – be sure to include ‘YSEALI-RE’ in the subject line: YSEALIAFP@umontana.edu