Top Tactics for applying the YSEALI programme

Cambodia is one of the ASEAN countries where universities encourage students to participate in exchange programs both within and outside the country.

People in our society may value international exchange students because students gain experience and exchange knowledge through exchange visits with fellow from different countries. YSEALI is an international program that allows Southeast Asian countries to explore and exchange in the United States.   

Attend the Spring YSEALI programme, Arizona State, U.S 2023

Applying the exchange programs is a highly competitive and selective process for those who are interested. It's not uncommon to get the opportunity, but there's no reason it can't be yours if you've always wanted to be an international student.

I was chosen to represent Cambodia due to being from a local community of the northeastern Ratatankiri. I hopefully these tips base on my personal experience may enhance you to get a fully-selected candidate.

Attended the YSEALI workshop in Phnom Penh

What you should know before applying

1. Always adhere to the YSEALI activity schedule.​ Follow them on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, or their website, to learn more about them.

2. Fully comprehend the program's vision and mission. Definitely understands their mission and vision to complete what is required in the application. I believe that every student's mission should be related to the YSEALI program.

3. Participating in the YSEALI event. This is the crucial part that gives me a good feeling. Attending the YSEALI program not only allows you to gain skills or knowledge, but it also allows you to connect with YSEALI coordinators and others. It does not mean they will accept you, but they are well aware of your passion and potential. Not enough, joining volunteer activity with organizations or any sectors would be help you to get credit as criteria. 

4. Have a real dream. Why is dreaming a great way to achieve goals? Of course, my dreams help me to achieve my objectives. I've always wanted to travel the world and I promised my parents, "I'll visit the United States someday." All of those memories have made me interested in participating in exchange visits. You may have the wish to travel around the world. What to prepare during applying for the program

Application processing 

 5. Pay close attention when reading application information. Reading comprehension allows me to visualize the information. Don't just read once; read several times to ensure that you don't miss any important information in the application.

6. Determine your areas of interest (Civic Engagement, Environmental, Entrepreneurship). The theme is the first step in guiding your writing paragraph. You should not forget to select a theme that interests you or is related to your majors and experience.

7. Meet the criteria. Read carefully on the criteria points because they will help you complete all of the requirements. Attach any documents you have, such as a passport, IELT, or certificates, to your application form. These documents will make you eligible for the highest priority.

8. Comply with the application's instructions. Everyone has read the instructions before beginning the writing process because if you miss information, you will receive a low decision from hiring managers. Do what they ask, as I mentioned. Do you see what I mean?

9. Write down what they need (have a potential project) YSEALI program is highly recommended for candidates to write their project and what they want to do after the program. Write a special project not too short and not too long. Do not lie to them about your project writing. Be honest to tell them about the impact project on the community and society.

 10. Be yourself and confident. No matter how you tell them about the project. You either be a master and confident in your own project decisions. Because they will ask you when you interview.

 11. Extra reading and editing of your paragraphs. Even though you’re a professional writer, you still need to edit twice times. Reading and read are helping me discover my mistakes in writing or something to complete.

 12. Ask for help from your friends or alumnus of YSEALI. All rights, after you did the application, find your mentor or editor to edit or help you. Because they will see your missing information. They may have more experienced than us or ideas to fulfill the main criteria.

Cambodian's YSEALI alumni 

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, or YSEALI, is a highly competitive cultural exchange program sponsored by the United States Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs for Southeast Asian emerging leaders.

YSEALI offers two exchange programs to the US. Academic and Professional Fellowships from YSEALI provide the opportunity to participate in intensive academic or professional programs at universities or workplaces across the United States. Academic fellowships are available twice a year.

The fall fellowship is now accepting applications from Asian countries, including Cambodia. Do not miss an excellent opportunity to travel to the United States. The deadline will be on 16 April 2023. For information, please visit the link: https://kh.usembassy.gov/yseali-academic-fellowships/