Youth Exchange Programs
Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI): Launched in 2013, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is U.S. government’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia. Through a variety of programs and engagements, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, and seed funding, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and nurture an ASEAN community.
Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES): The Department of State established the YES program in October, 2002 to provide scholarships for high school students (15-17 years) from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the United States.
Summer Work and Travel: The Summer Work/Travel program provides bona fide foreign post-secondary students an opportunity to become directly involved in the daily life of the people of the United States through travel and temporary work for a period up to four months during their summer vacation.
Au Pair: Through the Au Pair program foreign nationals between 18 and 26 years of age participate directly in the home life of a host family by providing limited childcare services for up to 12 months.
General information on public diplomacy and public affairs can be found on the homepages of the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
Professional Exchange Programs
International Visitors Program (IVLP): The International Visitor Leadership Program operates under authority of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act). The emphasis of the program is to increase mutual understanding through communication at the personal and professional levels.
Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program: The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program is a dynamic global network designed to empower emerging leaders, ages 21 to 27, who are working to address critical social issues in their communities. This year-long program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, includes a three-month fellowship in the United States, where participants collaborate with U.S.-based organizations to develop practical skills, build leadership capacity, and foster cross-cultural understanding.
Community Solutions Program (CSP): The Community Solutions Program (CSP) is a professional development initiative funded by the U.S. Department of State that supports emerging community leaders, ages 26 to 39, from around the world. This year-long program includes a four-month fellowship in the United States, where participants collaborate with U.S.-based organizations to strengthen their leadership skills, address community challenges, and foster cross-cultural understanding.
The Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI): The Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Scholars and Secondary Educators are intensive academic programs designed to provide foreign university faculty, secondary educators, and other professionals with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions. These programs aim to strengthen curricula and enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad. SUSI programs typically include a four- to five-week academic residency at a U.S. university, followed by a one- to two-week educational study tour to another region of the United States. Participants engage in a variety of activities, including lectures, discussions, site visits, and cultural activities, to gain a comprehensive view of American life and institutions.
General information on public diplomacy and public affairs can be found on the homepages of the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).