If you are passionate about sustainability and the environment and enjoy working with young leaders, this could be a great opportunity for you! 

ICMA is once again part of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) program and looking for hosts. YSEALI is a U.S. Department of State program that provides young leaders from Southeast Asia the opportunity to engage in professional development and cultural exchange in the United States. The program is broken up into two cycles with 40 fellows each. 

The cycles are: 

• Cycle 1: April 28—June 4, 2025
• Cycle 2: September 22—October 29, 2025 

ICMA is looking for hosts to be confirmed by March 14 for Cycle 1. 

The fellows will spend a total of 5.5 weeks in the United States, with the fellowships lasting four weeks. Fellows are matched to a host local government or organization that is aligned with their professional interests. 

As a host, you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside and mentor these young professionals. There is no cost associated with hosting, as ICMA will pay for and arrange all transportation, lodging, meals, and incidentals for the fellows. 

Who are the fellows? 

The fellows are mid-level professionals that have a background in a variety of environmental issues. They work for such entities as the national and local governments, universities, private businesses, and nonprofits. They are citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam. To be selected, fellows must demonstrate proficiency in written and oral English. 

What is expected of hosts? 

The fellowship placement should provide fellows with direct exposure to the day-to-day operations of a U.S. organization, as well as the opportunity to network with colleagues. Hosts should be willing to supervise their fellow and keep program staff updated on their progress. They should also provide mentorship by helping fellows develop their professional goals. 

What is a reciprocal exchange? 

In addition to the 4-week fellowship in the United States, hosts will be eligible to apply for a U.S. Department of State-funded reciprocal exchange. This provides hosts with the opportunity to travel to their YSEALI fellow’s home country and support the design and implementation of a local project. 

How can I get involved? 

If you are interested in being a host, e-mail the YSEALI program team at fellows@icma.org. To learn more about the program, visit our website.