On-Demand Youth Leadership Program: VIETNAM

Adult Mentor Application Information

The On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (ODYLP): Vietnam is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). It brings together a group of 14 youth participants (ages 15-18) and two adult mentors (ages 25 and older) from Vietnam for a three-week, U.S.-based exchange focused on youth leadership, cultural exchange, and volunteerism.

Adult Mentor Experience

The adult mentors will gain valuable skills in youth leadership development and community engagement as they travel to the United States with the group and help facilitate learning. They will guide young leaders through the entire experience, beginning with pre-program orientation and culminating in the implementation of community-based projects. Below is an overview of adult mentor roles and responsibilities in each phase.

Pre-Program Preparation Phase

The two selected mentors will assist with all in-country logistical arrangements to ensure students complete the necessary paperwork and travel preparations. They will participate in pre-departure orientations and provide support for visa interviews, travel logistics, and group departure coordination, as needed.

In-Person Exchange Phase

During the U.S. exchange, the adult mentors will focus on observing and understanding the teaching and experiential education elements of the program while supporting youth development. They will attend and engage in all activities alongside the youth, serving as advocates for the youth and helping them process their learning. Through their active observation and engagement, mentors will gain practical knowledge that they can apply to their own professional settings.

Community Project Phase

In this final phase, the adult mentors will guide students as they implement peer education or volunteerism projects inspired by their U.S. experiences. They will attend the monthly virtual check-ins and coaching sessions with Legacy alongside the students and help students prepare reports showcasing their projects' impact. They will also have the chance to share any professional development lessons learned with fellow educators.

Adult mentor applicants must:

  • Be 25 years or older as of March 1, 2025;
  • Be involved in US Embassy Access programs;
  • Be a citizen of Vietnam and be living in Vietnam throughout the duration of all program phases (April through October);
  • Have proficiency in English;
  • Have experience teaching or working with teenage youth around the themes of leadership and/or volunteerism;
  • Have demonstrated strong leadership skills;
  • Have a sincere interest in cross-cultural exchange and US-Vietnam relations; and
  • Be willing to offer instructional support, coordinate logistics and commit to the continued mentorship of youth participants through the community project phase.

Preference will be given to individuals who:

  • Have not previously traveled to the United States; or
  • Have not participated in any in-person, ECA-funded program in the United States within the past three years or accepted a scholarship for an upcoming U.S. Government-funded exchange program.
  • Please note: Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship, and/or with family members of U.S. Embassy/Consulate staff or U.S. Department of State employees are not eligible for this program.

There is NO application fee.

The United States Government will pay for all travel to and from the United States, and all program-related costs for selected participants.

The application is NOW OPEN! The application will remain open from December 11, 2024 to January 10, 2025. Apply today!

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