The Road to YSEALI Professional Fellows Program

The tempo had been ramping up, in the weeks leading to the 41-day ACYPL YSEALI Professional Fellows Program. Here's what had happened since Professional Fellows found out we got selected.

1. Endorsing the Acceptance Form

Receiving the formal Invitation Letter to participate in the Professional Fellows Program thrilled me. The journey to signing the Acceptance Form entailed a go-ahead from my employer and I couldn't be more thankful for the support and blessings.

Thanks to my employer, the National Trades Union Congress, and my secondment organisation, Singapore Teachers' Union for the support!

2. Social Networking with Professional Fellows

I was frankly amazed by the diverse experience of fellow Participating Fellows. They range from NGO activists to government leaders. And this we got to know when we soon received the individual profiles from the implementing organisation, ACYPL, in my context.

Through the offical facebook groups, we also got to e-meet Professional Fellows from the other regions.

3. Discussion with Host Organisation

Next, was the update on the placement city and host organisation. In my case, it was the Metropolitan Family Services in Chicago. ACYPL facilitated an e-introduction with its CEO, whom I had the chance to share more about my professional background and keen areas to learn from the PFP via a Whatsapp Video call.

4. Professional Fellows Leading Change Course

To prepare us for the programme, especially the Professional Fellows Congress, we were given access to e-learning materials. 

4. Visa Interview and Pre-Departure Orientation at US Embassy

US Embassy also facilitated the meet-up with YSEALI PFP Singapore alumni, from whom we got to seek further clarification and find out how to optimise our learning experience in US.

5. Pre-Departure Orientation by ACYPL

About two weeks prior to our departure, ACYPL conducted a Skype conference with all of us to brief us on the programme and our address our queries. We subsequently were able to find out which countries' Fellows were transiting in similar airports and arranged our pre-program meet-up!

6. Family, Career, etc.

Since it's a Professional Fellows Program, all of us had to make alternative arrangements for our family members, career and voluntary organisations. This was probably the most challenging part to prepare for.

And here we go, to the United States for the Professional Fellows Program!