Young Pacific Leaders Professional Fellows Program (YPL PFP)

Build and reinforce professional connections between the Pacific Islands and the United States

Build and reinforce professional connections between the Pacific Islands and the United States

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The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is a two-way, global exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, as well as build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States.

PFP participants are placed in intensive fellowships in non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the United States for an individually tailored professional development experience. They build a broad network with American and other program participant colleagues as they develop a deeper understanding of U.S. society. The PFP is a two-way exchange, with American participants who have hosted foreign fellows traveling overseas for participant-driven reciprocal programs.  PFP is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with funding provided by the U.S. Government.

The Young Pacific Leaders Professional Fellows Program (YPL PFP), as a Professional Fellows Program (PFP), is an international exchange program for selected individuals in the Pacific, intended to build and reinforce professional connections between the Pacific Islands and the United States. YPL PFP is administered by Cultural Vistas.

The theme of the YPL PFP program, “Empowering Oceania” will focus on economic empowerment across the Pacific by exploring how systems can support innovation and sustainable economic development.  Participants will have the opportunity to build their capacities in growing regional entrepreneurship, business leadership, and workforce development.

At the conclusion of the exchange, program alumni will be eligible for seed funding to support them in completing a follow-on activity within their home communities to advance their professional goals. Additionally, alumni will also have the opportunity to host an American Fellow for an 11-day reciprocal exchange to support their follow-on activity. All program travel costs and accommodations will be covered by the program and coordinated by Cultural Vistas.

For questions regarding the YPL Professional Fellows Program please contact the Cultural Vistas Program Team at pfpoceania@culturalvistas.org.

Program Details


The application for the 2024-2025 Pacific Fellows Cohort is now open. All applicants will be notified in September 2024 of their final application status.


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