Abstract
This paper will share lessons learned from four years of teaching the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) program. YSEALI brings the best and brightest 18 to 25 years old leaders from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) for training in civic engagement. The goals of this US Department of State-supported academic fellowship are to build trust between ASEAN countries and the US, peace within and between ASEAN countries, and active engagement in promoting democracy by ASEAN citizens. This paper explores lessons about comparative civic engagement, conflict resolution paradigms applicable in different contexts, and designing teaching materials that are flexible and appropriate in culturally, politically and religiously diverse settings.