FAQs: 2018 YSEALI SEA Camp-Bohol application
Questions and issues addressed in the FAQs will not be answered via email or social media channels.
About residency
Q: The country I live in is different from the country I was born in, but both are in Southeast Asia. Is that okay?
A: Yes, you just need to show proof that you live, study, or work in any of the 10 Southeast Asian countries and that you are a citizen of any of the 10.
Q: I'm from Southeast Asia but I live in another country that's not part of Southeast Asia. Can I still apply?
A: Yes, but we can only fly you to and from another Southeast Asian country. For example, you study in Japan but you were accepted in the SEA Camp. You need to fly to any of the 10 Southeast Asian countries, and we will book your ticket from there.
About the application form
Q: I can't access the form.
A: It may be an issue with your browser or internet connection. Please use another browser, check your connectivity, or use another computer.
Q: I don't have a middle name/landline/mobile number. What should I put?
A: Just put NA.
About the age requirement: Applicants must be 18-23 years old during the SEA Camp.
Q: I’m 17. Can I apply for the SEA Camp?
A: If you are 18 by March 17, 2018, then you may apply.
Q: I’m 24 and above but I’m really active in environmental advocacies. Can you please bend the rules for me?
A: No. Twenty-four is not 23.
Q: Why does there need to be an age limit?
A: The protection of our seas has no age limit – anyone can be an empowered seatizen. But for training programs like the SEA Camp, activities, sessions and modules are more effective if they are created specifically for an age range, rather than a general audience. It’s the same as in other summer workshops, or even at school. Generally, people also tend to be more comfortable working with and sharing their experiences, opinions, and ideas with their peers, compared to others way below or above their age.
We decided to have the age range of 18-23 years old for the participants of this SEA Camp because these are very crucial formative years when these young adults go through experiences that will influence their career choices. By participating in the SEA Camp, we hope that they will be inspired to dedicate more of their time and talents for conservation efforts and maybe even decide to specialize in fields that are geared towards developmental work.
Q: Can you make another SEA Camp for an older or younger age bracket?
A: If there are sponsors and funding available, we would be happy to organize another SEA Camp for other age brackets! Watch out for other opportunities by being in the know: like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram to receive updates.
About the YSEALI registration
Q. I'm having a hard time with the YSEALI registration/I didn't get a confirmation email.
A: Please get in touch with YSEALI directly for any YSEALI-related issues. If you already registered before and deleted the confirmation email, just send screenshots of other YSEALI emails, like the newsletter or announcements.
About the requirements
Q: What photo should I send?
We just need a clear headshot for the announcement of participants. We also advised looking at past SEA Camp announcements. One link is here.
Q: I don't have a passport yet, but it's really easy to get a passport in my country. Can I submit a citizen ID instead for application purposes?
A: Yes, you can. But if you get selected, we cannot book your flights unless you have a passport, and we give participants only one week to confirm their slot. Participants will get notified about the status of their application by the end of January 2018.
Q: What if my passport is expired?
A: Please send a copy of your expired passport. But if you get selected, we cannot book your flights unless you have a passport, and we give participants only one week to confirm their slot.
Q: I'm from the Philippines. Do I still need to submit a scanned copy of the passport?
A: This was answered in the call for applications already. Filipino citizens may submit other official IDs, such as driver's license, voter's ID, etc.
About the application process
Q: Do I receive a confirmation email? How do I know that my response has been recorded?
A: Due to the high volume of applicants, we cannot send individual confirmation emails. Upon successful submission, the form will say "your response has been recorded." This is what should show:
Q: When will the results come out?
A: We will notify the participants of their status by January 31, 2018.
About the program
Q: I have work/school in March 2018. Can you schedule another one?
A: We suggest that you check your academic requirements during the SEA Camp dates and see if your professors will let you take make up classes, submit papers or take exams before or after the dates. You can also show your acceptance letter to your professors or employers as proof that you have been chosen to be part of the SEA Camp!
Q: How much would it cost to participate in the SEA Camp?
A: NOTHING! All your travel expenses, food, accommodations, and materials are covered by the program. If you are chosen as a participant, you may bring some pocket money if you want to buy personal items or souvenirs in the local area.
Q: Who is behind the SEA Camp?
A: The SEA Camp is organized by Save Philippine Seas and supported by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. To find out more about the U.S. Embassy, follow them on Twitter at @usembassymanila, and Like the Facebook page.
