BOREN AWARDS The Application Process

Deadlines ◦ Undergraduate students: ◦ Must submit materials through Karen by WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 ND ◦ Graduate students: ◦ Can submit essays to Karen for editorial review by TUESDAY, JANUARY 15 th ◦ Campus Deadline: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 ND

Boren Scholarship Undergraduate application process

Undergraduate Application ◦ Basic info: ◦ Current/permanent address ◦ Education ◦ GPA

Undergraduate Application ◦ Foreign language previously studied or learned (if any) ◦ Years of study ◦ Type of study ◦ Previous experience abroad (if any) ◦ How long?

Undergraduate Application ◦ Proposed study abroad programs ◦ Country ◦ Sponsor ◦ Program ◦ Language being studied ◦ Estimated cost ◦ Tuition, room/board ◦ Airfare, books, insurance ◦ Financial aid available? ◦ List alternate program information

Essays ◦ Most important aspect of application ◦ 6,000 characters, not including spac es ◦ About 1,000 words – 3 pages, single spaced

Essay 1 ◦ Explain the significance of your proposed study abroad experience (including region you selected, its culture, and the language you will study) to U.S. national security, broadly defined. ◦ Describe how the country, language, and study abroad program you selected will help you achieve your career goals, including your plans to fulfill the federal service requirement. ◦ Describe how skills you will gain during your Boren program of study, including linguistics and cultural competencies, as well as past academic, extracurricular, volunteer, internship, and professional experiences, will help you fulfill the federal service requirement. Be specific.

Essay 2 ◦ Study Abroad Program Description (both the preferred and alternate program): Describe the study abroad program’s course of study and related cultural activities, as well as the administrative and support services provided (i.e., facilities, housing, resident director, etc.). Describe the language component in as much detail as possible, including the number of classroom contact hours and informal language study opportunities outside of the classroom. Describe your past experience in studying or speaking the language (or another language if relevant), as well as your plans for continuing to study and/or speak the language following your Boren Scholarship.

Letters of Reference ◦ 2 required ◦ 3 rd is optional ◦ Original letters must be signed in an envelope with signature across seal ◦

Supplemental Materials ◦ Official transcripts from all universities attended ◦ Language self-assessment ◦ ◦ Language proficiency form (optional) ◦ 24.pdf 24.pdf

Study Abroad Program ◦ Choose 1 of the following: ◦ Study abroad program description with cost information ◦ Individually arranged program must submit 2 letters of support

Frequently Asked Questions ◦ If my proposed country, language, and/or field of study is not on the preferred list, should I still apply? ◦ Yes, applications for these non-preferred studies are encouraged ◦ Is a foreign language component required for all study abroad proposals? ◦ Yes, the language you choose should be appropriate to the country in which you plan to study ◦ Do I have to list an alternate study abroad program? ◦ It’s optional, but could be useful if you are not accepted into your primary program or it is unavailable ◦ May I be considered for a scholarship before I am accepted into a study abroad program? ◦ Yes, if awarded a Boren Scholarship you would need to show evidence of acceptance into a program

Boren Fellowship Graduate application process

Graduate Application ◦ Every component is submitted ONLINE! ◦ 3 essays ◦ Detailed budget ◦ Transcripts ◦ 3 online reference forms ◦ Online language proficiency form (optional) ◦ Letter of overseas affiliation

Essay 1 ◦ Explain the significance of your proposed study abroad experience (including region you selected, its culture, and the language you will study) to U.S. national security, broadly defined. ◦ Describe how the country, language, and study abroad program you selected will help you achieve your career goals, including your plans to fulfill the federal service requirement. ◦ Describe how skills you will gain during your Boren program of study, including linguistics and cultural competencies, as well as past academic, extracurricular, volunteer, internship, and professional experiences, will help you fulfill the federal service requirement. Be specific.

Essay 2 ◦ Describe your proposed study plan in detail. Boren Fellowships support language and other classroom study, overseas research, overseas academic internships, or any combination of these elements. Explain all significant features of your plan, including institutional or other affiliations, if known.

Essay 3 ◦ Describe your specific goals for language study, including the proficiency level you hope to attain and how you plan to develop your language skills to that level. Describe your past experience in studying or speaking the language (or another language if relevant), as well as your plans for continuing to study and/or speak the language following your Boren Fellowship.

Reference Forms ◦ 3 online forms ◦ If application includes research component: ◦ 1 letter must be from research advisor ◦ If not enrolled in graduate school: ◦ Strongly encouraged to have 1 letter from professor/advisor at future graduate program ◦ How to gain strong letters of reference ◦

Letter of Overseas Affiliation ◦ Not required at time of application ◦ Letter from: ◦ an academic institution, research institute, non-governmental organization, and/or an individual who is aware that the applicant is planning study and/or research in that country and is willing to assist the applicant in coordinating his or her plans.