Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 for a year-long program, $10,000 for a semester long program and $8000 for STEM majors to participate in a summer program. The Boren Scholarship considers U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.
The Scholarships are funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), which focuses on geographical areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security, recognizing that the scope of national security has expanded to include not only the traditional concerns of protecting and promoting American well-being, but also the challenges of global society, including sustainable development, environmental degradation, global disease and hunger, population growth and migration, and economic competitiveness.
Deadlines
Internal: mid January
External: early February
Here's the link to view this year's specific deadline dates.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate student;
- A. U.S. citizen at the time of the application;
- Applying to engage in a study abroad experience in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand that meets home institution standards;
- Planning to use the scholarship for study abroad, and the study abroad program ends before you graduate. Boren scholarships are not for study in the United States.
Application
- The application is completed online at www.borenawards.org;
- Letters of reference - two letters required, three letters optional;
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended;
- Essay one— In no more than 800 words, explain the significance of your proposed country, region, and language to U.S. National Security. Describe how the country, language, and overseas program you select will help you achieve your career goals, including your plans to fulfill the federal services requirement;
- Essay two— A study abroad program description of no more than 800 words. Describe the study abroad program’s course of study and related cultural activities, as well as the administrative and support services provided. Describe the language component in as much detail as possible. Describe your past experience in studying or speaking the language as well as your continued plans to study/speak the language following the Boren Scholarship.
- Language self-assessment form;
- Language proficiency form (optional);
- On-campus reviewers form.
Learn more about the Boren Scholarships at the above webpage, by visiting the Office of National Fellowships & Scholarships, or by contacting the faculty liaison.