NSEP David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
Description
The National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
offer a unique opportunity for U.S. undergraduates to study abroad. NSEP awards scholarships
to American students for study of world regions critical to U.S. interests (including
Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America & the Caribbean, and
the Middle East). The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
are excluded. NSEP Boren Scholarships are intended to provide support to U.S. undergraduates
who will pursue the study of languages and cultures currently underrepresented in
study abroad and critical to U.S. national security.
Dollar Value
NSEP Boren Scholarships are merit based. Award amounts are based on the study abroad
costs and financial aid information provided by the applicant. The maximum award is
$8,000 for a summer, SI0,000 for a semester, or $20,000 for a full academic year.
Students must inform IIE/NSEP of any additional outside funding they receive for their
study abroad program.
Number of Scholarships
Varies
Eligibility
- A U.S. citizen at the time of application.
- A high school graduate, or have earned a GED, and are matriculated as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in a U.S. post-secondary institution, including universities, colleges, and community colleges accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- 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 graduation, NSEP Boren Undergraduate Scholarships are not for study in the United States.
Application Procedures
All applications must be submitted online.
Deadline
February 10, 2011
Contact
National Security Education Program
David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships, Institute of International Education
1400 K Street, NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005-2403
Telephone: 1-800-618-NSEP Fax: 202-326-7672
Email: nsep@iic.org
Fellowships Coordinator
Name: Scott Handley, Honors College, University Hall 212
Phone: 417-836-6371
Frequently asked questions
If the proposed country, language, and/or field of study is not on the preferred list for the NSEP David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships, should the candidate still apply?
Yes. NSEP is interested in encouraging applications for study in non-emphasized countries,
languages, and fields of study when the applicant can make a compelling argument that
increased understanding and appreciation of that particular country, language, and/or
field of study through study abroad represents an important contribution to U.S. national
security and the goals of NSEP.
Is a foreign language component required for all study abroad proposals?
Yes. Foreign language study is a key element in all NSEP proposals. The language chosen
should be appropriate to the country in which he/she plans to study. The study abroad
proposal should note the amount (number of hours per week) and level of classroom
instruction you will undertake. Most importantly, they are expected to provide a realistic
estimate of the language level expected from the formal as well as informal (non-classroom)
study will help he/she achieve. Students who are at an advanced level of Spanish or
French must keep in mind that their proposed study abroad program should not emphasize
language training, but rather academic study, which would require using Spanish or
French in course work related to their field of study.
Are candidates required to take a language test before applying for an NSEP Boren Scholarship?
No. If selected for the NSEP Boren Scholarship, they must agree to take a language
test prior to and after the study abroad experience. If there was no previous instruction
in the language to be studied, applicants may not be required to take the pre-test.
The results of the proficiency testing will be used to assess the program; they will
not be used to evaluate students. Information about language testing will be provided
to all scholarship recipients and the cost of the tests will be covered by NSEP.
Is it possible to split the academic year between two study abroad programs in the same country? How would the application be completed?
In some cases, appropriate full academic year programs may not be available. In these
cases, students may then submit two separate, but related, applications for study
on two different programs. Applications for two different consecutive study abroad
programs should entail study in the same country and of the same language. Applicants
proposing study in two different countries and/or for two different languages will
not be funded by NSEP.
Does NSEP approve or sanction particular study abroad programs?
No. An NSEP Boren Scholarship is a source of portable financial assistance that can
be used to support study abroad through an established program, direct enrollment
in a foreign university, or an individually arranged study. The choice of a particular
program for study abroad is made by you in consultation with your campus advisor.
Make the choices based on the overall quality of the program, the strength of the
language instruction, and on elements it offers that will enhance the period of study
abroad. There are no lists of NSEP-preferred programs nor does NSEP endorse programs
under a particular institution, organization, or group's sponsorship.
What is the NSEP service requirement?
The NSEP service requirement stipulates that an award recipient work in the Departments
of Defense, Homeland Security, State, or the Intelligence Community. If, after making
a full and good faith effort (according to conditions and rules established by NSEP),
an award recipient demonstrates to NSEP that no appropriate position is available
in one of these agencies, he or she may work in any U.S. federal department or agency.
There is also an expectation that NSEP Scholars and Fellows will use the language
or regional expertise acquired as a result of the award in their work for the U.S.
government.