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1. May I be considered for a scholarship before I have been accepted to a study abroad program or foreign university?Ìý

• Yes.ÌýWe recognize that many students will submit applications to specific study abroad programs and the Ãå±±½ûµØ simultaneously, with expected notification for each at a different date. Students who are awarded a Boren Award must submit their finalized study plans to their Boren advisor.Ìý

2. May I participate in an internship while on the Boren Scholarship or Fellowship?Ìý

• You can participate in an internship if it is an integrated and meaningful component of your academic program, and if you include your plans in the Boren Scholarship or Fellowship application. However, you may not accept paid employment while abroad. In addition, you cannot intern with U.S. or foreign government agencies.

3. Do I need an alternate study abroad program and must it be in the same country as my primary program?

• If you are proposing study in one of the asterisk countries (the countries colored in blue on the map), then yes, you are required to include an alternate program and country where you can study the same language. If you are studying Arabic, Mandarin, or Russian, you will also be required to include an alternate program and country where you can study that language. Otherwise, you do not need to include an alternate study abroad program. You will be allowed to change study abroad programs after the application deadline if needed. Your program would need to be for the same language and in the same country, but you are not locked into the program you list on your application.ÌýÌý

4. Am I required to study a foreign language on my Boren program?Ìý

• Yes. Foreign language study is a critical requirement of the Ãå±±½ûµØ. All applications should have language study as a core and ongoing element of the program proposed for funding. Time spent studying the language may be curricular or extracurricular, in a classroom setting or with tutors, language partners, or host families. Many applications include all of these elements.ÌýBoren requires all programs include a minimum of 15-20 contact hours with the language per week.
• The language you choose should be appropriate to the country in which you plan to study. Your study abroad proposal should note the amount (number of hours per week) and level of classroom instruction you will undertake. Most importantly, you should provide a realistic estimate of the language level you expect your formal as well as informal (non-classroom) study will help you achieve.

5. How do I know if I am matriculated in a degree program?Ìý

• If your college or university has approved applying your academic credits towards an associate's/bachelor's/master's/doctoral degree, you are matriculated in a degree program.

6. I want to split the academic year between two study abroad programs in the same country. How do I complete the application?Ìý

• In some cases, appropriate full academic year programs may not be available. In these cases, students may study abroad on two different study abroad programs. We encourage consecutive programs of study; these applications could be for summer and year programs; fall and spring semesters; summer and fall semesters; or spring and summer semesters. ÌýIf the total length of study exceeds six months, the application will receive preference as a year-long proposal. Applications for two different consecutive study abroad programs must entail study of the same language.Ìý

7. Is there a language proficiency requirement for Boren Scholarship or Fellowship applicants?Ìý

• If my proposed country, language, and/or field of study is not on the preferred list, should I still apply?Ìý

8. How can I make my application more competitive?Ìý

• Boren applicants should work with their campus representatives, study abroad office, and other advisors. In addition, you should see theÌýapplicant resourcesÌýfor other helpful information, including a PowerPoint presentation, a schedule of upcoming webinars, and the Ãå±±½ûµØ newsletter.

9. Am I eligible to apply if my school does not have a Boren campus representative?Ìý

• Yes. Every year there are applicants for the Boren Scholarship and Fellowship who do not have a campus representative. Successful applicants often find someone to work with them on campus, such as a study abroad, fellowships, or departmental advisor. You can always contact IIE directly for assistance (1-800-618-NSEPÌýor boren@iie.org).

10. When is my on-campus deadline?Ìý

• TheÌýBoren campus representative at your institution will set your on-campus application deadline. (Please clickÌýhereÌýtoÌýfind your campus representative)ÌýThe campus deadline will be earlier than the national deadline in order to allow time for the on-campus review ofÌýBoren ScholarshipÌýapplications. Most institutions set an on-campus deadline between mid-December and late January, but you should contact yourÌýBoren campus representative immediately for the campus deadline at your institution.

11. What expenses are covered by the Ãå±±½ûµØ?Ìý

• The Ãå±±½ûµØ cover costs associated with your study abroad program, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, insurance, local transportation, and round-trip airfare on a U.S. carrier. Boren does not cover study tours of several countries, such as semester at sea. Please see theÌýbudget guidelinesÌýfor more information.

12. Is there a language proficiency requirement for Boren applicants?Ìý

• For most languages, there are no language proficiency requirements. Your study program should be appropriate for your language ability. In the cases of Spanish and French, there are language proficiency requirements; clickÌýhereÌýfor a full explanation.

13. What is the NSEP service requirement?Ìý

• Boren Scholars and Fellows represent a vital pool of highly motivated individuals who are committed to working in the Federal Government for at least one year after graduation. Boren Scholars need to begin their commitment within three years after their graduation. Boren Fellows need to begin their commitment within two years after their graduation. For more information about the service requirement, please clickÌýÌý

14. What kind of overseas programs will Boren fund?ÌýÌý

• Boren will fund all kinds of study, as long as their is a significant foreign language acquisition component included. This includes traditional study abroad programs, but it also includes language schools, private tutoring, volunteering, internships, etc.Ìý

15. Does the Ãå±±½ûµØ approve or sanction particular study abroad programs?Ìý

• No. The Ãå±±½ûµØ 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 your choices based on the overall quality of the program, on the strength of the language instruction, and on other elements (i.e. support services provided, cultural activities) that will enhance your period of study abroad. There are no lists of Boren-preferred programs, nor does Boren endorse programs under a particular institution, organization, or group's sponsorship. We do have a list of programs Boren have participated in which can be foundÌýhere. This is for informational purposes only, there is not to endorse or to limit the programs an applicant can apply for.