The Boren is an award that supports study abroad in non-English speaking countries outside western Europe. Part of the Boren package is an agreement to work in government, in a paid position, for at least one year after you return from your program and graduate –a great foot in the door for people aiming to work in government. More details are below…
Boren Scholarship Basics
Boren Scholarships, an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.
Boren Scholars represent a vital pool of highly motivated individuals who wish to work in the federal national security arena. In exchange for funding, Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.
Award Amounts
Maximum scholarship awards are:
· $8,000 for a summer program (special initiative for STEM students only; 8 weeks minimum)
· $10,000 for a semester
· $20,000 for 6 - 12 months
Length of Study
Boren Scholarships promote long term linguistic and cultural immersion, and therefore study abroad proposals for two or more semesters are strongly encouraged.
National Security
The program focuses on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security.
Program Preferences
Boren Scholarships are awarded with preference for countries, languages, and fields of study critical to U.S. national security.
Government Service
Application Deadline
Boren Scholarship applicants will be notified of their status in mid-late April.
