David L. Boren Awards for International Study

Boren Scholar, Czech Republic

Boren Fellowships provide support to students representing a broad spectrum of disciplines. (View a list of the 2010 Boren Fellows)

We recommend the following steps in the development of an application:

• Consult with the Boren Fellowship website, call IIE, or contact your campus representative for further information about the program.
• Discuss plans with your academic advisor, other professors specializing in your region and discipline, and/or students who have completed similar programs.
• Contact your university's study abroad office or office of international programs. These offices will be able to provide you with information about organized study programs overseas and country specific characteristics. Most embassies and consulates have educational affairs officers who have information about universities in their countries.
• Map out your plan of study. Emphasize the dates you will be studying, where that study will occur, and when the study program will end.
• Address the issue of the significance and critical importance of your selected area or country, language, and culture to your academic field of study, your career goals, and U.S. national security.
• Remember that a plan for language study, training, and/or enhancement is mandatory. Your proposal must include a plan for language study to develop, maintain, or advance your proficiency.
• Consider your overall graduate curriculum. Discuss with your advisors any inherent constraints imposed as a result of your specific program. Keep in mind any complications such as unavailability of classes, extensions or delays in your graduation, lack of time to pursue supplemental coursework, and any other such problems.
• Complete all transcript and letter of reference requests immediately. Letters of reference must be submitted online by the application deadline.