David L. Boren Awards for International Study

The Boren Fellowship application requires that you complete a number of steps online and that you submit supplementary materials by mail.  In order to be eligible, you must complete all of the online and supplementary components by January 28, 2010.   

Online Application Components

A majority of the application is completed online and must be submitted by 11:59 Eastern Standard Time on January 28th.  Make sure to read how to apply and refer to the application instructions. 

• Part 1 – Applicant Data.  In the first part of the application, you will need to enter information about yourself, your background, and your activities.   
• Part 2 – Program Proposal.  Boren Fellowship applicants design their own proposals.  For suggestions and ideas, please see the November newsletter article entitled “What Can You Do with a Boren Fellowship?”  In this section of the application, you will need to complete three essays.  You will need to explain your proposed project, explain the significance of the project to U.S. national security and your future career, and describe your foreign language learning goals.   
• Part 3 – Budget Information.  The online application includes a detailed overseas and domestic budget section.  You will need to complete the online budget forms, giving a detailed estimate of all expenses for the program.  
• Letters of Reference.  You are required to have three letters of reference submitted online.  Read the November newsletter article “Obtaining Strong Letters of Reference” for helpful suggestions.  Since these must be completed online, you should verify that your referees have received their username and password.  It is your responsibility to ensure that all references are submitted.  At any time, you can login to the application and see what the status of each letter of reference is.
• Language Proficiency Form.  Applicants may include an optional language proficiency form, which must be completed online by a language instructor or other qualified language evaluator.  This form is similar to the online reference form, and applicants should verify that their reviewers have received the username and password necessary to complete the form.  
  

Supplementary Materials

The following materials must be mailed to the Institute of International Education by January 28th.  If possible, collect these materials and send them all at once to the address below.  For security and peace of mind, it is best to use a traceable method.

• Transcripts.  You must submit official academic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.  Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted. 
• Overseas Letter of Affiliation.  If possible, you should provide a letter from an academic institution, research institute, non-governmental organization, and/or an individual who is aware that you are planning study and/or research in that country and is willing to assist you in coordinating your plans.  Remember that the letter of affiliation is not required at the time of application, and the lack of this letter should not stop you from applying.  

Boren Fellowships
Institute of International Education
1400 K Street NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005