David L. Boren Awards for International Study

There are a number of steps required for a complete Boren Scholarship application.  Please use the following as a guide for submitting your application.  The supplementary materials should be given to your Boren campus representative, and the online application must be submitted by your on-campus deadline.  If you do not have a campus representative, the online application must be submitted and all original supplementary materials must arrive at the Institute of International Education by February 10, 2010. 

Online Application Components

The Boren Scholarship application includes the items listed below.  Before starting the online application, remember to read the application instructions.  

• Applicant Data.  In the first part of the application, you will need to enter information about yourself, your background, and your activities.   
• Proposed Study Abroad Program and Budget.  In the application, you should list both a preferred study abroad program and an alternate.  Carefully consider the Boren program preferences and your personal goals when selecting your study abroad programs.   You should also work closely with your study abroad office.  You will need to provide itemized budgets for the study abroad programs you have selected.   Carefully read the budget section of our website for more information on how to calculate your budget.
• Statements of Purpose.  The two statements of purpose are the most important part of the online application.  This is your opportunity to present a rationale for studying abroad, to explain the significance of your studies to U.S. national security and your future career, and to describe your foreign language learning goals.  You will also be expected to explain why you have selected your preferred study abroad program. 

Supplementary Materials

• Letters of Recommendation.  Two letters of recommendation are required, and a third letter is optional.  You should provide the people who are writing your letters of recommendation with a copy of the Boren Scholarship Reference Form.  The letters must be original, signed, and submitted in a sealed envelope.  Read the November newsletter article “Obtaining Strong Letters of Reference” for helpful suggestions.  
• Transcripts.  You must submit official academic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. College freshmen must also submit high school transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted. 
• Description of the Study Abroad Program.  You must include a one page description of the study abroad program.  This can be a print out from the program’s website or a copy of the program brochure.  For those applying to receive funding for an individually arranged program or a direct enrollment program, letters of support from the home institution and host institution must be included.  At the time of application, applicants do not need to have an official acceptance letter from the study abroad program. That will be required only after the scholarship winners have been announced.  
• Language Self Assessment Form.  You must assess your foreign language skills in the language proposed for the Boren Scholarship, as well as any other languages studied or spoken.  Use the Language Self Assessment Form. 
• Language Proficiency Form (optional).  You may include an optional Language Proficiency Form.  This should be completed by a language instructor or other qualified language evaluator.  

Once you click on the “Submit Application” button in the online application and have presented all of the supporting materials to your campus representative, you have completed your portion of the application process.  Your campus representative will take care of the rest.  If you do not have a campus representative, you should mail all materials to the address below, ensuring that they arrive by February 10, 2010.

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