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| This article is courtesy of DiversityAbroad. Read more at http://www.diversityabroad.com/article/study-abroad/fund-study-abroad-with-boren-award |
5) A Focus on Linguistic & Cultural Immersion
The cornerstone of the Boren Awards is a focus on language
acquisition and cultural immersion. As part of the application process, you
will create a comprehensive study plan that involves setting language goals,
articulate how you will achieve these goals abroad, and describe how you will
continue to focus on the language when you return. In your plans, you can
highlight opportunities such as intensive language classes, living with host
families, community involvement, and much, much more. By identifying the
components of your study abroad program that serve as tools for improving your
language and cultural competencies, Boren recipients can take full advantage of
all available resources to help them achieve their objectives. Read about
Nikki Kalbing’s experience learning Zulu through the African Flagship Languages
Initiative.
4) Study in a Critical Region of the World
With countries in Europe the top destination for study
abroad, according to the 2014 Open Doors report
from the Institute for International Education,
Boren recipients stand out because they have unique experiences in countries
that will be important partners as we tackle some of the biggest challenges
facing our global community. Boren funding can be used to study in Asia,
Africa, Eurasia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East,
and Boren students have focused on important topics such as nuclear
non-proliferation in Japan, sustainable
production methods for farmers in Tanzania, and educational
community development in Egypt, among many other global concerns. Click here for more student
profiles showcasing past programs and projects funded by the Boren Awards.
3) Benefit from Study Abroad that is Affordable and
Open to Everyone
Boren Scholarships provide undergraduates with up to $20,000
for overseas study of six months or longer, $10,000 for a semester or up to
$8,000 for STEM students to study abroad for eight weeks or more. Boren
Fellowships provide eligible graduate students with up to $24,000 for overseas study.
In addition, Boren Fellowships can provide limited funding for domestic language
study to supplement the overseas component. The maximum fellowship award for a
combined overseas and domestic program is $30,000. These funds can cover
tuition, room and board, international airfare, books, local transportation,
and health insurance.
2) Join a Supportive Alumni Network
Boren recipients can benefit from a large network of Boren
alumni for the rest of their professional careers by joining the Boren Forum,
an exclusive alumni association. The Boren Forum organizes a number of
professional development events throughout the year, including networking
events, open houses and job information sessions. The Boren Forum also manages
a mentor program that matches young alumni with mid-career professionals. Click here to find out more.
1) Enjoy Post Experience Job Search Resources and
Assistance
As part of their award, Boren Scholarship and Fellowship
Alumni agree to work in the federal government for one year. While Boren award
recipients are responsible for finding a position in the government that
matches their interests and skills, the cultural and linguistic knowledge
gained abroad make Boren alumni particularly valuable to many government
agencies. Additionally, Boren alumni enjoy several advantages as they seek
Federal employment. First, our dedicated listserv, NSEPnet, connects award
recipients directly to Federal employers and hiring officials who perform
searches of Boren recipients' resumes for specific types of expertise. Second,
the National Security Education Program (NSEP) employs staff that assist
Scholars and Fellows in their job search efforts by conducting active outreach,
holding job consultations, and providing letters of certification for award
recipients. Finally, Boren award recipients benefit from special hiring
authorities which facilitate the job placement process and allow hiring
managers to non-competitively appoint NSEP awardees to excepted service positions. Visit
the website for more detailed
information on the service requirement or register here for
the upcoming webinar covering the service requirement on December 18th
at 3:00 pm EST.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR |
| Top 5 Reasons to Fund Your Study Abroad with a Boren Award | |
| Tineka Lebrun is currently the Outreach Manager for the Boren Awards. Her interest in international education started many years ago with a job as an English teacher in France and has lead her through many adventures since then including a Master’s degree from Queen Mary College, University of London and a wonderful career in higher education. Most recently she was a study abroad advisor at Georgetown University. Now, she enjoys working to help fund more students to go abroad to non-traditional places and study critical languages. . |
