HOW TO APPLY 

Gather the documentation you'll need

reference letters

Collect references from three people who can talk knowledgeably about your prospective study plan and you. If possible, at least two of them should be professors at your current institution. Here's what they'll be asked to write about:

"Please comment on the feasibility of the proposal in terms of the applicant’s ability to carry out the program in the allotted time; plan to develop, maintain, or advance language competence; ability to adapt to a different cultural environment; integration of the proposal into the academic program and career goals; and any other factors that you believe may have a bearing on the applicant’s success."

Be respectful and give your professors and advisors plenty of time to do a good job.

Download the reference form.

Official Transcripts

Send for official transcripts from all colleges and universities you've attended. Have these sent to the Boren Fellowship program at the address below.

Letter of Overseas Affiliation

Ask for a letter of overseas affiliation from the institution you will be attending or partnering with during your study abroad. This letter can be from an academic institution, a research institute, a non-profit organization, or any other relevant agency that can provide proof that you will be affiliated with them while overseas.

This will serve as your support system as well as provide proof that the you have viable plans to study in that country.

Complete the Language Proficiency Form

Gaining proficiency in a foreign language is an essential component of every Boren Fellowship program. While we do not require a minimum competency level in a given language in order to qualify for a fellowship (with the exception of French and Spanish), an assessment of your language ability is required.

Download and complete the form and give it to a foreign language instructor or other qualified evaluator, who can accurately assess your language ability. While you may assess your own skills, the stronger applications will include external evaluation and additional evidence of competency, such as university proficiency certification or FSI ratings. If you are unable to arrange for outside evaluation of your language ability, indicate this and provide a self-assessment. Likewise, indicate if you have not yet begun study of the proposed language.

All documentation must be sent to:

Boren Fellowships
Institute Of International Education
1400 K Street NW, 6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20005
1-800-618-6737

Make sure all supplementary material is clearly labeled with your name and arrives well before the applicable deadline.