HOW TO APPLY  

Write statement of purpose essays

The Statement of Purpose, Parts I & II, is the most important part of the application and gives you an opportunity to present a rationale for studying abroad and to describe your proposed program.

You'll want to work on these essays in a word processing program, and then cut and paste them into the online application at the right time.

Each portion of your Statement (I & II) should be no more than the equivalent of two (2) typed pages, 10 point font. In preparing the statement, you should consider the following guidelines.

Part I: Study Abroad Rationale

In no more than 2 typed pages with 10 point font or higher, describe:

1. Why you want to study abroad, and why you believe that you deserve the scholarship;
2. Your specific objectives for the period of study abroad and how these compare to NSEP objectives to support U.S. national security;
3. How a Boren Scholarship will help you meet your goals, personally and professionally. You may wish to include information about yourself such as family, work, leadership and community experience;
4. How you will apply your study abroad experience to your academic work upon returning to your home institution; and,
5. How your Boren Scholarship will advance your career objectives, especially as they relate to national security, international matters, and federal service.

Compelling applications will address the above topics in a fully integrated essay, and will explain how your study abroad program and your career goals relate to U.S. national security interests.

Your program must have the potential to prepare you to contribute to U.S. national security. We consider a broad meaning of national security that includes many factors that affect our country’s economic, military, social, and/or political well-being. For example, problems like sustainable development, resource depletion, environmental damage, food security, new infectious diseases, refugee migration, and economic competitiveness have significant security implications for the United States. Current and past Boren Scholars have tackled these and other issues in their study abroad and subsequent careers.

Part II. Study Abroad Program Description

For both your preferred and your alternate program, please describe:

1. The study abroad program's course of study and related cultural activities, the reasons you selected the program, and how it relates to your academic and career goals;
2. The language component of your study abroad program and the level of proficiency you hope to gain upon completion of the program. Specifically cite the number of classroom contact hours, and informal language study opportunities, including home-stays and other opportunities to speak the language outside of the classroom;
3. Why you feel qualified to pursue this program of study; and
4. The administrative support available in your proposed programs (e.g., facilities, resident director, housing, etc.).

Note: If you plan to split the academic year between two different programs, you must fully describe both programs in two separate essays (these can be related) and two separate applications. Please contact us if you are taking this path.