1. Campus Application Deadline: 20 January 2015

2.  Study Abroad in a NON-WESTERN country  Program MUST include Language study & cultural immersion  If awarded, must work in a federal agency (or affiliate*) for a minimum of 1 year after graduation (or after graduate school)  *See Boren website for details  Study abroad in 1 country for at least 8 weeks (Su STEM) or 1 semester; preference is for at least 2 semesters (6 months)  Exceptions can be made for athletes & other arguments for why can’t go for 6 months

3.  2-3 Letters of Recommendation  Transcripts  2 Essays  Must make a strong case for NATIONAL SECURITY  Budget

4.  Provide a clear & compelling case for the relevance of study abroad program to US national security (broadly defined)  Demonstrate a serious commitment to language study (before, during, after)?  Have realistic expectations for proficiency level to be obtained while abroad?  Possess the appropriate academic preparation, cultural adaptability, flexibility, & maturity to succeed abroad?

5.  Explain the significance of study abroad program (country, region & language) to US national security (broadly defined).  Make a specific, detailed & focused argument  Describe how program will help you achieve your career goals, including plans to fulfill the federal service requirement.  Describe how the skills you will acquire (including language/cultural) will help you fulfill the service requirement.  If appropriate, include relevant past academic, extracurricular, volunteer, internships, professional experiences, etc.  Be specific

6. Study Abroad Program Description/s  Describe the program’s course of study & related cultural activities  Describe the program’s administrative & support services (housing, resident director, facilities, etc.)  Describe the language component in detail (# of language classroom hours, informal language study opportunities outside of classroom)  Describe YOUR past language study/speaking experiences (in target or other language/s), plans for con’t lang. study/use upon return to US

7.  Be sure to read everything on the Bore website—including the What Makes a Competitive Application; National Security Broadly Defined; & the FAQs  Chase down all the embedded links  They even have Scholar profiles that can be very useful!  Think creatively/outside of the box when it comes to relating YOUR interests to national security interests (see examples provided on the Boren website).  Stop by Fellowships Office (105 Scott) to read sample essays/ask for advice  Sometimes it helps to talk about your interests with Dean Goldberg to find the hook into national security interests

8.  11 Dec, 2pm: General information  18 Dec, 3pm: Understanding the NSEP Service Requirement

9.  Campus Deadline: 20 January 2015  Official Deadline: 4 February 2015 (before 5pm!)  March/April: National Selection Committee Review  Late April: Selection Notification  June: Orientation & Convocation in DC for Awardees  (1 June is the earliest a study abroad program can start)

10.  2-3 Letters of Recommendation (signed, on letterhead)  Letters may come as email attachments or hard copies sent to Dean Goldberg (goldbeja@lafayette.edu; externalscholarships@lafayette.edu)goldbeja@lafayette.eduexternalscholarships@lafayette.edu  Official Transcripts with fall semester grades  2 Application Essays sent to Dean Goldberg as WORD document email attachments  The earlier you send your essay drafts, the earlier you will receive feedback on them  We will work with you on your essays prior to official submission of materials to Boren in February  Read over the selection criteria—See the Application Evaluation slide above  Signed Nomination & Waiver form (found on our website under “submit materials” tab  We don’t need the Official Boren Application form at this time; we do need the essay drafts!!! That said, do register and start the application.

11. Dean Goldberg 105 Scott Hall externalscholarships@lafayette.edu Dr. Gisolo Study Abroad Office 208 Scott Hall studyabroad@lafayette.edu