The Boren Scholarship funds study abroad in non-Western countries (excludes: Western Europe, Canada, Australia & New Zealand). Study abroad programs must include language study. For more information and application advice regarding the scholarship visit: www.borenawards.org
Students must remain enrolled at Lafayette College for the duration of their scholarship. They may NOT graduate until the scholarship is complete.
Students are encouraged to apply for semester, yearlong (2 semester or semester + summer) programs. Additionally, we encourage students to take advantage of the Regional Flagship Language Initiatives.
STEM majors are permitted to apply for summer only programs (8 to 11 weeks in duration). Boren STEM programs are open to first years, sophomores and juniors.
For the purposes of the campus application, you do not need to submit the entire, official, online application. Instead, we ask that you submit the following using the “Submit Materials” on our website.
1. The Boren Scholarship Application Essays (there are 2). Both essays MUST be submitted as WORD documents. For tremendous useful information for your essays, please visit the Boren Awards website regarding the essay: https://www.borenawards.org/essays
Since the essays are the most critical component of your application, you might want to read over sample essays available only in Dean Goldberg’s office (105 Scott Hall). To do so, either stop by OR make an appointment with Dean Goldberg by sending her your days/times of availability with your email request.
Essay 1 (not to exceed 800 words): National Security
Discuss the following points in one integrated essay, giving equal attention to each point.
Essay 2 (not to exceed 800 words): Motivation & Public Service Career
Please discuss the following points in one integrated essay, giving equal attention to each point. You can discuss the points in any order.
2. A detailed resume or CV (no page limit)
3. The names (and email contact information) of 2 ‐ 3 individuals who have agreed to write you strong letters of recommendation. Please also provide a brief statement explaining why you have asked each individual to write a letter on your behalf.
Read over our “Boren Recommendation Letters Advice” prior to requesting letters. These letters of recommendation are important. Think carefully when selecting your recommenders. A weak or lackluster recommendation does little for your application other than hurt it.
*Do not register your recommenders with the official Boren application at this time.*
4. A signed and dated Nomination Permission & Waiver Form. The form may be submitted as a hard copy or as a scanned attachment. A copy of the Form is available on our Submit Materials tab.
Submitting the official Boren Scholarship application is YOUR responsibility! You must submit your official application, including transcripts directly to the Boren Awards program no later than 4.59 pm Eastern Standard Time on 29 January 2025. You must also ensure that your recommenders have submitted/uploaded their letters in a timely manner.
Details regarding the official application components and submission instructions are available on the Boren Awards website.
Important: You must contact the Study Abroad Office for the cost of your program. The costs you will use are not those of the program itself, but those determined by Lafayette College. The Study Abroad Office will also will work with you to identify appropriate study abroad programs.
The Scholarships & Fellowships Office is only responsible for submitting an evaluation of your application. A sample of that evaluation form.