College of the Holy Cross | Graduate Studies

NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Eligibility:		U.S. citizens enrolled as undergraduates at American colleges or applying to graduate degree programs in the U.S. who seek support for study abroad in particular countries and fields of emphasis
Duration:		Between one summer and one academic year for undergraduates; between one semester and two years for graduates.
Award:		The maximum award for undergraduate study abroad is $12,000 per semester for up to two semesters. Graduate awards support language study and course work in the U.S. at a maximum of $6,000 per semester for domestic language preparation and up to two semesters of study abroad at $12,000 per semester.
Holy Cross procedure:		You apply independently for this award, but the Graduate Studies Office may be consulted for assistance.
Essay(s):		A two-part statement of purpose, 2 pages on study-abroad rationale and 2 pages on descriptions of the preferred program and an alternate.
Then what:		You are notified of the outcome by April.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships for Study Abroad can help students seeking support for study abroad expenses during their undergraduate years. These awards are designed to encourage students to develop cultural and linguistic familiarity with parts of the world generally less widely appreciated, yet of significant importance to our national security. Most of the English-speaking world and Western Europe are excluded, as already being attractive study-abroad sites, but among the countries of interest are China and Mexico, where Holy Cross has programs. Students can also win support for summer study abroad in other sites. A complete listing of eligible countries can be found at the NSEP web site: http://www.iie.org/nsep/. Although any field is appropriate to study, preference is given to applicants interested in agricultural and food science, applied sciences and engineering (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Environmental Science), business and economics, computer and information science, health and biomedical science, history, international affairs, law, other social sciences (Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology), and political science and policy studies. Language study is an important part of each proposal, both in classroom studies and in the process of living in the culture.

     Applications are submitted in mid-February through the Institute for International Education, the same organization that screens Fulbright applicants. The forms are available on the web or by mail (typewritten only), and on-line submission is encouraged. The application deadline is now late enough in the year that students have applied for, and in many cases been accepted to, Holy Cross's Study Abroad program, so this is a wonderful way to support that year. In addition to an application form, you must submit a two-part statement of purpose, two or three letters of reference, a current transcript, and a copy of the program brochure for your chosen program along with cost information. The statement of purpose addresses the following:
    a. Your reasons for studying abroad; how your academic and career objectives align with those of NSEP; how a scholarship will help you meet those objectives; how you will apply your new knowledge on returning to your home school and in your internationally related career; and what particular issues affecting national security are of interest to you.
    b. The nature and location of your proposed course of study and an alternate (if that is appropriate); the program's structure; how it integrates regional cultural activities; and why you chose it. You should also list realistic objectives for your stay, explain how attaining those objectives will contribute to your future plans, and discuss your qualifications for this program.
Each of these two parts is limited to two typewritten pages. Further suggestions may be found in the handout on Proposal Writing.

Awards are announced in April, in time for you to make your financial arrangements for your year abroad. In exchange for the award, winners incur a service obligation for as long as the period that you had the scholarship to work with a federal agency that has national security responsibilities. You must do this "pay-back" within 8 years of completing your scholarship work. If you cannot find a suitable position after a good faith effort, you may satisfy the obligation by working in higher education in the field for which you used the scholarship. This is an outstanding opportunity for students to get a foot in the door in a career in government, otherwise rather difficult in times of downsizing.

The same organization offers graduate fellowships for students interested in study of language and culture of these countries. You apply for admission to graduate school and then propose a combination of study at that school and in the country overseas. Further information is available at http://nsep.aed.org.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

As of May 1, 2006 the administration of the National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Graduate Fellowships and the National Flagship Language Program (NFLP) will be transferred from the Academy for Educational Development (AED) to the Institute of International Education (IIE).

Any questions about NSEP or NFLP can be directed to IIE at:

National Security Education Program

Institute of International Education

1400 K Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005-2403

Telephone: 1 (800) 618-NSEP

FAX: (202) 326-7672

Email: nsep@iie.org

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