David L. Boren Awards for International Study

Boren Fellowship - How To Apply

Boren Fellow, Japan

The deadline for 2012 application deadline has passed.  The 2013-14 application deadline is January 31, 2013. 

Boren Fellowship applicants design their own programs and may combine domestic language study with overseas study or research. Study of a foreign language appropriate to the identified country or region must be an integral part of each application proposal.  

Application Checklist

  1. Submit the online application, which includes the following items. Before starting the online application, remember to read the application instructions. In addition, add noreply@borenfellowship.org to your safe sender list. All automatic emails from the system will come from this address, including submission confirmation, password resets, and login information for your referees.
    1. Three mandatory essays. For more information about developing a proposal for the Boren Fellowship, click here.
    2. A detailed budget section.
    3. Three online reference forms. If your application includes a research component, one of the letters must be from your research advisor. Click here for advice about getting strong letters of reference. Remember to tell your referees to add noreply@borenfellowship.org to their safe sender lists.
    4. Optional online language proficiency form.
    5. Letter of overseas affiliation - If possible, applicants should upload a letter from an academic institution, research institute, non-governmental organization, and/or an individual who is aware that the applicant is planning study and/or research in that country and is willing to assist the applicant in coordinating his or her plans. Applicants should remember that the letter of affiliation is not required at the time of application, and the lack of this letter should not stop one from applying.  
  2. Send required supplementary materials to IIE.
    1. Official, hard copy, transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees earned or worked towards (including overseas institutions). IIE cannot confirm receipt of materials, so applicants should send materials using a traceable method to ensure delivery. It is best if applicants can collect and send all original and sealed transcripts in one packet.

All online components must be submitted, and all original supplementary material must arrive at the below address, by the application deadline.

Boren Fellowships
Institute of International Education
1400 K Street NW, 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
1-800-618-6737