The University of Illinois will be hosting informational sessions on National Security Education Program Boren undergraduate study abroad scholarships.  The Boren provides study abroad scholarships of $6,000-$20,000 for a full academic year or $4,000-$10,000 for a semester. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students also have the option of applying for summer-only programs of eight weeks or more. All scholarships may be used for U.S. citizens to study in Asia, Africa, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East on almost any study abroad program. (Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.) These are merit-based scholarships, and approximately 1 in 5 eligible applicants receive awards.

In order to receive the scholarship, award winners must enter into a service agreement requiring that they attempt to work in a paid position for the federal government in an area related to national security -- generally the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, or the Intelligence Community within three years of graduation (deferrals possible/encouraged for graduate study). Working for USAID or tenure in the Peace Corps counts in the service requirement. Winners also receive priority-hiring status. 

The campus application deadline is January 17, 2019 for any semester or year of study between May 2019 and May 2020. Students are encouraged to begin application drafts prior to leaving for winter break. 

Boren Undergraduate Scholarship Information Session
https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/1826?eventId=33302641
Participants will have the opportunity to hear from an Illinois alumni recipient on October 25, 2018 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in 514 Illini Union Bookstore.  Hosted by the National and International Scholarships Program.

Boren Undergraduate Scholarship Writing Workshop
https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/1826?eventId=33302642
This session is October 26, 2018 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. in 514 Illini Union Bookstore, and is hosted by the National and International Scholarships Program

For more information, contact the National and International Scholarships Program at topscholars@illinois.edu or visit www.topscholars.illinois.edu.

Thanks to Suzanna Challen of the National and International Scholarships Program for this information item.