The Office of Distinguished Scholarships

Application Deadline: Monday, December 7, 2009.

The National Security Education Program (NSEP) is a unique scholarship opportunity for U.S. undergraduates to gain knowledge of languages and cultures in areas of the world less frequently studied. The NSEP awards scholarships to American students for study of world regions critical to U.S. interests (including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East). The NSEP aims to build a strong base for future leaders with expertise in critical areas, as well as professionals in both the public and private sectors who have the international experience and language skills necessary for competitive performance and visionary leadership in the global arena. All recipients of NSEP awards must seek employment with a federal agency or office involved in national security affairs. If, after a "good faith" effort, you are unsuccessful in identifying federal employment you can fulfill the requirement through work in the field of higher education in an area of study for which the scholarship was awarded. Duration of study may be a summer, semester or a full academic year; awards range from $6,000 to $20,000 for a full academic year.

For more information and application materials, visit the NSEP website: http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship

Eligibility

1. A U.S. citizen at the time of application.
2. Matriculated as a freshman, sophomore, or junior in a U.S. post-secondary institution, including UNC-CH.
3. Applying to engage in a study abroad experience that meets home institution standards.
4. Planning to use the scholarship for study abroad and the study abroad program ends before you graduate.

Selection process

Students receiving NSEP awards will be selected on the basis of merit with consideration for:

1. Academic record and potential to succeed in the proposed study abroad experience.
2. Commitment to international education to fulfill academic and career goals.
3. Language interest and aptitude.
4. The quality and appropriateness of the proposed program and its relevance to NSEP.

The guide for applications is available online at: www.iie.org/programs/nsep/undergraduate/application.htm

• Completed and forwarded online application to NSEP campus representative
• Completed letters of reference. Two letters required; three optional. We recommend you give your reference this letter when making the request.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Freshmen must also include high school transcripts.
• (a) One page study abroad program description with cost information (this may be a photocopy of part of a brochure or a page from the provider's website) OR
  (b) Letters of support for direct enrollment and individually arranged study
• Two statements of purpose

(You may request, from the Registrar at no cost, an internal transcript, to be sent to our office in 225 Graham Memorial. Please do this at least 5 days prior to listed deadline.)

Applications, which are due by December 7, 2009, in the Office of Distinguished Scholarships, 225 Graham Memorial, CB #3510, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3510, will be evaluated by a campus selection committee, a regional committee and the national nominating panel. Award recipients are announced in late May, 2008.

Individuals who do not meet our December 4 dealind but wish to apply without the review of the UNC committee can still do so. Submit your application online and deliver to the UNC Office of Distinguished Scholarships your hard copy materials no later than Friday, February 8, 2010.

For further information about the application process, please contact the Office of Distinguished Scholarships by email or phone at 919-843-7757.