A 2002 senior political science and economics major from Nebraska Wesleyan University received a NSEP Boren scholarship to study abroad at the American University in Cairo, Egypt for a year. Having always had interest in law enforcement, the student did not become drawn to the international arena until interning with the U.S. Secret Service. It was here that he learned of the intertwined relationship of domestic and international law enforcement. The tragic events of September 11th confirmed his belief that if he wanted to be successful in protecting U.S. national security, an enhanced international background was essential.

Upon completion of his year abroad, the scholar secured an internship at the Department of State in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the law enforcement arm of the Department of State. Overseas, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security develops and implements effective security programs to safeguard all personnel who work in every U.S. diplomatic mission around the world. In the United States, the Bureau protects the Secretary of State, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and foreign dignitaries below the head-of-state level who visit the United States. The alumnus worked in the Near Eastern Affairs division of the international programs branch. Some of his duties included monitoring intelligence and threat information concerning the United States embassies and consulates in the Middle East. A highlight of his internship was assisting in the planning and implementation of Ambassador Wolf’s protective mission to Israel during the “Roadmap to Peace” monitoring process.

At the end of the summer, the scholar was moved from the international programs division to a domestic command. He was relocated from Washington, DC to Greensboro, North Carolina where he investigated passport and visa fraud. This position involved surveillance, interviews, records checks, observing arrests, and acting as a law enforcement liaison. The Boren Scholar had the opportunity to accompany Diplomatic Security special agents who escorted foreign dignitaries through customs and security.

For more information about this NSEP scholar and other alumni, please visit www.worldstudy.gov.