How much time may I spend studying abroad on an NSEP scholarship?

NSEP goals will be promoted most effectively if students experience cultural and linguistic immersion in the overseas program for an academic year. For this reason, study abroad proposals based on two consecutive semesters of study are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to applicants proposing full academic year study.

In some cases, appropriate full academic year programs may not be available. Students may then submit two separate, but related, applications for study on two different programs. NSEP encourages participation in two consecutive programs of study, and these applications could be for a summer and year program, fall and spring semesters, or summer and fall semesters. These applications would then be considered together and receive preference as a yearlong proposal.

NSEP defines any program lasting longer than six months as a yearlong program of study and also offers a limited number of scholarships to fund summer programs of longer than six weeks.

Please note that freshman and sophomore award recipients are eligible to build on their first study abroad experience by applying for a second NSEP Boren Scholarship during their junior or senior year to fund semester or yearlong study.

Can I study abroad during my winter term?

A limited number of awards are made for shorter-term study. If your study abroad program during the winter term is longer than six weeks, it is eligible for consideration by NSEP. When selecting your “application period,” please select “summer 2005-2006.” However, be sure to input the proper dates of your program on the proposed program page.

Where can I find information about study abroad programs?

Your campus representative or study abroad advisor may be able to help you choose an appropriate study abroad program. You may also consult the IIE publications, Academic Year Abroad or Short-Term Study Abroad, or the IIE Passport online search engine at www.iiepassport.org for information about study abroad programs.

Do I need an alternate program?

Selecting an alternate program provides you with an option in the event that your primary program is cancelled. NSEP scholarships may only be used for study abroad programs listed as either the primary or alternate option on the application, except in extraordinary cases. The specific programs you discuss in your statement of purpose, as your primary and alternate choices, will be evaluated by screening panels at the campus, regional, and national levels. Exceptions can be made to sudden cancellation of both preferred and alternate programs, U.S. State Department travel warnings, natural disasters, etc.