The Boren Scholarship and Fellowship programs offer special opportunities for undergraduates (including seniors) and graduate students to pursue intensive study of select African and Southeast Asian languages. The Boren programs are designed for students planning to pursue early career employment in the Federal Government, and carry a one-year work obligation – click here to learn more. 

For access to the NSO ELMS resource site for UMD Boren applicants click here to complete a brief questionnaire. Deadline for 2026-27 awards: Late January 2026.

COSTS: Summer costs covered by the Boren Awards include tuition, language partners, books and materials, excursions, housing, meals, and a set stipend towards round trip travel costs. Fall overseas costs include those same expenses as well as visa or residency permit costs, roundtrip FAA compliant airfare, homestay costs, and overseas health insurance.

African Flagship Languages Initiative (AFLI): AFLI offers Boren Scholars and Fellows the opportunity to engage in intensive study of French, Swahili, Akan/Twi, Wolof, or Zulu through a combination of summer 2026 domestic and fall 2026 overseas programs. As noted above, participation in the entire summer and fall programs is required for all AFLI participants.

Southeast Asian Flagship Languages Initiative (SEAFLI): SEAFLI offers Boren Scholars and Fellows the opportunity to engage in intensive study of Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), Thai, or Vietnamese through a combination of summer 2026 domestic and fall 2026 overseas programs. As noted above, participation in the entire summer and fall programs is required for all SEAFLI participants.

BENEFITS COMMON TO AFLI AND SEAFLI PROGRAMS:

— Immersive and rigorous language programs during the summer (domestic) and fall (overseas) that award academic credit from U.S. universities and include up to 60 hours of language instruction and interaction a week
— Full language immersion through homestays, tutoring, language tables, cultural excursions, and community engagement
— Optional, additional spring funding for self-designed language study and research or internships
— Coursework tailored to all levels, including beginners (except for French, which requires intermediate proficiency)
— Rapid proficiency gains in languages highly sought-after in the federal workforce
— Cohort-based programming led by experienced U.S. and overseas staff providing support for safety, health and emergencies, logistical support for classes, as well as housing and visas