What if your study abroad experience could not only expand your global outlook, but also introduce a career dedicated to U.S. national security and public service? For several cohorts of UW–Madison students, the Boren Awards make that a reality.
Boren Scholarships and Fellowships provide significant funding for undergraduates and graduates to immerse themselves in critical regions worldwide, cultivating an in-depth understanding of areas often underrepresented in traditional study abroad programs.
Boren recipients immerse themselves in languages like Arabic, Chinese, Russian,and Swahili, while engaging with cultures across Africa, Asia, Central/Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Through these experiences, they gain perspectives and expertise that transition into real-world contributions.
A distinctive feature of the Boren awards is the commitment to public service. Upon graduation, Boren Scholars and Fellows are required to complete one year of government service in a U.S. federal agency. This commitment ensures that the specialized knowledge and language proficiency gained abroad are directly applied to advance U.S. interests.
For UW–Madison students, this presents an extraordinary pathway to impactful careers, combining academic achievement with tangible contributions to national security and public diplomacy. UW–Madison senior Sydney Kurszewski, a 2025-2026 Boren recipient majoring in Russian and international studies with a focus on Central Asia, emphasized the importance of this region and the power of language.
“My studies have shown me the value of language as a tool for cross-cultural understanding and communication as well as the importance of Kazakhstan and Central Asia more broadly,” said Kurszewski. “When I studied in Almaty the first time, we were told that whatever happens in Central Asia affects the rest of the world, making it the most important region, politically.”
Beyond the academic and linguistic enrichment, Boren Awards serve a pivotal role in strengthening U.S. national security. The National Security Education Program (NSEP), which funds Boren, recognizes that national security extends far beyond traditional military concerns. It encompasses global issues such as sustainable development, environmental degradation, global disease, population growth, and economic competitiveness. This expanded view means that Boren recipients, through their study and research, directly contribute to addressing the complex issues faced domestically and abroad.
UW–Madison is exceptionally well-positioned to support students pursuing these awards. Many existing UW–Madison study abroad programs align seamlessly with Boren’s requirements for both location and language study, making the application process more accessible for students. UW–Madison also provides dedicated campus support, including specific application deadlines and guidance from campus undergraduate representative Kate Hamoonga and campus graduate representative Sarah Linkert. This personalized assistance, coupled with access to Boren webinars and application resources, significantly enhances the competitiveness of UW–Madison applicants.
Interested in learning more or applying? The 2026-2027 cycle will open in the fall with a campus deadline of December 1 and a final national deadline in January 2026. Visit our Boren webpage to learn more!
Story by Kayla Daum