The Boren awards seek to help graduate and undergraduate students advance their proficiency in selected strategic languages through study abroad (undergrads) and language study & research (graduate students). At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.