riverguide

Msafiri: Let's see what I've have right about you and the Boren: 1) The deadline is approximately 60 days away, depending on your university's deadline. The Boren deadline and your university's deadline are different. Your university's deadline is sooner because they need adequate time to evaluate and process your application and decide on whether to recommend it and what recommendation they will make with regard to your application and the others that are submitted; 2) With 60 days before the deadline, you have not chosen a language, nor a country, nor a program, nor your proposed employment/career. You have also not chosen a back-up program. In your own words:" I have no idea what kind of research project I would do along with that though." 3) You have not interviewed any prior students from the programs in which you may have an interest and hence, you know nothing about the specifics and experiences from the point of view of others who have gone before you; 4) You are applying for a fellowship which requires three essays; one of which is your compelling and authoritative research proposal and you have not started any of them; 5) Because you haven't done any of the above, you cannot request LORs because you don't have your proposal essay completed as well as the other two essays to show them so that they can incorporate them in their LORs; 6) You believe that 30 days are adequate to prepare all of this. In your own words: "Writing the Boren proposal will, in all likelihood, take less than a month, even to go through 10-12 drafts. I know this because I know me." That is incredibly naive and sophomoric -and I hope that others don't take solace from your lack of seriousness and planning; 7) The time period you have left will fall across the Christmas and New Year holidays when many people may be unavailable and many offices are closed or operating at half-speed; 8) You have obviously not listened to all of the Webinars for the fellowship or you wouldn't be posting the naive and sophomoric comments in response to my advice. I listened to all of the Webinars for both the scholarship and the fellowship and the successful applicants I know did the same; 9) You have not requested nor obtained prior essays and proposals from successful applicants; 10) You are clearly indecisive; again, in your own words:" I have no idea what kind of research project I would do along with that though." 11) "The Fulbright Program awards approximately 8,000 new grants annually." http://fulbright.state.gov/about.html; 12) The Boren is NOT for applicants who don't plan on making a Herculean effort to submit the best application that they can put together. 13) Life is short and handling ambiguity is much more difficult than the ability to make a decision. Here's what I think you have partially right: "But, I'm worried that having had a Fulbright for a different region and language will make me look flaky to the reviewers." and "I'm glad it won't make me look to flaky or unfocused." "Flaky" and "unfocused" are terms that characterize your efforts and approach so far. I'm not normally this critical but your approach, attitude and lack of decisiveness probably indicates that this is not the fellowship for you. I hope you prove me wrong but those are some major headwinds and you haven't even made a decision to apply yet. I'm glad you have other options. BTW, would you advise your students to wait until 30 days before the deadline to begin writing their Boren application ? If so, then you would be doing them a terrible disservice...

When you receive a Boren Fellowship, your self-esteem issues on this thread will probably be resolved and I might listen to what you have to say or write. Until then, you're just another wannabe with a really bad attitude. Maybe you're somebody or maybe you're not. Who cares? And just think, all of that time you took to reply to and belittle my suggestions could have been spent researching your options, making a decision and writing your essays...here's some advice you can use: Stop whining, start writing and go for it. Success cures all. You'll never be a winner if you keep acting like a loser. Believe or not, there's nothing I'd like more than to see you prove me wrong and become a Boren Fellow. Not to deprecate your very impressive receipt of a Fulbright, BUT 7500 people annually receive a Fulbright and only 151 people annually receive a Boren Scholarship and only 117 people annually receive a Boren Fellowship. The Boren is for a different breed; so, why don't you get the show on the road and join us...

Msafiri, I had you confused with Mr. Jones and I apologize to you. You are correct. If you think the rest of my advice was misplaced then that is your choice. I know several Boren recipients who received the ALI and was sharing their insights but you are entitled to your opinion about that as well. The rest of my advice is generic and not directed towards you. The fact that you received a Fulbright is very, very impressive. BTW, have you made ANY decisions yet ? Or are you still kicking the tires this late in the game ? The rest of my advice is yours to take -or not. If you haven't made a decision yet or you haven't started your essays or LORs yet, then perhaps you should consider becoming an Internet Moderator, because you certainly seem to have a talent for that. However, its always good to hear from my fans. There is a camaraderie among the successful recipients of the Boren and we try to help others but there are some who don't need anyone's help. You have to have a thick skin in this competition and those that I know who have received the Boren have done so with help and feedback and support and constructive criticism from others. I am sorry I have offended you and I truly wish you the best. This isn't the Fulbright, however, and you still haven't even applied. Why don't you prove to the rest of us that you're worthy and then perhaps your condescending and thin-skinned reaction will carry more weight...

The advantage of the ALI program is that it doesn't require prior language skills in the African language you choose. It is geared to those with prior language training but not in the particular African language chosen. Msafiri, I don't think you want to go to Egypt this year either and I wouldn't consider that an option. The Boren people are sensitive to areas with security problems. The Lebanon, Egypt and Syria Boren programs were all cancelled this year. These programs fill up early so you need to apply for them and if any of you haven't started your essays and requests for LORs yet, you aren't taking the process seriously. Most of you should have your second draft done by now. Also, remember you have to be accepted in these programs BEFORE you find out if you get the Boren and many of these programs are VERY competitive and require essays, transcripts and LORs. Many of them were filled up when several Boren recipients found out they made it and were not allowed to go to their chosen country because of the political climate and were forced to either give up their Boren awards or had to choose a program in a country that was at the bottom of their list. This isn't a scholarship for those who aren't decisive, creative, and tenacious. Overachievers are the norm and not the exception. It is an elite bunch that can handle the challenges of dealing with ambiguity and living in an environment far from your comfort zone. If you can't overcome and adapt then you should look elsewhere because the Boren selection committees don't suffer fools easily. If any of you are offended by what I have posted here then you should look for a scholarship elsewhere. You don't have to be someone who has studied languages your whole life to get the Boren and most of the recipients I know have had between 2-4 semesters of the language (except for the African languages). Stephanie is one of the exceptions but her lack of classroom work in Russian was offset by her incredible journey of teaching herself the language and her tenacious attitude. So, choose a program in the next week, write your essays and get the show on the road. Those who hesitate have already lost...

I would read up about the specifics of your field. I would read your proposed agency's employment pages to see what type of skills they are seeking and I would also research their "surge" needs. If they have a hiring mandate in a certain area where you'd like to work I'd empathize that. I would also talk to people in that area and see if you can get some hands on career advice and background. Good luck.

I'm a current Boren recipient and can give you some general tips. Write, re-write and write again your essays. Show them to your professors, your friends and anybody who will give you critical advice. Start early. The essays and the LORs will make or break you. Make sure the LORs are from academics who know you or who have taught you and show them your essays and resume so that they have details to include in your LORs. Research your future career so that you can include a relevant definition and relationship of national security to your prospective field.This is more difficult than it sounds because even though they say "broadly defined" it should be more than that and it should show an intellectual curiosity and an ability to distinguish yourself from others. Don't use general characteristics of the country where you want to study but rather be VERY specific about why and what you want to study there and how it will enhance and compliment your future national security employment. Make sure you directly address (and your LORs address) your ability to function for a year (they don't want you to leave the country for breaks or holidays and you have to apply for written permission to do so and don't plan on it absent a family emergency you might have to document) in a challenging and very different environment. Don't minimize this because this is and can be a very real problem with many study abroad students and you need to cite other challenges in your background where you have "adapted to and overcome" obstacles, hurdles and challenges. Research the academic programs, specific classes and off campus opportunities (language buddies, clubs, charity work, etc where you can learn outside of the classroom) and also research your living arrangements. I also contacted former students from the programs and interviewed them about the programs and opportunities and included my research in my essays. Listen to all of the WEBINARS because they will clue you in to common mistakes (typos and stupid comments in your LORs for example) that are made in applications. If you write less than a dozen drafts of each essay you have seriously eroded your chances. Let your essay ferment for a couple of days between drafts. The essays for successful applicants are very, very professional, extremely well written and well thought through (I have seen many of them). This scholarship is very competitive; but it will also distinguish you in Grad School applications and future job applications and you receive a lot of publicity, should you become a Boren Scholar. I was interning for a US Senator and never met him until I received the Boren and he came to my cube and personally congratulated me and my life has never been the same since. Its a lot of work but it also is an incredible opportunity. I would suggest finding a challenging program that is competitive. I strongly recommend the Middlebury and CET programs. You will need to apply and be accepted to the program before you know whether you receive the Boren so start on that now as well. Most of the top programs require LORs too! I have studied with Boren Scholars in the past and am studying with five Boren scholars now and they are incredible peers and friends. They improve every class I'm in with them. On some occasions we get together with Boren Scholars in other cities in the country where I'm studying and they too are excellent linguists and great friends. There is a camaraderie among the Boren Scholars that comes from shared commitment, ability and achievement and it is a great and very exclusive group of colleagues. We challenge each other to be better linguists and intuitive regional/cultural experts. Everyone has a diverse and accomplished background and we are all committed students in our fields. Good luck and remember: you can never try too hard or spend too much time in earning the Boren Award -and its worth it!

Perhaps next year the political climate will be different and I hope it is. I studied in Cairo last Fall with AMIDEAST and loved it and would highly, highly recommend AMIDEAST over AUC. I was extracted from the Middlebury Program in Alexandria in the early spring. Egypt is definitely the place to study and developing your colloquial Egyptian is as important as developing your colloquial Levantine. You will need to have some prior experience (at least 2 classes) before you apply to these programs. Its important to develop your Arabic calligraphy with full knowledge of the alphabet. I would also suggest you consider Jordan and Oman. You are going to need to have a back-up plan outside of Egypt. I miss Egypt everyday. Alex was awesome. Look into the CET programs also. I would highly recommend the Middlebury and CET programs in Jordan and Egypt also. I have studied at all three of the programs that I have mentioned. My only reservation (and its a big one) about AUC is that you are located way out of Cairo, its a one hour bus ride and you spend most of your time in a secure compound with fellow Americans and that is definitely not the way to learn Arabic and colloquial Egyptian IMHO. http://www.middlebury.edu/sa/middleeast/jordan http://cetacademicprograms.com/programs/jordan/arabic-language-jordan/ http://www.amideast.org/abroad/programs/jordan

Daniel: I am presently a Boren Scholar studying advanced Arabic in Jordan. Your chances would be better if you focus your application on your language studies first and your content courses second. Furthermore, Egypt is still in turmoil and you may not be able to go there. You should consider another country. Most, if not all, of the Egyptian and Syrian Boren scholars ended up going to other countries. I did and I was extracted from the Middlebury program in Alexandria during the revolution and I'm still hearing some tough stories from my friends there. I love Egypt and would like to return but I think it will be a while. I would look at Jordan, Oman and Morocco. Your LORs should directly address your language abilities as well as your abilities to manage the pressures of studying abroad for an extended period of time. It takes a lot of flexibility. I have studied in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan and you need to develop your understanding of the Arabic alphabet before you go over.

Steph, with all of your achievements and your willingness to travel to challenging learning environments and your clear commitment to tough tasks and overcoming daunting obstacles, I don't think this will be too challenging for you. Some agency out there will be very lucky to have you and there's always the military where you can hone your skills and earn a masters also...

From what I've seen we need to start looking for jobs now, even before we leave. We need to plan our careers like a chess game or a white water run and be ready four, five, six moves down the line, depending on the water level and the obstructions in the river...

SAIS has the strongest program for what you want to do...and the best placement record.

Will, I tried to friend you on FB but you've got your security settings set at radioactive meltdown status. I was hoping we could get together and chat. Sounds like you've had a great Summer! I was at the White House this week.

Sorry I'm late to post but I've been busy. I am a recipient (Arabic/Syria) and I am probably going to study with CET in Amman, Jordan unless something radically changes for the better in the Levantine Arc...sorry I missed you guys at the dinner but I'm working on the Hill if anyone wants to get together and speak arabic and talk about the Middle East. I just went to a great recruitment fair for Georgetown, SAIS, Columbia and Princeton at Johns Hopkins last week.

Its a fluid situation and there's been no mention of where. My Dad spoke with them last week and they were originally thinking about moving it to Turkey! I'm glad they switched to Jordan and I hope we're going to have Syrian instructors. With Egypt dropping the travel warning though I'd really like to return to the Middlebury program in Alexandria -and I may do so. Are you planning to study in Jordan? Egypt? Syria?

For those who are planning to go to Syria, CET sent me this today: CET made the decision to suspend the Summer 2011 Intensive Arabic Language & Culture Studies program in Aleppo. We are offering, however, an alternate summer program in Jordan for our students. Maintaining our high academic standards and firm commitment to language immersion, the CET Jordan program will offer the same intensive Arabic language curriculum covering 140 total hours of class time. CET has chosen a non-Amman location to temporarily house our intensive Arabic program and will preserve many of our Aleppo program features including a full-time Arabic only language pledge, local language partners, and an on-site program director. We are still planning to make a final decision regarding the Fall program in Aleppo by June 1st. In the event that we are not able to offer the fall program in Aleppo, we will consider the Jordan site to relocate the fall program.

The surveys are meaningless in the big picture. I received the survey, filled it out, returned it and clearly at the top it stated that it didn't indicate nor affect anything with regard to my application. Furthermore, I had started an application for a different set of dates and chose not to procede with it and started a new one, which is my pending application. My point is this: my dead application received the survey as well so I'm pretty confident that its meaningless.

Welcome! As long as you are an overachiever, have a thick skin and a sense of humor you'll fit in just fine with these pirates. That's a pretty impressive and challenging study proposal you have!

IMHO they have the best IR strategic studies program and ME regional program (GTown is also great!) and DC is the place to network. What sets SAIS apart is their intense economic training. SAIS is known for its private sector placements and GTown is known for its public sector placements. What I'm wrestling with is whether to do my ONI application before or after grad school. http://www.sais-jhu....dents/index.htm joint/dual programs: http://www.sais-jhu....grees/index.htm You can do the dual degree program with either Stanford or UVA Law;

Thanks for the advice! John and Siuse: can you put your stats on the spreadsheet, please? I'm sure there's always room in National Security for Internet Moderators. Good luck in your endeavours!

Brother you exhibited much more tact and diplomacy in responding than I would have. Those of us on this board may someday be the only ones standing between our national security and those who would destroy us. I do not take satisfaction in any man's death, but I know that our country and the world is a better and safer place because of it. For the institutions we aspire to work for this represented the successful completion of their top priority and a job well done. Siuse, I think you've come to the wrong forum. My brothers and sisters on these pages have made our "National Security" the polar star that guides us. Might I suggest that you go back to the fork in the road and take the right path. 'Nuff said.

It wasn't a "murder." It was a public service...

Before man is life and death, good and evil; that which he shall choose shall be given him...

I'm just proud to be among you folks...and I hope we all make it.

Thanks for posting this. I guess my major concern is that if for some reason we don't get Jordan (and at this point I really need to advance my Levantine dialect in Syria which hands down is the best country of all of them to develop advanced fluency skills) then that leaves us with the African countries and their dialect is of very limited use in the Middle East. My preference, if selected, would be to defer until spring 2012 when hopefully Syria and Egypt will have stabilized. There's an outstanding summer immersion program also at AUB called CAMES.

Yes and the CET program was still in Aleppo. But that changed in a heartbeat on the 13th. Welcome to the real world: http://www.youtube.c...h?v=hHu4_2Phtkw Those are pro government demonstrators.