Boren 2013-2014

[alexpen]

For selfish reasons, I hope the date confirmation wasn't an indicator of making or not making it to the next round. It does seem suspicious that only two on this site, myself included, did not receive the e-mail. Also, if I recall correctly, cm125 and I are both planning on starting the program in January (fellowship granted), so maybe it really just wants to square up dates for earlier departures and nothing more. The suspense continues.

[The_Hogfather]

Well, we're speculating in full gear now, so I'll add my two cents. I got the dates confirmation email even though my program doesn't start until January. Perhaps it's like college admissions where they have immediate no's, then they do a big cut, and then whittle through the rest.

[qaiswalayla]

Hello Everyone! Important question. If someone is offered a Boren fellowship, how long do they have to accept or decline? In other words, if we hear good news in May, how long do we have to decide? Anyone who could answer this question has my eternal gratitude. Thanks!  

[desmonster1018]

Mcelone, I received the same email, but I'm also unsure what to make of it. I wonder if they're mixing things up a bit this year and separating in some ways based on region? 

 

I don't know what to make of the dates email. It seems odd that something would be sent to *all* applicants after a selection panel met last week. Also, regarding the weeding out of applicants, there is likely a strong response bias. Many people seemed to join the forum to post after receiving the dates email from Boren - applicants who did not receive any emails would not be prompted to find a place to discuss/exchange information.

 

That said, all still speculation, and I hope we all start hearing more concrete information soon! 

[mcelone]

desmonster did you apply to the AFLI? What's your plan for studying Swahili?

 

I applied for the AFLI but I am allowed to bypass the Florida program because I tested Intermediate High for my OPI luckily.

[Lauren2013]

qaiswalayla - Looking at last year's forum, it looks like they had about a week to accept the award...but that doesn't mean it will be the same this  year. Hopefully that helps!

[Ingenue]

Just curious, for those who posted earlier re: fixing small errors, did you all get the date verification email?

In my case, yes.

[foxnine671]

I received the confirmation of program dates, too. But, applying for this program last year, this is an email that I had not received during my prior application process. 

[postidentity]

i had an earlier email and got the date email as well.

starting in June, southeast asia

[wonder1005]

postidentity, what country did you apply to?

[postidentity]

indonesia

[wonder1005]

Awesome. I was curios when you said SE Asia because I've applied for Vietnam.

[paperhead]

Ingenue, I had an earlier email and a date verification email as well (start date in June, Serbia)..

[nosleeptildoctorate]

From mcelone and desmonster's posts, I'm wondering if the budget email from a few weeks ago went only to fellowship applicants who also applied for the AFLI program.  Maybe that's why many of us who have subsequently gotten the dates email didn't receive that one?  

 

Paperhead and postidentity, did you apply for the AFLI?

[postidentity]

From mcelone and desmonster's posts, I'm wondering if the budget email from a few weeks ago went only to fellowship applicants who also applied for the AFLI program.  Maybe that's why many of us who have subsequently gotten the dates email didn't receive that one?  

 

Paperhead and postidentity, did you apply for the AFLI?

not for Indonesia

[nosleeptildoctorate]

Haha. Yeah, that would be odd.  Sorry, I didn't see your original post, just others' responses.  Well, there goes that theory.

 

 

(Oh, and I just noticed you posted that above, too.  Oops.  Stress apparently impairs my reading skills.)

Edited April 5, 2013 by nosleeptildoctorate

[desmonster1018]

mcelone, nice work on the Swahili! I haven't taken the OPI yet, but I imagine I'm hovering somewhere around low- or mid-level intermediate, so I would definitely need to take the summer course if I were to receive the award. I applied for a Tanzania and Kenya combination, and identified a language center in Kenya after the SUZA program. (Admittedly, I'm excited to be exposed to Sheng in Kenya, having developed a recent love of East African hip-hop!) 

[petworthdc]

Hi all, I didn't receive the earlier email some have mentioned here, but I did receive the dates email last week. Start date in September, China. No idea what it may or may not mean, but enjoying reading everyone's speculations, hehe.

[aepafrica]

Hi everyone,

 

At about 4pm today, I received an email from Boren.  I didn't get that email that the rest of you got earlier this week.  This email today was to inform me that the AFLI program in my country was cancelled and that I would need to look for another one.  It also included a budget outline.  I need to talk to the program manager on Monday because I need to make sure I fully understand what would be an appropriate substitute. 

 

I admit to being really bummed when I didn't get the email like the rest of you but I'm hoping this is a sign that I may still be in the running.  =) 

 

Good luck everyone!

[cm125]

A friend who is also applying for Boren--and like me didn't receive last week's email--called their offices today. Boren told him:

 

"Any communication thus far has been because people did not complete their applications correctly or clearly. Announcements should be made by month's end."

 

[mcelone]

aepafrica that's unfortunate. Were you applying for NIgeria?

[aepafrica]

No, it's for Zulu in South Africa.  The program at UF is still going but apparently I was the only one who showed interest in-country.  I have to see what requirements need to be met for an alternative, which I will call about on Monday.  Directly from a piece of the email: The domestic UFL  program is still a go, but now we need you to find a Zulu program on your own.

 

I have contacts at UKZN who can help and I would rather lean more toward hiring a private tutor.  I have previous language experience in Bantu languages and put the UF program in my plan (I'm actually leaving for South Africa before this month ends on other funding because I have to make a harvest that only happens in May!).  So hopefully I will gain clarification soon. 

 

Part of me can breathe easy that it "appears" that they are still interested in my application but the other part of me is anxious to figure this out so I can get it in order before I actually get on a plane in the next few weeks.  I know I'll be ready for this to be certain...no matter the outcome.

[desmonster1018]

Really sorry to hear the news about the program in SA, aepafrica. I agree that it makes complete sense that they're obviously still interested or wouldn't give you an opportunity to change. Good stuff! 

[aepafrica]

Thanks for the encouragement.     Though, like everything that comes from IIE, it's still rather cryptic but yet promising.  I know Zulu is underrepresented so it's nice to know that something else may be possible.  Will be sure to keep you posted!!  I'm so ready to be back on the continent!!  It's difficult to be away!  =)

[mcelone]

Where have you been in Africa previously?

 

I stayed in Durban for awhile, so I got my fill of Zulu. It was fun but I'm ready to move onto another language haha 

 

Ngiyaqoqa amaqanda