Graduate Flagship Language Programs

[wjibara]

I'm curious,

Anyone out there applying or thinking of applying for this? What are people's take on programs that fund your education but require you to sell yourself to the federal government for X years in return? Good deal or no?

[wjibara]

41 views and no one has an opinion on the Flagships? Don't be shy!

[mcquistones]

The Flagship and Boren programs have the same requirements in terms of service after graduation, but the flagship require more language skills where with the Boren you can be a beginner. I'm applying for the Boren fellowship because, while I don't want to be "in contract" with anyone, the offer is just too good to pass up for me, and if it prevents me from having to take out huge amounts of loans I'll commit one year of service to the goverment. In my field that could be with USAID, and it may even help me get a job with that kind of agency. Also, keep in mind that you can always apply and turn it down if you have better funding opportunities that don't require any commitment after graduation. I found the flagship to be a great opportunity, and I would apply for it if I could. What language are you applying for? If you're looking into Arabic, keep in mind that you can also apply for the CASA fellowships, which are a different format but I don't believe they require any commitment after graduation. Good luck!

[mcquistones]

There are also other differences between Boren and Flagship programs, but I didn't think I needed to go into those:-)

[wjibara]

What language are you applying for? If you're looking into Arabic, keep in mind that you can also apply for the CASA fellowships, which are a different format but I don't believe they require any commitment after graduation. Good luck!

I agree that they are a pretty good offer. Yes, I will be applying for the Arabic program. CASA is good, but you have to pay 2,200 dollars or so in fees and they don't have internship, homestays, registration with the local university or private tutor components (whereas the overseas flagship does). I'm still thinking about whether or not to apply. As for Boren, you have to be in graduate school, and I am not sure I will get in any where, it would suck to get a Boren and then lose it because of dropping the ball on this requirement. Must admit though, the Boren is a pretty sweet deal if you qualify, Good luck with the Boren!

[understatement700]

Are Borens and Flagships super competitive to get?

[wjibara]

I think Borens are easier than Flagship Fellowships because there are more of them, can be used for a wider ranger of languages and as the poster above stated, you don't have to be advanced in the language. I know a lot of people who have gotten Borens, but have no idea as to whether or not that means they are easy/hard to get. They are competitive that much I can say.

[amberh]

I was just looking into the Boren Fellowships yesterday... for those that are applying, do you know what your research proposal topic would be if you're applying for something other than language immersion? Anyone planning on during their Boren in China and/or for Chinese?