NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Undergraduate Scholarships for Study Abroad
Summer 2007, Fall 2007, and/or Spring 2008

Important Dates in 2006-07

Monday, January 15
Campus deadline: application completed on line; supporting materials due at the OCS Office, Leighton 119, ext. 4332

Weeks of January 22 and January 29
Campus interviews for all applicants

Tuesday, February 13
All application materials due in Washington, D.C.

May 2007
NSEP award announcements made

Essential NSEP Scholarship Information

1. This is a merit-based scholarship program, which is highly competitive. The nominating panel is looking for thorough academic preparation, a focused and integrated study abroad proposal, a strong language component, and a high level of maturity.

2. There is a service obligation attached to the scholarship. In exchange for the scholarship, you must enter into an agreement to work in a national security position in the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, State, or the Intelligence Community. Other U.S. federal departments or agencies may be considered if necessary. You must complete the service obligation of one year within three years after you complete your study abroad program. For more details, go to: www.iie.org/nsep

3. Applicants have to be U.S. citizens at the time of application. They are encouraged to pursue study in languages and cultures currently underrepresented in study abroad and critical to U.S. national security, as specified on the Web site.

4. Once the applicants have been chosen, the amount of the award is based on financial need. The minimum award is round-trip international airfare and insurance. The maximum award is $10,000 for a 15-week semester, $20,000 for an academic year to support overseas or domestic study, or a combination of both. A maximum of $8,000 is available for a domestic only study. Support for domestic study is limited to language or area studies which enhance a degree program. Finalists will be notified in May 2007 of their award; they must notify the Carleton Student Financial Services Office of the award amount.

5. This is a federally funded program which contracts with the Institute for International Education (IIE) for the application review service. All applications must be submitted on line at www.iie.org/nsep. All supporting documents (transcripts, references, etc.) must be submitted as hard copies to the OCS office, Leighton 119, by the January 15 deadline. Also, all air travel must be on an American carrier.

6. Hot tips directly from an IIE representative:

Language is a required component of any NSEP program. You must demonstrate a commitment to language study and quantify the number of hours of language study in and outside the classroom.

You should carefully read all information on the NSEP Web site before you begin completing the application and the statement of purpose essay in particular.

The statement of purpose is "the most critical part of the application," according to NSEP. See Carleton students' comments below. The selection panels are looking for focus, realistic plans, and integration of the study abroad experience with your academic goals and your longer-term career goals. Broad, grandiose statements will not cut it. Know your program, know your personal strengths and experiences, which fit that program, be specific about how you will apply your study abroad experience to your ongoing Carleton education and to possible career directions or opportunities.

The Write Place and OCS Advisors will help you edit your essays. Don't be bashful! - use these resources to improve your essays before the Jan. 15, 2007 campus deadline.

NSEP strongly urges students to develop a primary program proposal, backed up by an alternate program proposal. The alternate program should be closely related to the primary program, so that your goals and expectations can be transferred in tact. While an alternate program is not required, "it greatly enhances a student's application."

NSEP encourages students to study abroad for as long a time as possible. Juniors and seniors must apply for a semester or yearlong program. First year students and sophomores may apply for a summer program. NSEP understands that a year is not always possible, particularly among the under-represented fields such as sciences. Explain in your essay why a summer or a semester is the maximum amount of time available, if a year is not.

Quite a few Carleton students have been awarded NSEP scholarships. In response to our question about what they thought the crucial factor(s) in the final decision were, they said: "Need to answer all questions very carefully. Read the NSEP info many times. Put a lot of effort into my replies. No spelling errors (hopefully). I tried to describe who I am." "Japan is clearly an interest to our government - combining that with a solid background from a solid school and an optimistic essay probably locked it up." "I think it was crucial that I stressed how I was planning on incorporating language skills into my research. My enthusiasm to learn about a foreign culture I think also strengthened my application." "I tried to emphasize my international focus in my essay. I also carefully addressed each of the areas they suggested to write about." "Making it clear what my goals were and how the program would help me achieve my objectives." "Good application essay, Third World country program, good grades, good college."