FAQs
At which level of language proficiency do I need to be to participate in the Flagship language initiative programs?
No prior language proficiency is required to apply.
How do I apply?
Apply for a Boren Scholarship (for undergraduates) or Fellowship (for graduate students). Awardees will receive additional information about next steps once awards have been announced.
Do I have to be a Boren Scholar or Fellow to participate in the program?
Yes. The program is only open to Boren Awards recipients.
Do I have to attend the domestic summer session at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Hindi/Indonesian/Thai/ Turkish /Vietnamese)?
Yes, summer program attendance is a prerequisite for participating in the fall overseas program.
When and where do I register for the fall program?
This information will be provided after the announcement of the Boren Awards. You will receive registration information from American Councils.
Do I need to submit official transcripts?
No. American Councils does not require transcripts.
Do I need to submit letters of recommendation for admission to the program?
No. American Councils does not require letters of recommendation.
What is my “Proof of Overseas Affiliation?” Will I need to send it to Boren myself?
“Proof of Overseas Affiliation” is the acceptance letter you will receive from American Councils after the Boren awards have been announced.
Where can I view the costs of the program?
Program costs, including billing information, will be provided by your RFLI program domestic institution.
Will I need to send Boren any documents for the release of my funding?
Boren will require certain documents, including participants’ travel itineraries and acceptance letters. American Councils will submit this information to Boren on behalf of all participants.
I do not have a current U.S. passport; do I need to apply for a new/renewed passport before the application deadline?
Yes, please ensure you have a current passport valid until six months after the end of the fall program.”
How long should my passport be valid?
Participants’ passports must be valid six months from the end of their Boren award. For example, if a participant’s Boren award ends in December 2024, their passport must be valid through June 2025.
Should I send American Councils my original passport?
Wait for further instructions from American Councils after formal acceptance into the program.
What happens at orientation?
The orientation is a two-day session where all aspects of the program are discussed: the academic program, life as a student abroad, getting around the host country, health and safety issues, keeping in touch with friends and family in the U.S., and other issues.
Where do program participants live?
In the summer program, participants live in the dorms at their respective RFLI program host institution. In the fall overseas participants live with a local host family. The homestay offers a satisfying cultural experience and complements the academic portion of the exchange in a positive way.
In the overseas program, do host families speak any English at all?
This, of course, varies by family, but participants are required to speak only the target language with their host families.
How are the overseas host families selected?
Families are chosen carefully, and American Councils homestay program coordinators try to match participants with families who share common interests. The information submitted in the “Host Family Information Form” during the registration process is very important in making a good match.
Please be sure to provide specific details about yourself in the “Host Family Information Form,” and you should not be vague or brief about your interests, personality, and stated needs/interests while living with a host family.
Are Internet, e-mail, and telephone services readily available in Azerbaijan?
Wi-Fi is available at the host institution.
Can family or friends visit me while I am in the program (summer and/or fall)?
Yes, but we recommend consulting program advisors due to the intensity of this program. During the Summer, there are restrictions due to the dorms.
Are there 24-hour emergency services when I am overseas?
Yes. American Councils has a full-time resident director who is ready to provide emergency aid at any time. The resident director will be available by phone 24/7 in the event of an emergency. In cases of health emergencies, the Resident Director will assist students in going to clinics with emergency services in the area.
What kinds of medical services are available in my host country?
Medical care is widely available in the host country. Participants are urged to talk with their resident director about medical concerns and seek recommendations regarding medical professionals and facilities as needed.
Who should I contact in case of emergency when I am overseas?
American Councils has a full-time resident director in your program location during the fall to provide emergency aid anytime. During in-country orientation, participants will be given a wallet-sized card listing all important numbers. The resident director should be contacted in case of emergency.
Are participants required to remain in Madison or Gainesville during the gap after the end of the summer program and before the overseas travel?
No. The gap between the summer's end and the overseas program's start is meant to be a break for participants to prepare for their overseas travel.
Should I book my overseas ticket?
No, please do not book your own ticket. Your flight to your overseas location will be arranged by American Councils. During your registration with American Councils, you will be asked to fill out a form where you will provide your travel information and preferences. American Councils will then use that information to book your ticket.
Will I have health insurance during the program?
Yes, you will be enrolled you in a plan through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).