The United States Government established the NSEP in 1991 to educate American undergraduates in countries that are critical to national security. The NSEP pays for undergraduates to study the language and culture of the host nation in a study abroad program. Students may NOT seek the NSEP for Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. The mission of the NSEP is to educate students in non-traditional languages, to immerse them fully in foreign cultures, to acquaint them with global issues, to introduce those students interested in future government work to foreign experts, and to educate and inspire young people who can later teach others what they have learned through the NSEP program.
Duration of Fellowship: summer (freshmen and sophomores only), semester, or year long
Amount of Fellowship: The amount of the award varies but is capped at $10,000 per semester or $20,000 for two terms.
Special Conditions: After completing the NSEP program, students must fulfill a service requirement in the form of an internship or job in the government. If, after a “good-faith effort,” the student has not found such an internship or job, the service can be completed through work in higher education. NSEP routinely helps scholars find work that is appropriate to their background and interests.
