The David L. Boren Fellowship was created by the former Oklahoma senator and provides study abroad opportunities for U.S. students to learn the language and culture of countries that will play a crucial role in America’s future national security.

Boren winner Aamira Chaney, a doctoral student in the Department of African Studies, will study Zulu at the University of Zululand at Ngoye in South Africa. Ronya Foy, a doctoral student in the Department of Social Work, will study Swahili at the State University of Zanzibar. Both students will begin studies in the fall. 

The awards are part of the African Language Initiative, a pilot program designed to increase the number of Boren Scholars, fellows and alumni engaged in the study of critical languages of Africa. Funding is provided by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) and is administered by American Councils for International Education in partnership with participating U.S. domestic and overseas institutions.