Southeast Asian Flagship Language Initiative- Thai (SEAFLI-Thai)
SEAFLI-Thai provides intensive, immersive Thai language training for Boren Award recipients through summer study at UW–Madison and a fall semester at Chiang Mai University in Thailand.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Boren Fellowships, Graduates) | January 2027 (Boren Scholarships, Undergraduates) | May 2027 (UW–Madison application) | May 2027 (UW–Madison IAP, spring abroad) | June 2027 (American Councils registration)
Funding Amounts: Covers intensive Thai language study (summer at UW–Madison, fall in Thailand); additional spring extension possible; award size determined by Boren Awards guidelines.
Summary: Supports Boren Scholars and Fellows in intensive Thai language study via domestic and overseas immersion to build professional proficiency.
Key Information: Applicants must first receive a Boren Award; participation in both summer (UW–Madison) and fall (Thailand) components is mandatory.
Description
The Southeast Asian Flagship Language Initiative–Thai (SEAFLI-Thai) is a special initiative under the Boren Awards, designed to provide intensive Thai language training for both undergraduate and graduate students. The program includes a domestic summer session at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, followed by a fall semester at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, with an option for a spring extension to further language study, research, or internships. The initiative aims to develop a pipeline of U.S. professionals with advanced Thai language skills and cultural competence, supporting national security and international engagement objectives. All proficiency levels are welcome, from absolute beginners to advanced speakers.
