Southeast Asian Flagship Language Initiative- Thai (SEAFLI-Thai)
SEAFLI-Thai offers immersive, intensive Thai language study for Boren Scholars and Fellows, combining a summer program in the U.S. with a fall semester in Thailand and optional spring extension.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027: Deadline to apply for Boren Fellowships (Graduates) (projected) | January 2027: Deadline to apply for Boren Scholarships (Undergraduates) (projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical award covers tuition, travel, housing, meals, and program costs for summer (domestic) and fall (overseas); spring extensions may be funded. Award amounts vary by program length and applicant type.
Summary: Provides Boren Scholars and Fellows with intensive Thai language study through a domestic summer program and an overseas fall semester in Thailand, with optional spring extension.
Key Information: Applicants must apply for a Boren Award and participate in both summer and fall program components; open to all proficiency levels.
Description
The Southeast Asian Flagship Language Initiative–Thai (SEAFLI-Thai) is a special track under the Boren Awards, designed to increase U.S. expertise in the Thai language. The initiative offers intensive, immersive Thai language study for both undergraduate (Boren Scholars) and graduate (Boren Fellows) students, regardless of their starting proficiency.
The program consists of:
- A full-time, in-person domestic summer language program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
- An overseas fall semester at the Language Institute of Chiang Mai University in Thailand.
- An optional spring extension for continued study, research, or internships, provided the extension includes language study.
Participants benefit from small-group instruction, language partners, homestays, cultural excursions, and comprehensive support. The program is sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) and administered by American Councils for International Education and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
