Nebraska-Lincoln Students Earn Prestigious Language Fellowships, Opening Doors to Global Careers

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is celebrating a significant achievement as five of its students—four undergraduates and one recent alumna—have been awarded prestigious national fellowships for intensive language study. These awards, from the Critical Language Scholarship Program and the Boren Awards, are designed to support immersive learning of languages deemed crucial for U.S. diplomacy, national security, and international collaboration. This recognition not only highlights the exceptional talent and dedication of these Huskers but also reflects positively on the university's robust programs that prepare students for globally focused careers.

For students, parents, and educators, these fellowships represent more than just financial support; they are a gateway to unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, cultural immersion, and professional development. Learning a critical language offers a distinct advantage in today's interconnected world, opening pathways to diverse fields such as international law, economic development, immigration services, and global security.

Expanding Horizons Through Critical Language Scholarships

Three University of Nebraska-Lincoln undergraduates have secured 2026 Critical Language Scholarships, enabling them to pursue summer language study abroad. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, these students were selected based on their commitment to language learning and their plans to apply these skills in their academic and professional lives. The Critical Language Scholarship is a U.S. Department of State program, funded by the U.S. government, aiming to increase the number of Americans proficient in languages vital for national security and international engagement.

• Zanib Al Razaq, a senior economics and Spanish major from Lincoln, will study Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Al Razaq, already fluent in Arabic, Spanish, and English, has a strong interest in international law and economic development, having previously studied international law in Spain. Her work as an executive fellow at ECHO Collective, focusing on program development and community engagement, further demonstrates her commitment to global impact.
• Samaa Niazi, a senior criminology and criminal justice major from Lincoln, is dedicating her summer to studying Persian in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. As an Afghan American Persian speaker, Niazi aims to refine her linguistic proficiency and understanding of regional dialects, skills she believes are essential for her future career in immigration law, assisting immigrants and refugees.
• Brenna Whitten, a senior global studies, political science, and French major from Elkhorn, Nebraska, will be studying Hindi in Jaipur, India. Hindi will be her fourth language, adding to her fluency in English, French, and Spanish. Whitten, a member of the University Honors Program and president of several student organizations, hopes to leverage her language skills in global security and human rights.

These intensive summer programs provide an immersive environment that accelerates language acquisition, offering a depth of understanding that classroom learning alone might not achieve. For students considering similar paths, resources like COSMIQ's free voice AI tutoring can be invaluable for supplemental practice and building foundational skills before or during intensive programs.

Boren Awards: Cultivating Future Public Servants

In addition to the Critical Language Scholarships, a current undergraduate and a recent alumna from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been awarded Boren Scholarships. The Boren Awards support U.S. undergraduate and graduate students committed to long-term overseas study of languages critical to national security, with recipients committing to at least one year of federal government service after graduation. This commitment underscores the program's focus on developing a cadre of public servants with advanced language and cultural skills.

• Laura Bui, a senior global studies major from Lincoln, is studying Vietnamese this summer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before traveling to Hanoi, Vietnam, this fall with the Boren Awards' Southeast Asian Flagship Languages Initiative. Bui's experience includes supporting English-language learning and cross-cultural exchange at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as well as conducting research in Japan. She aspires to a career in immigration or diplomacy, contributing to U.S. national security in a strategically significant region.
• Shahla Abrahim, a May 2026 graduate from Lincoln, will study Arabic during the 2026-27 academic year in Morocco. Abrahim, who previously studied abroad in Jordan, has a rich background in community building and youth poetry programs. She plans to pursue a Juris Doctor in immigration law and work as an Immigration Services Officer, utilizing her language skills to serve diverse communities.

The Boren Awards, established by the National Security Education Act of 1991, address a critical need for U.S. citizens and federal employees to possess advanced language and cultural skills. These awards are a testament to the students' dedication to both language mastery and public service, demonstrating a profound understanding of global challenges and a desire to contribute meaningfully.

The Broader Impact for Students and Community

The success of these five students in securing such competitive fellowships is a source of immense pride for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It highlights the university's strong academic environment, its commitment to global engagement, and the dedicated support provided by offices like the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, which advises and nominates candidates for various scholarships and fellowships. Such achievements inspire other students to pursue similar opportunities, fostering a culture of ambition and international awareness.

For parents, these stories showcase the tangible benefits of investing in higher education that emphasizes global competencies. Graduates with critical language skills and international experience are highly sought after by employers in various sectors, making them well-prepared for dynamic career paths. Educators, too, can draw inspiration from these students' journeys, recognizing the importance of encouraging language learning and cultural exchange from an early age. Tools like COSMIQ's free practice hub can help K-12 students build strong foundations in various subjects, including those that pave the way for advanced language study.

Conclusion

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's five fellowship recipients exemplify the spirit of global citizenship and academic excellence. Their commitment to mastering critical languages and their aspirations for impactful careers in public service are truly commendable. This success not only elevates the profiles of these individual students but also reinforces the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's role as an institution that prepares its community members to thrive and contribute in an increasingly interconnected world.