Reilly Costigan-Humes has studied abroad in Russia twice before, but he hopes to gain an even greater understanding of the country's language and culture when he spends the 2010-11 academic year at St. Petersburg University. Costigan-Humes, a senior Russian major, has become the first Haverford student to receive a David L. Boren Scholarship, which provides funding for undergraduates to strengthen their language skills and gain cultural experience in countries critical to U.S. security.

The Boren Scholarships are sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), a federal initiative designed to provide U.S. citizens with foreign language and international skills. The Institute of International Education, which administers the awards on behalf of NSEP, received a record number of applicants—925 undergraduates—this year. Of these, 138 won scholarships.

“I applied because I want to continue my study of the Russian-speaking world in a formal classroom environment,” says Costigan-Humes. He looks forward to meeting and interacting with a variety of people:“In the past, I primarily socialized with my peers and host families, but now I want to establish solid relationships with Russians of all ages.” Costigan-Humes would eventually like to live and work in Russia, possibly as a translator.