I'm a finalist for NSLI-Y summer and a semi-finalist for Bronfman. Obviously, I can't do both. In the extremely unlikely event that I get the Bronfman fellowship, I would have to choose pretty quickly, so I want to be prepared.
As I see it, Bronfman is a little more prestigious, and has a more closely knit (but much smaller) alumni network. I would really enjoy the discussion and the text study, and it's a very unique opportunity. I have been to Israel before, and it would be easy to go again (family) but I loved it there and would like to go back.
On the other hand, it would be hard for me to visit the NSLI-Y country and a really exciting experience, but I could in theory learn the language any time. Also, I'm interested in working for the State Department, and I've been told that NSLI-Y can be really helpful with that. My dad has already called everyone he's ever met to tell them, so that little extra bit of awkwardness wouldn't be fun, but I know that's not a good reason not to go.
Both of these programs are so fantastic but also so different that I have no idea what to do. Hoping some of the helpful folks here might have some ideas.
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