<p>I was recently selected as a finalist for the Foundation Fellowship program at University of Georgia, but have also progressed in both the University Fellows program at Alabama and the Park Scholarship program at North Carolina State. While many of the other finalist weekends I will attend are spread out (Morehead Cain is in March for example), all three of the aforementioned programs fall on the same weekend and I unfortunately have to choose which I will attend. </p>
<p>I am currently hoping to major in Econ and International Affairs while also studying Mandarin/Arabic along and my current languages (Spanish, German, Indonesian). After researching the programs, it seems as if the Foundation Fellows program should take priority over the other two given its excellence in my prospective areas of study and the many international experiences it affords. Also, I have had a chance to briefly visit NCSU and may have the opportunity to visit Alabama, CBHP results pending. </p>
<p>However, if anyone is familiar with FF and/or the other programs and would like to offer advice, it would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Reach out to the current Fellows and ask for their input. Many of them where in a similar position.The Fellowship office can put you in touch with current students. My D is a 3rd year Economics/ Math major. If you pm me your email I am sure she would be happy to talk with you. </p>
<p>The travel that the Fellowship offers is amazing. D went to Oxford, then backpacked around Europe for 3 weeks after first year. 2nd year Costa Rica for spring break, then in the summer she spent a month in Argentina brushing up her Spanish followed by a class at London School of Economics. In March she will be going to Morocco. All fully funded.</p>
<p>She has no regrets on accepting the fellowship and leaving other great scholarship offers on the table.</p>
<p>Gibson1514-</p>
<p>Thank you for the reply! Based on your response and what I have read on the Foundation Fellows bio page, it seems like there are very few (if any) undergraduate opportunities like it. Also, if you don’t mind me asking, have there been any hidden expenses? I know it says the scholarship covers the approximate cost of attendance, but I was unsure what it would ultimately cost as an OOS student before application of outside scholarships. I will PM my email.</p>
<p>We are instate so I am not sure for OOS. The first year I think it cost us around $1500 plus books. There were some changes to Hope scholarship ( for GA residents) that meant some fees were no longer covered. D lived in Myers, paid for parking and took the full meal plan. I think they upped the stipend the next year. D moved off campus the 2nd year and her living costs went down. She manages her stipend and it covers the cost of her accommodations/ parking/ food etc. We still pay for her books, but that is our choice. She could be self sufficient on her stipend : )</p>
<p>Unlike many programs, the Ramsey/ FF allows you to stack scholarships. So, if you have any external scholarships, NMF etc this is not deducted from your award from UGA.</p>
<p>No hidden expenses- except maybe clothes for the NY/ DC trip first years take in the spring.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your success so far! My nephew was a FF, and can vouch with Gibson it’s fantastic. On the other hand, it’s probably also a little more selective than those other two because, like you said, there are few other undergraduate opportunities like it. In addition to talking to current FFs who had to make that choice, I might also reach out to the other two programs and see what they have to say.</p>
<p>Look at your chances realistically. If you are invited to the weekend you will at least get the Ramsey scholarship. </p>
<p>I’m a current fellow majoring in international affairs and econ, and I’m studying Spanish, French, and Arabic here at UGA! If you PM your email, I’d love to talk to you about my experience! </p>
<p>Thank you for all of the responses as the advice is greatly appreciated! I decided to attend the Foundation Fellows weekend. Also @kew091792, I believe I received an email from you regarding your experiences already; I returned your email! </p>