<p>Specific benefits:
- obviously, generous financial aid
- a stipend for one international internship (as in, if you find the internship of your dreams and it is unpaid, PWS would give you money to support you)
- networking: lunches with trustees, alumni, administrators (you get to meet the President, the Provost, etc) and other distinguished guests of Penn. This opens a whole set of opportunities to you. For example, I was able to lobby for international students policy issues on behalf of the Assembly of International Students directly to the people who make the decisions.
- lastly, but not less important - I got to meet some pretty amazing fellow students - the other PWS. ([Penn:</a> Office of the University Provost | Penn World Scholars](<a href=“Penn Office of the Provost | Office of the Provost”>Penn Office of the Provost | Office of the Provost)) </p>
<p>BFS is more academically oriented. Quite a few of the PWS are also BFS or JWS. </p>
<p>For both BFS and PWS you will get great mentorship and guidance throughout your career at Penn. </p>
<p>I hope this answers your question. And about your Duke vs Penn dilemma… Try to think beyond the scholars programs you got accepted to when you make your decision. Think about the type of opportunities the school can give you in regards to your intended major. Philadelphia is much more cosmopolitan than Durham and the experiences you might have here are different than the ones you would have at Duke.
What are you planning to study? And where are you from?</p>