Pre-Assignments for the Spring Arrival Orientation 2024

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Information as of January 10, 2024. 

A few new resources added in modules 2 and 5, marked with ** NEW **

Orientation Modules

The orientation is divided into different modules, each including learning objectives, short pre-assignments, and other resources to help you to gain the best understanding of the different themes important to you.

Pre-Assignments

Please complete these pre-assignments before the orientation to ensure you get the most out of the orientation.

MODULE 1: Fulbright Program in Finland

Goals of the module:

  • To get acquainted with the unique features of the Fulbright Finland Foundation as a private Finnish non-profit organization so as to be able to talk knowledgeably about the Foundation and its mission and programs both in Finland and in the United States.
  • To learn the key facts about the global Fulbright Program with over 160 participating countries, and to understand how this provides all of the Foundation’s grantees a direct access to the Foundation’s worldwide collaboration and alumni network.
  • To understand the multiple and diverse roles that the Foundation’s programs can have, and to begin to think about as well as shape your own role as a grantee and citizen diplomat. 
  • To become familiar with some of the key concepts related to the Foundation's programs, such as citizen diplomacy, science diplomacy, knowledge diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and public diplomacy.

Learn about the Fulbright Finland Foundation and Its Global Network

Learn about the Fulbright Finland Foundation:

In preparation for coming to Finland, you went through carefully the Fulbright Finland Foundation's website, and you already know about the Foundation's vision, mission, and brand promise. Now it is time to learn more.

Learn about your role as the Foundation's grantee: 

If you have time and you are interested in learning more, here are additional resources:

TASK:
Think about your own role as a grantee and citizen diplomat. What would you like that role to look like? Come to the joint session with your own reflections and thoughts and be prepared to share them with others.

MODULE 2: Your Role in Publicity and Outreach

Learning objective: To understand your role in the Foundation's publicity and outreach efforts, and as an ambassador for your own country and home institution, and also for the Fulbright Finland Foundation, Finland, and your host institution. 

Acknowledging the Fulbright Finland Foundation:

We hope you proudly acknowledge the Fulbright Finland Foundation, and use your identification as Fulbright scholar/student/teacher to advance your research and/or project. This is your judgment call to make, but we encourage you to recognize the Fulbright Finland Foundation if the paper, talk, exhibit etc. comes from your time as a Fulbright scholar. There is no standard required language, but you can use, for instance the following sentence: “This research/work has been supported by the Fulbright Finland Foundation.”

If you find it necessary, you can also add a sentence to note that “the conclusions and content of this research do not represent an endorsement or approval by the Fulbright Finland Foundation or its sponsors.”

MODULE 3: Your Support Network in Finland

Learning objective: Ensure the health and safety of the Fulbrighters, and to ensure you know what to do and who to contact if something happens to you.

Pre-assignments:

MODULE 4: Importance of the Role of the Alumni

Learning objective: To understand your role and importance of the alumni in the Fulbright Finland Foundation community.

  • Contact your Fulbright Buddy. Fulbright Buddies are motivated Fulbright Finland alumni who are devoted in helping the U.S. grantees adjust to life in Finland.
  • Contact the Finnish Fulbright Welcome Network members who have been to your host city in Finland. You should have received the list of the members via e-mail from your program coordinator. 
  • See a list of the Fulbright Finland Outreach Ambassadors, volunteer alumni and grantees who are ready to help you to integrate and into the university community in your new host city.
Picture on pins in an alumni event

MODULE 5: Finnish Language and Living in Finland

Learning objective: Learn about Finnish culture and language, and to learn some useful phrases in Finnish, to get inspired to use them or study more.

If you want to read more about Finnish society and culture, here are some book recommendations: 

  • Richard Lewis: Finland, Cultural Lone Wolf
  • Anu Partanen: The Nordic Theory of Everything

For lighter reading:

  • Karoliina Korhonen: Finnish Nightmares
  • Michael Booth: The Almost Nearly Perfect People

 

MODULE 6: This is Finland

Learning objective: Get to know Finnish history, economy, and foreign policy.

MODULE 7: Education System

Learning objective: To learn about Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences, how they differ, and how they operate.