Goals of the Module:
To be confident in how to get started with your preparations for your grant term including the U.S. university application process. Gaining a deeper understanding of the Fulbright Finland Foundation and its grant programs.
STEP 1: Fall Orientation in Turku (Fri-Sat Oct 7-8) in conjunction with the American Voices Seminar
Pre-materials
- Watch the recording of the panel discussion: U.S. Professors’ Insights on Graduate Admission and Visiting Scholar Placement - Tips for Finnish Candidates (starting from 1:34:00, duration: 55 min)
- 2023-24 Finnish graduate grantees
- 2022-23 U.S. grantees in Finland
This will be your first orientation to learn about the practicalities in this stage of your Fulbright journey. You will also learn more about the Fulbright Finland Foundation and its programs and have a marvelous chance to begin your networking by meeting the 2023-24 Finnish cohort, current U.S. Fulbrighters in Finland, and alumni.
Your travel cost and accommodation will be covered by the Foundation. Further details of the orientation (including accommodation information and instructions for buying travel tickets) will be sent next week.
Program
The orientation begins with lunch on Friday and ends in the afternoon on Saturday.
- Read the orientation program and itinerary of the Fall Orientation and American Voices Seminar here.
TASK:
Send your portrait photo and your dietary restrictions to your program coordinator by September 26, 2022, 12:00 for the arrangements of the orientation.
Purchase your round-trip tickets for the event.
STEP 2: IIE Enhanced Placement Service (particularly for degree-seeking and non-degree students)
We understand that university application requires lots of time and effort. As a grant program benefit, the Foundation offers you an opportunity to receive personal placement service through our partner organization in the U.S. the Institute of International Education (IIE).
IIE Placement Advisors are specialists in American higher education and university admission related to specific disciplines. They can assist you in finding the right university match, and in the practicalities of academic and funding applications as well.
An overview of IIE placement services
Academic Placement Services General Webinar (Recording)
TASK:
Please inform your program coordinator of your decision on whether you will join the IIE Placement Services or not by September 22, 2022, 14:00.
STEP 3: Standardized Tests
TOEFL and GRE are common standardized test requirements for U.S. universities.* These tests usually do not concern Visiting Student Researchers. However, requirements vary across universities, thus it is best to check directly with your host institution.
We strongly recommend you take the tests as soon as possible as the test dates get filled up quickly. It is important to select a date that leaves you enough time for score reporting, admission application and if needed, retesting. Some universities have early application deadlines, for example, in November.
It is possible to borrow TOEFL and GRE preparation and practice books from the Fulbright Finland Foundation. Please get in touch for pick-up arrangements.
You can familiarize yourself with the American standardized tests on our webpage Kieli- ja Tasotestus.
Registration links:
TOEFL www.ets.org/toefl
GRE www.ets.org/gre
*If you take part in IIE Placement Services, IIE provides vouchers for taking standardized tests for free.
TASK:
Check the test requirements of your U.S. host institution and register for the tests if needed. Send your program coordinator your score reports.
Additional resources:
The following materials help you get familiarized with the graduate application process:
Please note that these pages are for the Fulbright Finland Foundation grantees only and not to be shared publicly.
