Learning objectives: To know which practical arrangements I must take care of before departing the U.S.
Bringing your family
If you have school or daycare-aged children accompanying you to Finland, begin the arrangements for their schooling in Finland immediately, and also contact your host if you need help with these arrangements.
In the Guide:
Do I need to arrange my own housing?
Housing in Finland is arranged and paid by your host institution if you are a
- Core Fulbright Scholar,
- Distinguished Chair, or
- Fulbright Specialist
These grantees need to discuss the housing details, including location, size, and possible taxation, with their host organization well in advance of arrival in Finland.
Make your own housing arrangements if you are
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program grantee
- Fulbright Mid-Career Professional Development Program grantee
- Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program grantee (Any special housing requirements should have been communicated at the time of applying).
In the Guide:
Medical clearance
Required by the U.S. Department of State, all Fulbright grantees (excluding Fulbright Specialists) must complete a medical clearance process. You are officially not a Fulbright grantee until you have passed the medical clearance in addition to signing the grant authorizations. Also, your ASPE benefit plan cannot be issued to you until you have clearance.
- Submit a Medical History and Examination Form, which will be provided by IIE. If you haven’t received instructions yet, IIE will send them to you soon.
- For questions about the process or timeline, contact IIE directly. The Foundation is not involved in the clearance process.
- Make sure you receive the clearance well before you depart for Finland.
Fulbright Specialists do not need to complete the medical clearance process.
Insurance and health
- Arrange the required insurance coverage.
- Familiarize yourself with how healthcare works for you and your accompanying family members during your grant term.
- Check the rules for bringing medication into the country.
In the Guide:
Begin communicating with your host
These points cannot be emphasized enough:
- If your grant term begins in early fall, contact your host and finalize Fulbright arrangements before summer. Finnish university faculty and staff are typically unavailable in June, July, and early August.
- Create a clear activity plan.
- Discuss expectations and requirements for the visit with your host well in advance (e.g. both of your roles, ethical approvals, processes for accessing research data in Finland, and their timelines).
- Scholars and research students: Ensure you are aware of the role of your host (see link below).
- Fulbright Specialists: Ensure you are on the same page regarding the project activities, and request a copy of your program from your host institution.
In the Guide:
Flight arrangements
Depending on your program, your flight may be arranged and purchased by the U.S. cooperative agency. However, in most programs, you will need to book your own travel. For further instructions, see the link below.
In the Guide:
Booking an appointment with DVV
- To receive your Finnish personal identity code, you must visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) soon after arriving in Finland.
- DVV recommends booking your appointment on DVV's website in advance (choose “English” in the top right corner of the website). We highly recommend booking your appointment while still in the U.S.
- Appointment availability varies: some grantees have secured times quickly, even as walk-ins, while others have faced significant delays. Since the identity code is essential for daily life in Finland, booking early is strongly advised.
- If family members are accompanying you, each person needs a separate appointment.
- Fulbright Specialists do not need to visit DVV.
In the Guide:
Please note that these pages are for the Fulbright Finland Foundation grantees only and not to be shared publicly.
