Learning Objectives 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 (both Fulbright grantees as well as those grantees participating in the Foundation’s other programs) 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.
Pre-assignments:
1. Learn about the Fulbright Finland Foundation
When you applied for your grant program and prepared for your interview, 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.
- Listen to this Yle Radio 1 program about Fulbright Finland Foundation’s past and present (40 mins)
- Check out the Year in Focus page (reading time 3 mins)
2. Learn about the Fulbright Finland Foundation and Its Global Network
- Watch the remarks by the Foundation’s CEO Terhi Mölsä addressing “The Global Fulbright Program at 75: Current Challenges and Opportunities”. (Opening Plenary of the 44th Annual Conference of the U.S. Fulbright Association, October 2021.) (13 mins)
- Players in the Fulbright Community (reading time 1 min)
- Read a brief description of the Fulbright program in the SAGE Encyclopedia of Higher Education (2020) (reading time 2 mins)
3. Learn about your role as the Foundation's grantee
- Read article "Citizens and Science Diplomacy" (Fulbright Finland News 1/2021) (reading time 3 mins)
- Watch "What Is Science Diplomacy for Addressing Global Challenges?" on YouTube (3 mins 20 sec)
- Read article "Knowledge Diplomacy vs. Soft Power" by Dr. Jane Knight, International higher education researcher and Fulbright alumna
If you have time and you are interested in learning more, here are additional resources:
- History Unlike Any Other page on the Foundation’s website
- The Fulbright Paradox (Foreign Affairs, July/August 2021)
- Science Diplomacy & ‘Together Shaping the Future’ by Dr. Anita Wagner, 2022-23 Fulbright-Tampere University Scholar Award
- Science Diplomacy in the European framework
- Pages 6-13 of the policy report for British Council on knowledge diplomacy compiled by Dr. Jane Knight, International higher education researcher and Fulbright alumna.
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.
Please share your questions and thoughts on this Jamboard in advance before the orientation day (you can do it anonymously). It may help the others in their thinking process as well. Please include your comments and questions in the Jamboard by May 8.
Please note that these pages are for the Fulbright Finland Foundation grantees only and not to be shared publicly.
