Module 8: After the Grant Term

Learning Objectives of the Module:

To internalize the benefits of becoming a lifelong Fulbright Finland Foundation ambassador and member of the alumni community
To learn about the diverse opportunities to engage and contribute as alumni
To get inspired to continue the proactive engagement and contribute to creating new opportunities

How to Stay Connected With the Community?

Alumni are the mainstay of the Fulbright Finland Foundation. All former grantees are by definition alumni and hence automatically part of our alumni community.

Alumni are involved in practically everything we do. In addition to supporting new grantees, you can, for example, get active in one of the ongoing projects and initiatives, join our alumni events, become a member of the ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association, or write an article for the Fulbright Finland News magazine. We also encourage alumni to proactively organize/host or sponsor events for the community, for example, in their home city or at their home organization. Please let Emilia Holopainen ([email protected]) know if you are interested in hosting an alumni event, or a site visit for alumni and/or U.S. grantees in Finland.

Further information on different alumni opportunities and ways to get engaged:

Opportunities for Alumni in Finland
Fulbright Finland Alumni Community
Resources for Fulbright Finland Ambassadors (videos, PowerPoints etc.)

I got so much during my year as a grantee and feel happy to start giving back through the Fulbright Finland alumni community. - 2021-22 Finnish Graduate student Olli Siitonen

Join Us for Alumni Events

The Foundation organizes in-person alumni events in Finland throughout the year. Some events focus on specific themes and are often organized in collaboration with our partners. In addition to discussions on timely topics, the events offer excellent opportunities for networking. For example, in January 2023 the Foundation organized an event focusing on Finnish-U.S. relations in the new transatlantic security environment. Alumni had the opportunity to discuss the timely topic with an expert panel representing both the U.S. and Finnish governments.

Invitations to the in-person alumni events are sent out based on information that alumni have themselves shared with the Foundation for inclusion in the Foundation’s alumni database. Make sure the Foundation has your updated contact information as well as information about your current professional and academic interests so that you will not miss out on these opportunities!

Annual Reception at the U.S. Embassy in August

The Foundation has traditionally organized an annual reception for all returning Finnish grantees and newly arrived U.S. grantees in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki in late August. It is a great opportunity to reconnect with your fellow grantees and also to meet the new U.S. grantees embarking on their grant term in Finland. You will receive more information about the reception via email pending confirmation for this year's event.

Fulbright Finland Alumni Letter

From now on you will receive an alumni message (please see an example of the message) a few times a year. It shares information about upcoming events, alumni funding opportunities, and other interesting news for our alumni. It also offers a forum for you to share your own news and accomplishments.

Please let your program coordinator know if you don't start receiving alumni messages from the Foundation (remember to also check your spam folder).

The opportunity to join the Fulbright Finland family has been a huge blessing, surrounded by like-minded individuals looking to push the boundaries of science and the arts while incorporating international exchanges over new vistas and deep cultural sensitivities. - 2020-22 Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Finland

Has Your Contact Information Changed?

The Foundation team wants to hear from you and is eager to continue to follow your alumni journey. To stay part of the alumni community and to allow us to keep in touch, please keep us updated on your contact information changes. Please fill out this form or email us if your contact information or position/affiliation changes. This allows us to also share your affiliation/position updates in our messages to the alumni community.

By maintaining us updated on your journey, we are also able to provide possible professional field specific opportunities for you and give you an opportunity to create connections with your fellow alumni.

For further information of our data handling, please see our privacy statement.