Fulbright Finland News Magazine
It is only in retrospect that you can fully take in what you are experiencing in the moment. The feeling of being overwhelmed when you are in the middle of something great is not that uncommon. Judging what we go through can in other words differ as we look back at what happened. In today’s world it is easy to see challenges all over, and that is certainly an understandable reaction to events near and far. It is important that we don’t let events we can’t control distract us, but stay focused on the important things in all circumstances.
The work of the Fulbright Finland Foundation is one of many success stories we can point to in our society.
The work of the Fulbright Finland Foundation is one of many success stories we can point to in our society. For over 75 years, Fulbright has offered us the opportunity to experience another culture, both through academic institutions, but also on a full societal level. And this can be life-changing. Putting yourself in new situations, in a new environment – and doing so with open eyes and an open mind, is one of the keys to growth.
I experienced my life-changing exchange as a 17-year-old on an island in the Atlantic when I spent a year as an exchange student on Terceira, an island in the Azores. The inspiration to explore and challenge myself did come from my parents, who both studied in the U.S. in the 60s, my father as a Fulbright scholar.
The path of personal growth is one that looks different for all of us. For me, one invaluable part would be spending time in new surroundings. The Fulbright program offers opportunities to do so whilst still relating to the field of study that you are familiar with. In that sense it provides a best-of-both-worlds approach. Being in an environment that inspires drives new thinking almost by itself, and in today’s world we need to find ways to think new thoughts.
Some universities require a semester abroad as a prerequisite for graduation. I quite like this approach, even though I realize that what works for some may be more challenging for others.
What our society needs today is for us all to be more understanding, more appreciative of our differences, and more aware of the fact that we have to constantly move forward. There is no such thing as a status quo in our societies. Either we move forward or we fall back. And Finland needs to realize that moving forward requires us all to be able to see beyond our borders. And that happens far more easily if we actually know what is out there.
In many respects the importance of caring for the transatlantic bond is bigger now than perhaps ever. We, who can see and experience the awesome results of shared values, prosperity, and growth, must also know that we should not take things for granted. In order for us to secure this for the next generation as well we need to make a solid effort. And no one does that better than the Fulbright Finland Foundation. So it is with strong conviction that I endorse this work and hope even more people will get the opportunity to experience the growth and fulfillment that time abroad can lead to.
Anders Adlercreutz
Minister of Education
Read the whole Fulbright Finland News 1/2025!
