Module 4: Fulbright Finland Foundation and its Global Network

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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:

2. Learn about the Fulbright Finland Foundation's Global Network

Over 160 countries participate in the global Fulbright Program with the United States. The fact that the Fulbright Finland Foundation is a part of this global network provides all of the Foundation’s grantees – both Fulbright grantees as well as grantees in the Foundation’s other programs – a direct access to the Foundation’s worldwide collaboration and alumni network. Learn more about the global Fulbright program:

3. Learn about your role as the Foundation's grantee

All of the Foundation’s grantees actively serve as citizen diplomats, but it is up to each grantee to decide what that role will look like. It will naturally be different for a senior researcher compared to a young undergraduate, for example, or a professional. But all are equally important. 

Reflect on your personality, preferences, and strengths, and start to think about how you wish to shape the role for you so that it feels comfortable and empowering. To help you design your own role, it is important to understand the different dimensions or emphasis that it could take. For this reason, take some time now to become familiar with some of the key concepts related to the Foundation's programs, such as science diplomacy, knowledge diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and public diplomacy, just to mention a few.

If you have time and you are interested in learning more, here are additional resources:

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 6, 2024.

 

Please note that these pages are for the Fulbright Finland Foundation grantees only and not to be shared publicly.