Learning Objectives of the Module:
- To deepen your understanding of your role as an ambassador for the Fulbright Finland Foundation, your home institution, and Finland.
- To give you ideas and tips for science communication
- To prepare you to enter a new culture in the U.S. and feel comfortable navigating it.
Ambassadorial Role
You are primarily a Fulbright Finland Foundation grantee. While you may receive additional funding support from other sources and organizations, you should remember to present yourself as a Fulbright Finland Foundation grantee. See from Module 2 examples on how to do that.
STEP 1: Introducing Yourself and Your Project
In the U.S. you will be introducing yourself to multiple new contacts and it's important to know how to concisely explain your research or studies and its wider impact to others.
How can you most effectively and quickly "pitch" it to them? You will meet your fellow grantees and partners of the Foundation at the Award Ceremony, so take the opportunity to practice introducing yourself during the orientation day.
TASK: Be prepared to briefly introduce yourself and your project at the Pre-Departure Orientation Day.
If you want to learn more about creating an effective elevator pitch, see examples (links to external sites):
- Pitch Perfect
- Communication Elevator Pitch
- Policy Elevator Pitch
- Six Simple and Irresistible Alternatives
STEP 2: Introducing Finland
You are also representing Finland during your time in the U.S. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has prepared materials that might be useful for you when you talk about Finland in the U.S.
Think of ways to share stories of Finland through your own interests and expertise:
- Do you like spending time picking blueberries and mushrooms? Tell about the Everyone's rights and the clean nature.
- Are you an expert in a field that Finland is known for? Talk about the latest innovations in AI, climate solutions, education, Arctic research, circular economy...
- Do you have kids in school? Share the unique features of the Finnish education system.
- Are you a former air guitar champion? Shed light on the quirky side of Finns and the different activities we are less known for abroad.
You will have a chance to discuss about Finland's country brand with Mika Kukkonen, Director of the Country Brand Unit from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs during the orientation day in Helsinki.
Communicating Across Cultures
During the orientation day, we will discuss the ‘cultural’ dimension of your exchange to the U.S. and give tips on how to embrace cultural newness in academic and everyday life.
Prepare for the discussion by watching the short video below and reflecting on how you will serve as a cultural ambassador and intrepid explorer during your visit to the U.S.
- Watch the video: Why we need to embrace culture shock – TedX Talk (10.33 minutes)
If you have time and you are interested in learning more, here are additional resources:
- If you have time, watch or listen to a recording of Fulbright Finland alum and Science Communicator Michael West's presentation Communicating Science Across Cultures (30 minutes, recorded on April 19, 2023).
- Watch or listen to a recording of the discussion Championing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in International Education (1 hour 10 minutes, the discussion starts at 8:00). You can easily listen to it during a walk or on your way to work.
TASK:
Think in advance the potential culture shock you may encounter, and which aspects of living in the U.S. may require more time to adjust to. You have a chance to discuss with Fulbright Finland alumni about these questions during the orientation day.
Please note that these pages are for the Fulbright Finland Foundation grantees only and not to be shared publicly.
