Finland engages in world leading research, offers high quality academic programs, and is technologically one of the most advanced nations in the world.  In relation to the gross domestic product, Finland invests more in research and development than almost any other OECD country.  Finland is also one of the most active scientific publishers in the world, ranking fourth among OECD countries in 2002.  Together with a welcoming and intriguing environment, Finland offers a true option for a Fulbright student, a year full of things to explore.
 
An international student or researcher does not need to be fluent in Finnish or Swedish in order to be able to study in Finland.  English is widely spoken in the academic circles, and Finnish universities offer a wide range of programs and courses in English.
 
In recent years, Finland has become one of the most popular destinations of study abroad students in Europe.  Some 7,000 foreign students representing more than 40 nationalities are studying for a degree in Finland.  In 2003 approximately 6,000 came as exchange students or had an independent non-degree study or research experience.
 
Finnish universities are known for their high standards in both teaching and research.  Check out http://www.research.fi/index_en.html and http://www.minedu.fi/minedu/research/ to see what Finnish universities are up to.
 
Finland offers world-renown expertise in many areas, e.g. Information and Bio Technology, Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Architecture, Art and Design, and Music. Check out http://finland.cimo.fi/ and http://www.minedu.fi/minedu/education/ for information on Finnish universities and their program offerings.
 
Finnish lifestyle. In Finland you can experience a way of life that combines a dynamic urban culture with a richly diverse natural environment. Finland is also a society that enjoys the advantages of the latest technological advances. Check out http://virtual.finland.fi/
 
Over a thousand Americans have visited Finland through the Fulbright Program.  Each year approximately twenty American lecturers, teachers, and students are selected as Fulbright grantees.  They represent a variety of academic fields from environmental studies to music and engineering, and they travel to different corners of Finland, from the capital Helsinki all the way to Rovaniemi in Lapland. To many, it has been a life changing experience both personally and professionally. In their own words:
 
”The Fulbright Fellowship to Finland was the key that unlocked the door to my international career in the Information Technology industry.”
 
“Suomi is inspiration. In the nature, culture, and language of Suomi, I discovered a creative magic that will influence my art for lifetimes.”
 
"This was one of the best years of my life, and in the life of our whole family."
 
"I would not be the same person without this experience, and this year taught me much and shaped me as a person and a professional.  I will take the research and teaching insights I gained back to the U.S. as well as the greater cross-cultural skills I learned."
 
”Thank you for letting me be a Finn for a year."
 
More information on Finland:
 
../../www.fulbright.fi/
http://www.research.fi/index_en.html
http://finland.cimo.fi/
http://www.finland.org/en/
http://virtual.finland.fi/
http://www.finland.fi/
http://www.minedu.fi/minedu/culture/
http://www.visitfinland.com/
 
If you have any questions, please contact the Fulbright Center:
 
Fulbright Center
Kaisaniemenkatu 3 B, 5^th floor
FIN-00100 Helsinki, Finland
../../www.fulbright.fi/
E-mail:  office@fulbright.fi
Tel.  +358 9 5494 7400