Exploring Fulbright Opportunities: Insights from Iceland with Petur Valsson (#13)

The Icelandic Association of Chicago hosts Petur Valsson, a Fulbright Program Officer at the Icelandic Fulbright Commission and part-time lecturer at the University of Iceland. Petur describes the Fulbright Commission's work and how Americans and Icelanders can apply for grants in study and research. Petur oversees US and Icelandic Scholar programs, the Specialist Program, and Alumni Affairs. The Fulbright Program in Iceland began in 1957 with a bi-national agreement, funding around 1,700 grantees over 67 years. The program initially focused on Icelandic students studying in the US but now sees more US grantees coming to Iceland, thanks to increased opportunities to study in English. The program includes Arctic-related grants and new initiatives in Arctic security and art and design. Grantees receive support for cultural integration and participation in local activities. Successful alumni include translators of Icelandic literature and contributors to STEM education. The Fulbright Commission encourages grantees to learn Icelandic and provides resources, though it recognizes the challenges. For more information on applying to the Fulbright Program, visit the Fulbright Iceland website or the Fulbright student and scholar program websites. Application deadlines are in the fall.