The Fulbright Specialist Program – 2-6 weeks in Denmark

The Fulbright Specialist Program, part of the larger Fulbright Program, was established in 2001 by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program is an initiative in which host institutions can invite highly qualified U.S. academic or professional specialists to contribute to and work on projects of shared interest. By sharing their expertise, the host institution and specialist work towards strengthening the linkages between the U.S. and the Danish host institution.

Fulbright Denmark accepts projects from host institutions with a named specialist in mind OR so-called open projects, where the concept of the project is articulated but no particular specialist is identified.

Two possible tracks

1. NAMED SPECIALIST

Should the host wish to develop a project proposal more collaboratively with a specific individual (i.e. named project model), they should register in the so-called Specialist Roster for review. The Roster is a database, where all Specialists have to register to be pre-approved. We strongly recommend that the Danish institution be in contact with any individuals of interest before submitting the application to confirm the schoolar’s interest and availability.

2. OPEN PROJECT MODEL

Through the open project model, Fulbright Denmark can directly recruit individuals from U.S. colleges for the project of a Danish institution. This is an excellent way for the Danish host to be able to review multiple potential candidates with a strong interest in their project.

Project activities

Host institutions design collaborative projects in over 20 eligible disciplines, including education, business, law, environmental science, journalism, and public health. Specific project activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Delivering a seminar or workshop
  • Consulting on faculty or workforce development
  • Developing academic or training curricula and materials
  • Co-lecturing at the graduate or undergraduate level
  • Conducting needs assessments or evaluations for a program or institution

You can find examples of previous projects here (for all types of host institutions) and here (for Danish Vocational Colleges and Schools of Applied Science).

Fulbright program covers:

Timeline and application procedure

Read this timeline for named projects, where host institutions and prospective specialists have established contact ahead of their application.

Named projects

Read this timeline for open projects, where the host institution has identified a project but needs assistance with finding a relevant specialist.

Open projects
  • Roundtrip airfare (economy class)
  • Health benefits program
  • Daily honorarium for Specialists

Host institution covers:

  • Lodgings
  • Meals
  • In-country transportation

Projects must be between 14-42 days (travel days included). Multi-visits may be possible, but the combined number of days for both visits cannot exceed 42 days.

The goal of the Specialist program is to develop and promote long-term academic and professional linkages between individuals and institutions in Denmark and the U.S.

students, scholars, meeting, studies

Eligibility

  • For specialists: Be a U.S. citizen; and have significant experience in one of the eligible disciplines, as demonstrated by professional, academic, or artistic achievements.
  • For host institutions: Institutions of Higher Education, Government institutions, Cultural institutions, NGOs, Medical or Public Health Institutions.

For a complete list of eligibility requirements, please visit the Fulbright Specialist website. If you have questions, please contact Fulbright Denmark.

Advantages of the Specialist Program

  • Very flexible, can be an “appetizer” for long-term exchanges
  • The visit can be adapted into the existing curriculum and semester schedule
  • Academic excellence “on demand” – specialists can contribute to very specific challenges and knowledge gaps
  • Host institutions gain global perspectives from experienced academics and professionals from the U.S.
  • Perfect for projects that require a rapid response or flexible timeline
    through short-term, year-round exchanges
  • Building sustained relationships with individuals and host institutions in
    the U.S. – ad possibilities for long-term alliances.