About the Program 

The Summer Institute for Norwegian Students in the Sciences will offer twelve (12) undergraduates majoring in the natural sciences the opportunity to work alongside U.S. faculty and students in an intensive academic program.  The six-week Institute will focus on the scientific work being undertaken in the polar regions in conjunction with the International Polar Year.  Topics may include climate change (both past and future); the influence of the polar regions on the global system; and community and environmental sustainability in the polar regions; among others.  All Institute activities will be conducted in English.

 

Participants will travel to the United States in early July 2009 (the program starts July 5, 2009) and stay for six weeks (42 days).  The program will be hosted by a U.S. university, which will be announced in March 2009. All participants will attend a debriefing and evaluation session in Washington, D.C., at the conclusion of the Institute before returning to Norway. The recruitment and selection of candidates for the Institute will be managed by the U.S.- Norway Fulbright Foundation for Educational Exchange.

 

Institute participants will be invited to (and expected to attend) the International Polar Year Conference in Oslo scheduled for June 8-12, 2010. The Institute faculty will travel to Oslo from the U.S. as well.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals interested in participating in the Summer Institute for Norwegian Students in the Sciences must meet the following eligibility requirements. Applicants must:

 

• have completed at least two years of undergraduate study in the natural sciences (fields of study include biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and physics)
• be highly proficient or fluent in English;
• have a demonstrated interest in the polar regions, including the circumpolar region and the High North;
• be able to participate in the program in its entirety;
• be committed to returning to their home university in the fall of 2009;
• have a sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated by academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
• and be willing and able to participate fully in the Institute academic program, including attending all sessions, completing all assignments, and contributing to classroom discussions.

 

Financial Provisions

Awards will cover all participant costs. Participants will be provided with the following:

 

• round-trip airfare from home city to the host university in the United States, including a stop in Washington, D.C., at the conclusion of the program to participate in a debriefing session;
• visa sponsorship;
• tuition and fees at the host university;
• lodging and meals on the host university campus;
• a small daily allowance for incidental expenses;
• health and accident coverage in accord with United States Government guidelines; and
• a book and educational materials allowance. 

Application Information

The application deadline is April 15, 2009.  Finalists will be notified in May 2009. Individuals from a broad range of ethnic, religious, geographic, and socio-economic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Application forms are available in an electronic format. To access the application, please click here. Along with the application form, applicants must submit certified copies of their grades and/or transcripts, and two letters of reference. The letters of reference should be sent directly from the referent to the Fulbright Office in Oslo.

Selected semi finalists will be asked to attend an interview conducted in English. Questions about the program should be directed to:

 

Sara Ullerø

Program Officer/ Student Adviser

U.S.-Norway Fulbright Foundation for Educational Exchange

Arbinsgate 2

0253 Oslo

sara@fulbright.no

Tel: +47 22 01 40 11