Iceland 101 for U.S. Grantees

The Commission welcomed our newest American scholars and grantees to Iceland with a full-day orientation at the Fulbright office September 2. Throughout the day, grantees learned from Commission staff about the joys and potential challenges of adapting to Icelandic life. Grantees enjoyed sessions on many different topics, including Icelandic weather, nature, healthcare, culture, food and academia, to name but a few. Grantees also had a crash course in the Icelandic language and learned some phrases and sayings which they were encouraged to practice on Icelanders. Additional speakers included Erin Concors, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer and Fulbright Board member, and Fulbright alumna Christine Groves. The day ended with a lovely Indian style dinner at Austur-Indíafélagið, which serves Indian food showcasing Icelandic produce, a great example of successful cultural cooperation.

The Commission also hosted monthly enrichment events for our U.S. grantees in the fall. In October, the grantees visited Hólavallagarður, Reykjavík’s old cemetery, where they enjoyed an enlightening tour with supervisor Heimir Björn Janusarson and learned about the cemetery’s history, fauna, and flora. In November, the grantees enjoyed an informative visit to the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavík where they had the opportunity to speak with Deputy Chief of Mission Erin Sawyer, along with Rebecca Doffing, Arctic Watcher and Fulbright Board Member, and Helga Magnusdottir, Public Engagement Coordinator. At the Embassy, grantees learned more about Arctic initiatives, climate change challenges, and the special relationship between Iceland and the United States.

In December, U.S. grantees enjoyed a lovely Advent concert at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, featuring the Reykjavik Men’s Choir. The choir sang a selection of holiday masterworks from around the world, which the grantees enjoyed immensely. A highlight of the show was the guest appearance of Grammy awarded opera singer Dísella Lárusdóttir who joined the choir for a few songs. The Commission looks forward to introducing the grantees to more things Icelandic throughout this winter at upcoming monthly enrichment events.