Danish Distinguished Scholar Award in American Studies
Denmark
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The most prestigious Fulbright grant in Denmark that combines research and teaching. There is no fixed template for how scholars divide their time between teaching, teaching related issues, and research, but both components should be nearly equally presented.
The Center for American Studies at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) features B.A. and M.A. degree options, as well as a Ph.D. degree program for selected students. The scholar will teach what amounts to the equivalent of an MA course/seminar each semester. The scholar will not have responsibility for directing a full course with its concomitant exam requirements but will be asked to contribute to courses taught by the permanent faculty at the Center for American Studies, including courses of the type that allow for case studies and levels of specialization.
Number of meeting hours per week: Usually three to four at the M.A. level. Graduate-level courses may include up to 50 students.
The scholar will also be expected to give at least one public lecture per semester. If times permit, he/she may be asked to assist in some advising of M.A. students and Ph.D. students in the areas of his/her specialization. Additionally, the scholar may be asked to join in talks regarding curriculum development.
Fulbright Denmark is responsible for the Fulbright program in Denmark. Both the Danish and U.S. governments financially support this program. This particular grant is co-funded by SDU and Fulbright Denmark.
Center for American Studies, University of Southern Denmark
Campusvej 55
5230 Odense M
One academic year (8 months) to be set between August to May or September to June.
SDU makes certain that housing is secured before arrival. The approximate monthly cost of housing in Odense is DKK 7,000–9,000. Utilities are DKK 1,500-2,500 more per month depending on the size of the rental.
For more information on housing, see this link.
Contact persons at the Center for American Studies:
Secretary Charlotte Granly, e-mail: granly@sdu.dk
Professor and Chair Jørn Brøndal, e-mail: brondal@sdu.dk
Fulbright Denmark offers an arrival orientation, enrichment seminars, social activities. Personal contact at commission throughout the arrival process and the entire stay. Attractive research environments with typically Danish "work life balance".
Please see the Award Benefits tab for more information on cost of living, bringing family etc.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Please contact Professor and Chair Jørn Brøndal, e-mail: brondal@sdu.dk to enquire about a letter of invitation.
All teaching will be in English; proficiency in another language is not required.
Associate or full professors preferred.
This award provides DKK 350.000/approx. USD 50,000 in total for one academic year (currency rate used: 1 USD = 7 DKK per December, 2023). The grant will be paid to the grantee’s Danish bank account in monthly installments. Included in this amount are cost of travel, cost of residence permit to Denmark, living cost, rent. The monthly stipend includes all expenses in relation to the Fulbright grant program.
Grantees will get travel costs refunded if related to mandatory Fulbright events in Copenhagen.
Travel within Europe can be subsidized by partner country commissions if related to Fulbright project.
Grantees should be prepared to cover most initial travel and relocation expenses before they can receive their first grant payment after arrival in Denmark. Travel costs for the grantee are included in the base stipend. The grantee may request a bank transfer of an amount up to DKK 10,000/approx. USD 1,430 (currency rate used: 1 USD = 7 DKK per December, 2023; note transaction fees to recipient) to help cover travel costs before arrival. The amount requested will be deducted from the base stipend.
Single person estimated monthly costs without rent: approx. 1,000-1,150 USD
Family of four estimated monthly costs without rent: approx. 3,700-4000 USD
Cost of living examples:
- Publicly recognized International school, monthly: 500-2000 USD
- Public transportation, single ticket within city centers: 2.5-4 USD
- Public transportation, monthly pass: 60-105 USD
- Coffee at a café: 4-7 USD
- Movie ticket: 15-20 USD
- Meal at Mid-range restaurant, three-course meal: 50-65 USD
- Gym membership, monthly: 25-50 USD
Rent should be expected to be in a higher price range in larger university cities:
- 1-bedroom apartment: 800-1,750 USD
- 3-bedroom apartment: 1,450-2,650 USD
Danish public schools (which includes Danish language classes) are free and available for children over the age of six, but day care and kindergarten are self-funded and only available once the child's Danish personal registration number has been obtained. If you are interested in having your child enrolled in an International School, please see above.
The scholar receives a private office in the same hallway where most of the American Studies faculty are located. Some secretarial assistance is available. The scholar will have full access to international databases from his/her office, the university library, and the Royal Library. Therefore, it will be possible to continue working on major research projects. The university library is fully computerized, and books can be ordered from any computer. In addition, American journals are available in full text format through any computer within the university network. It is possible to use PowerPoint, go online, etc. in teaching.
Free Danish language courses offered by the municipality of the city of residence.
Scholars and dependents staying in Denmark will have access to the Danish public health care system, when they obtain a Danish residence permit. Under the Danish health care system, health care in hospitals, from a general practitioner and a number of specialists is free. Dental care is self-paid. Scholars and their dependents are responsible for keeping their American insurances while in Denmark.
Please see the Country Overview for information on events and support offered by Fulbright Denmark throughout the grant period.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Denmark
One of the world’s oldest monarchies, the Realm includes Denmark, Faroe Islands, and Greenland. Twice named the happiest people on earth; highly developed public welfare system; bicycle culture; green energy; many traditions and great modern design - but Denmark is so much more! Why not apply for a Fulbright Scholar grant to Denmark and come see for yourself?
Higher education began here in 1479 with the creation of the University of Copenhagen and the culture it engendered has produced Tycho Brahe, Hans Christian Andersen, Soren Kierkegaard, Niels Bohr, Karen Blixen, Johannes V. Jensen and countless others.
Denmark is very design and energy conscientious with its windmill industry, focus on renewable energy, innovative solutions, and clean simple lines in classic creations.
Take a moment to imagine yourself as a Fulbright scholar in Denmark living among a population that consistently ranks above average on OECD’s Better Life Index in environmental quality, civic engagement, well-being, personal security, and a great work-life balance. Denmark offers a relaxed and friendly, yet pragmatic and modern lifestyle.
During your grant period, Fulbright Denmark will be there to help you settle into your Danish life. Fulbright Denmark will arrange for three meetings during the academic year; an Arrival Orientation in early fall, a seminar and Thanksgiving Dinner in November, and a Wrap-Up Seminar in spring. Should you arrive outside of these meetings, Fulbright Denmark staff will set up an individual arrival meeting and provide you with the same information. Fulbright Denmark works closely with all institutions of higher education in Denmark and can be your broker into the Danish educational system and culture. Fulbright Denmark urges you to make use of its knowledge while you are contemplating or planning to apply for a grant to Denmark.
There are eight research-based universities in Denmark: University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Roskilde University, University of Southern Denmark, Aalborg University, Copenhagen Business School, IT University of Copenhagen, and Technical University of Denmark. There is one university in Nuuk, Greenland (Ilisimatusarfik) and one university in Thorshavn, Faroe Islands (Fróðskaparsetur Føroya). There are also University Colleges and Schools of Applied Science which may best be compared to U.S. community colleges. There are also national artistic programs of higher education offered under the Danish Ministry of Culture.
Most of the higher education in Denmark is public and regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. These are some of the degree programs offered in Denmark: Academy Profession programs (2 years), Professional Bachelor’s programs (3-4 years), Fine Arts programs (3-4 years), University study Programs (Bachelor’s (3 years) and Master’s (2 years), PhD programs (3 years). You can read more about the degree programs on the Ministry’s website, specifically The Danish Higher Education System.
General information about the Danish academic year:
The fall semester runs from the end of August or beginning of September to approx. December 20. January is exam month. The spring semester runs from the beginning of February to approx. May 20. Part of May and June are for exams. There is typically a one-week fall break in mid-October and another at Easter. Most institutions are closed in the summer and so it might be challenging to reach relevant contacts during this period.
There are ample opportunities to liaise with colleagues and give guest lectures at other institutions in the country, and to participate in the Fulbright Inter-Country Travel Program with guest lectures in other European countries.
If an applicant would like to talk to a former US Fulbright scholar to Denmark, Fulbright Denmark will be happy to make this connection. Our website also provides stories and pictures from former scholars, and a list with current Fulbright grantees.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
The Center for American Studies was founded in 1992 to encourage research on the cultures, politics, literatures, and traditions of the United States. As the oldest and largest Danish Center for American Studies, SDU offers Denmark's only B.A. and M.A. programs in the field with approximately 20 new M.A. students and approximately 35 new B.A. students each year. Most of its faculty have been trained and have taught and published in the United States.
The addition of the Fulbright Distinguished Scholar helps the center cover a wider field and to stay up-to-date with contemporary developments. The Distinguished Scholar would be invited to participate in the Center’s many interdisciplinary projects, as well as in a number of conferences and seminars the Center organizes each year.