Award Allowances
In Iceland: $4,000 per month or $4,500 per month for grantees with a dependent or dependents, payable monthly. A dependent must stay in Iceland for at least 80% of the grant period to be eligible for a dependent supplement. The grant is denominated in U.S. dollars but paid in Icelandic krona (ISK), according to the current exchange rate. The grant is intended to cover living costs in Iceland.
No separate housing allowance provided. Grantees are responsible for arranging their own housing, but the host institution is expected to assist the grantee in finding housing and settling in. Some hosts institutions may in some instances be able to offer on-campus housing.
In Greece: $2,500 per month. The base stipend amount will be increased by 150 U.S. Dollars per accompanying dependent (up to two dependents). Dependents must remain in Greece for at least 80% of the grant period to be eligible for a dependent supplement. A one-time settling-in allowance at $1,200 and allowances for extra luggage up to $200 (grantee only), for Greek lessons up to $450 (grantee only) and books and research materials up to $350 (grantee only).
Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee
Iceland: Travel allowance is $1,500 for the grantee only, payable with the first grant payment. Baggage allowance is $400, payable at the end of the grant period. All allowances are denominated in U.S. dollars but paid in ISK, according to the current exchange rate.
Greece: A one-time airfare allowance for travel between the USA, Iceland, Greece and return flight to the USA: up to $1,500 for the scholar plus up to $1,000 for one dependent. Travel details must first be approved by Fulbright Greece before flights are finalized. Airfare must be round-trip originating and ending in the USA with a connecting flight between Iceland and Greece or Greece and Iceland (depending on first receiving country). Airfare must be booked in time to span the entire grant period in both countries. Penalty fee coverage for flight rescheduling is not possible.
Do you offer additional dependent benefits
Yes
In Iceland, a $500 travel allowance per dependent. Children can attend primary and lower-secondary public schools at little or no cost, which is a great way to integrate into Icelandic society. The Commission can assist grantees in finding an appropriate local public school.
Greece: Up to $3,000 for primary and/or secondary private school.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Estimated Cost of Living
Iceland is considered a high-cost country. Housing is comparable to many U.S. cities, with housing most expensive in the capital area and less expensive outside the capital area. Food is relatively expensive compared to the U.S., but of high quality. Utilities are much less expensive than in the U.S. Many grantees live centrally and can walk to most destinations, but public transport in the form of buses is widely available.
Greece is not as expensive as other Western European countries but overall costs have increased in recent years. Housing expenses range from 600-1000 USD (studio apartment) to 800-1,500 USD for 2-3 bedroom apartments per month depending on location. These rates are for furnished apartments and include basic utilities. Quality fresh produce, groceries and other types of food can be found at reasonable prices. Eating out can be fairly inexpensive. Public transportation in major cities is not expensive and widely available (Metro, tram, buses and cabs).
Special Award Benefits
In Iceland the scholar will be invited to monthly grantee enrichment events provided by the Fulbright Commission during the academic year. Also, the scholar will be taken out to lunch at the beginning and end of the grant period in Iceland for briefing, debriefing.
Special funding for disabled grantees
Funding is available for U.S. Fulbright scholars to Iceland with a disability, be it a structural or functional impairment or activity/participation limitation, that entails additional costs that are not covered specifically through the Fulbright Program. Some funding may be available for a wide range of disabilities, including, for example, hearing, vision or movement impairment. The funding could, for example, be used to assist with specialized housing needs, in-country transport or specialized assistance. The extra funding amount will depend on need and will be decided by the Commission after consultation with the scholar. Funding is provided through the Bruce A. Fowler Mobility Fund.
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.
Contact at the Fulbright Commission in Reykjavik, Iceland: fulbright@fulbright.is
Contact at the Fulbright Foundation in Greece: advisor@fulbright.gr