Fulbright Hildeman Fellowship 2026–27 at North Park University, Chicago

If you are a Swedish scholar or artist passionate about Scandinavian Studies and eager to share your expertise in the United States, the Fulbright Hildeman Fellowship 2026–27 is now accepting applications. Established in 1986 to honor Swedish diplomat Nils-Gustav Hildeman, this fellowship promotes Scandinavian language, culture, and area studies in the U.S. by supporting a distinguished Swedish academic to teach, mentor, and inspire American students.

For the upcoming cycle, the fellowship will be hosted by North Park University in Chicago, Illinois during the spring semester of 2027, offering a unique opportunity for cultural and academic exchange.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

• Host Institution: North Park University, School of Music, Art, and Theatre, and the Center for Scandinavian Studies

• Program Focus: Scandinavian/Nordic studies, arts, music, theatre, folklore, ethnography, cultural studies

• Target Group: Swedish scholars and artists with teaching and research experience

• Level: Holders of a terminal degree (Ph.D., MFA, or equivalent)

• Award Value & Coverage:

  • SEK 150,000 fellowship grant

  • SEK 15,000 round-trip travel allowance

  • Accident and sickness insurance

  • Fulbright branding and access to university benefits

  • Coverage of SEVIS and J-1 visa fees

  • Studio space (art/music)

  • Up to $1,000 for research/conference travel in the U.S.

• Duration: Spring semester (January–May 2027)

• Application Opens: September 2025

• Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

• Notification: March 2026

• Program Start: January 2027

• Eligible To: Swedish citizens (dual U.S.–Swedish citizens are not eligible)

🧭 Program Overview

The Fulbright Hildeman Fellowship aims to:

• Promote interest in Swedish and Scandinavian Studies in U.S. higher education.

• Foster academic and cultural exchange between Sweden and the United States.

• Provide American students and faculty with exposure to Swedish perspectives in arts, humanities, and cultural studies.

🧩 Fellowship Structure at North Park University

During the fellowship term (January–May 2027), the selected scholar will:

• Teach one interdisciplinary undergraduate topics course (in English, 10–25 students).

• Deliver a public lecture, performance, or exhibition related to their field of expertise.

• Offer mentorship, informal advising, and possibly individual instruction to students.

• Engage with faculty across departments and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations.

✍🏻 Specializations of interest include:

• Scandinavian/Nordic art, music, or theatre history

• Folk performance traditions

• Improvisational art/music creation

• Nordic storytelling and performance studies

• Comparative indigenous and ethnographic studies

• Creative practice through a Swedish cultural lens

The fellow will work closely with North Park’s faculty to design the course and benefit from the resources of the Center for Scandinavian Studies, a long-established hub for Scandinavian culture and scholarship in Chicago.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

• Financial Support: SEK 150,000 cash grant + SEK 15,000 travel allowance

• Health & Visa: Accident and sickness insurance, plus full SEVIS and J-1 visa coverage

• Institutional Support: Studio space for artistic practice, access to university resources

• Academic Development: Up to $1,000 for research or conference travel in the U.S.

• Networking & Prestige: Integration into the Fulbright network and exposure in American academic and cultural circles

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold Swedish citizenship (dual U.S.–Swedish citizens are not eligible).

• Possess a terminal degree (Ph.D., MFA, or equivalent).

• Have university-level teaching experience.

• Be proficient in English for teaching and mentoring.

📝 Application Procedure

• Application Opens: September 2025

• Deadline: January 9, 2026

• Notification: March 2026

• Program Duration: January–May 2027

📂 Required Documents:

• Online application (via the Fulbright Commission website: www.fulbright.se/hildeman-fellowship)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Research/teaching proposal (including course concept)

• Degree certificates (Ph.D./MFA or equivalent)

• Proof of teaching experience

• Letters of recommendation

• Proof of English proficiency (if required)

Applicants are encouraged to prepare strong proposals demonstrating how their expertise will engage American students and contribute to North Park University’s interdisciplinary and cultural mission.

🚀 Final Thoughts

The Fulbright Hildeman Fellowship 2026–27 is a unique opportunity for Swedish scholars and artists to shape the study of Scandinavian culture in the United States while expanding their own academic and professional horizons. With generous funding, institutional support, and a platform to teach and inspire, this fellowship continues its legacy of strengthening U.S.–Swedish academic ties.

Applications close on January 9, 2026—don’t miss your chance to apply.

Details & Apply

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