Frequently Asked Questions

Viking scholars have a range of backgrounds, interests, and involvements. Recipients of Viking scholarships tend to be academically motivated, socially active, and globally minded. They are also the type of students who have an active presence in the classroom and in the community. Vikings scholars have an interest in making meaningful connections in other parts of the world as well as in the place they call home. Scholarship selection committees look for applicants who demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and creativity in their pursuits. Another aspect of Viking scholarship is the importance of loyalty and commitment. Every Viking will give her/his own definition of what it means to be a Viking—there is not one defining quality, label, name, or attitude that defines a Viking.

The BVO is the alumni organization whose primary members are scholarship recipients, informally called "Vikings." Viking family members and honorary Vikings are also members of the BVO. There are over 300 members of the BVO. The BVO is responsible for organizing alumni reunions, scholarship selections, fundraising, and alumni communications. The BVO holds an annual reunion called convention. Convention usually takes place in August or September and each year the location rotates between Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Madison, WI. Following his/her selection, new Vikings are immediately part of the Viking family. After a new scholar's scholarship experience abroad, scholars are expected to play an active role in the selections process upon return. New Vikings are specifically encouraged to play a role in marketing the scholarship, participating in selections, and apprenticing the next generation of scholars. Participation in the BVO is a lifelong opportunity. Vikings from all generations are encouraged to host visiting scholars in their homes, attend BVO social events, take part in BVO fundraising and annual dues, contribute to the BVO newsletter "The Ripples", and more.

In total, there are currently 7 active Viking scholarships that provide for 13 new Vikings to study abroad each year. Each scholarship is administered differently, but broadly speaking, the scholarships provide for full-time study with housing and travel allowances. As with any travel abroad experience, scholars should expect to pay moderate out of pocket expenses. Scholars are encouraged to secure additional funding to cover costs associated with international travel opportunities.

University of Wisconsin-Madison full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens can apply for three scholarships to study in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, and Norway. U.S. applicants do not need to be of Scandinavian heritage to receive a scholarship. The Madison Ehrnrooth scholarship offers two students the opportunity to spend spring semester in Helsinki, Finland. The Madison CBS scholarship offers two students the opportunity to spend a summer of study at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. The Madison Viking scholarship offers two students the opportunity to study at the International Summer School at the University of Oslo in Norway.

The selection process for the Helsinki scholarship usually takes place in March the year prior to the semester on scholarship.

The selection process for the Copenhagen and Oslo scholarship always takes place in October/November prior to the summer scholarship experience.

Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden who are full-time university students (preferably with a bachelor's degree) have the opportunity to apply for several scholarships to study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Every academic year, two students from two different Nordic countries will receive the Brittingham Memorial Scholarship. Every summer, two students from two different Nordic countries will receive the Brittingham Wisconsin Alumni Association scholarship for summer school. In addition, one student from Finland will be selected each academic year to study on the Brittingham Ehrnrooth scholarship. Also, one student from Norway will be selected each summer to study on the Apeland scholarship.

The selection process for each country varies but generally takes place in January/February prior to the summer/fall of the scholarship experience.

Applicants who are offered an interview should expect to meet with a panel of Viking scholarship alumni during the interview process. The interviews are professional in nature. Interviewees should expect a range of questions about their academic and social pursuits as well as their specific interests in studying abroad on a Viking scholarship.

Applicants should email the national coordinators at the following addresses:

Nicolai Ellehuus (Denmark)
e-mail: NicolaiEllehuus@hotmail.com

Eric Von Walzel (Finland)
e-mail: Eric@VonWalzel.com

Anders Loken (Norway)
e-mail: bvo.norway@gmail.com

Magnus Gottas (Sweden)
e-mail: Magnus.Gottas@nordiccapital.com

Viking Scholarship Coordinator (UW-Madison)
e-mail: VikingScholarships@gmail.com