In the US for the Summer! @summerinstitutesnorge-blog - Tumblr Blog

Reporting in from Georgetown!

This week in DC has gone by so quick its really hard to believe one week is already finished. First of all Georgetown University is a amazing place to be its so beautiful, and with all the amazing people on top you just feel like staying here forever.

Although while living in Georgetown, the area close by the university we have been having a feeling of living in a bubble, everything feels so protected and nice. It does have a bit of a elitist feel to it, and people has been telling us this is not representable for US.

Never the less during our site visits and classes we have been able to explore every part of the US rich history. From the US Capitol, Trade center and different types of Museums which have help me understand how US has rise to be a market leader in several areas today and the proud nationalistic feeling they have.

I have also had the opportunity to meet several great professors here already and two I would like to make a special mention about would be Professor Langenbacher and Professor Ray they alone have been so good that I feel like they alone have made the trip to Georgetown worth it. One thing which especially spiked my interest was the symposium we had with US student where we discussed innovation differences between Europe and US. It really showed us the differences between US and Europe and how we could learn from it each other.

I am sorry for not keeping you guys more updated but the life in Georgetown. Its like a roller coaster ride over here you never know when the day comes up or ends its always something happening. Although I will try to keep you more updated from now on ;)

#leadership #innovation #cultural differences #Usman

A week......

This week has been a beautiful and adventurous week, at the same time a very confusing and heartbreaking one.

Washington DC is really “E pluribus unum – out of many, one.” For many of us from Europe, D.C (especially Georgetown) feels like a European city with very alike buildings, streets and small boutiques. This city feels still a bit different, rich in history and culture. A place so important for the world in so many ways.

This place becomes even more interesting with the people I spend my time with: the “GU-euro’s,” Georgetown University Europeans. People from different country, culture and background represent their country to share, inspire and get inspired.

It was a great experience to visit US Capitol, where important stuff happens! We visited the heart of America’s legislative branch, the Congress. We also got the chance to discuss European affairs with the lead staffer on the Foreign Relations. We took advantage of this “planed city,” and visited Americans most favourite architecture nearby: the White House (yes, this is the closest we got to Obama), the National Mall and The Lincoln Memorial. The most moving part of this visit was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and The Korean War Veterans Memorial. We learned a lot about what America is all about, the stories and the challenges.

Few days later, I read about the bombing in Oslo 22/7. A tragedy no one was ready for, an attack no one expected and a result no one hoped for! Been abroad made it even more difficult and everything felt so surrealistic! At the newseum (museum of news) I visited the part that covered 9/11 attacks. It made me even more aware of the global challenges for peace and humanity.

As a Norwegian in US I have received great support from the professors, fellow students and the “man on the street!”

Next week shall confront a new level of experiences, growth and understanding.

Special thanks to “GU-euro’s” mentors: Carmen Delehanty and Erin Buckly.

#innovation #Qadeer

Greetings from Philly

I have now been in the US for 9 days and it is about time that I update you!

It is all overwhelming, the people, the food, the weather and I am luckily past my jet lag. We are 17 students participating the summer programmer at Drexel University, in Philadelphia with focus on Civic Activism.

The participants are between the age of 18 – 23 years old and the majority of them are already in university or starting university this fall. Even though I am the only student that has one year remaining of High School, it really does not make a difference and you barely notice the age difference in this group. We are all getting along and in a very short time become good friends. We have students from The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, France along with Bjørg and I from Norway.

Our days starts out with classes in the morning such as academic writing and oral communication. We also have seminars with focus on «Social Issues in the US» and «Leadership». The classes are full of discussion and it is very encouraging to be here.

We do have course work in the different subjects and submit essays on a weekly basis.

During the week we have been here we have been like super tourists, we have been able to visit; the US Constitution center, independence hall and see the liberty bell here in Philadelphia. Seeing as Philadelphia is where the United States actually started from a historical perspective, we have also learned a lot about how the US became a nation. The very next day we were able to go to New York and during our one day trip we were able to visit Ellis Island, which was the first stop to the US for the millions of immigrants from all over the world. We were also able to see the very American symbol of freedom, the statue of liberty.

The day does not only consist of classes and visits, but we have also had some free time to explore Philadelphia, go shopping and being social. By the way, if you have any questions or want me to write about something specific please let me know. Using the comment field underneath or by sending me an email at [email protected].

Kind Regards,

Habon

The way there, and the first day as well

Kristians log, 17.07.11 22.19 PST, 07.20 GMT+1 After almost 28 hours of traveling, about seven hours of sleep and an eventful day here at EWU I'm finally finding time to do some blogging. The journey here was long and arduous, yet interesting and exciting as well. Saka and me were mistaken for being French, German and even British and we met lots of interesting people during our four different flights. On the way to Heathrow I sat next to a Norwegian couple, both of them were software engineers, and we discussed lots of interesting topics like Norwegian politics, American politics, culture and so forth. I learned that their luggage got lost in transit between Hethrow and LAX, but I'm sure they'll be alright. They were going to Hawaii after all. When we arrived at Heathrow I was dead set on getting a book for the next flight and we used quite a long time seartching for it. Considering that we ended up discovering that the book I was after was the only one in the series WHSmith didn't have in stock, that we didn't get to eat, and that there were some issues with our boarding passes, Heathrow ended up as a rather hectic experience. During the 11 hour transatlantic flight I got to know an elderly English woman who was going to Sidney, and me and Saka both connected with an Italian girl and her brother. We passed the time rather quicly by watching movies, talking and even sleeping, which was nice. When we finally got to LA and cleared customs and security control, my craving for a burger was finally satisfied at Burgerking and we had a pleasant one hour wait at the gate. The first minutes after takeoff from LAX are some of the most memorable of my life. To see the vast city laying beneath me, sprawling in all directions, and knowing that it held thrice the inhabitants of my entire home country was surreal and amazing at the same time. On this flight we met a Filipino woman who worked at a cruise ship traveling from Seatle to Manilla once a week. Seattle was in my opinion the most pleasant airport that day due to two important factors. One, we had plenty of time, and two, there was a pizza house there. Browsing the different shops, plugging in to the internet, watching the airplanes and talking to some US airforce recruits made the time pass quickly and before you knew it I was on the final flight, headed directly for Spokane. Here, I sat next to a local from Spokane, and we talked for 50 minutes about America's role in world politics, how the nation was effected by, and could combat, the after effects of the recession. It was a very interesting conversation where I learned a lot about American economics and also about what the new health care bill would mean for the economy. When we arrived in Spokane we realized to our dismay that our luggage was still in Seattle, yet after a short talk with the airline Sean Agriss offerd to pick them up in the morning. When we finally got in the van the clock was well passed 1 am locally and by the time we got to bed it was almost half past two, that is about 11 o'clock in Norway. As I'm writing this I feel my eyes pressing heavily against the back of my head so you'll excuse me if I keep the summary of our first day here short. -Woke up after seven hours of sleep. -Went to the supermarket to buy breakfast. -Begin prepearing breakfast only to learn that the others were going out for a walk to get breakfast. -Wolfing down breakfast, toast, and running after the others. -Mc Donalds -Orientation -Spokane -Met up with Sean and Gina in a park in Spokane to talk about expectations and program. -tour of park -Delicious steak at "Chilis" -Tour of Spokane -Blog -Sleep

#US culture #US geography #cultural differences #Kristian

Only a few hours left, before I am heading off to Georgetown University, United States, to experience a trip of a lifetime. I feel honored to be given this amazing opportunity and I am delighted to be part of a diverse group of students, while pursuing a course in Economics and Innovation.

Even though being part of this amazing opportunity it still feels a bit surrealistic, I am certain that I will always cherish this even for the rest of my life and I am truly grateful to Fulbright for allowing me to pursue this opportunity.

Truly looking forward to meet all the participants and learn from them all!

Usman Ali [Oslo, Norway]

#innovation #Usman

I'm actually here!

Yeah! Finally here, or that was three days ago, but it feels like yesterday. Me and Habon came to Newark, and due to the very, very, very long custom control, we actually missed our flight to Philly. But as the strong women we are(;-), we managed to rebook our tickets and find the train instead! This way, we actually got to see more of the US too.

Anyways, the last couple of days we have been travelling around Philly, shopping, going to classes and just getting to know the other participants. I can really recommend the Summer Institutes, it's so much fun, I have learned a lot about culture, US and also myself the last couple of days.

Now I have to do my homework(there's a lot), so I'll write to you guys later! Just bought a new camera too, so I'll try to upload a couple of pictures!

Bjørg :)

#civic activism #Bjørg

Two weeks to go

Hello there! My name is Kristian and in just two weeks I will attend the Education in the 21th century Summer Institute in Spokane, Washington. I'm 18 years old and I just finished my last year in Norwegian High School, that is Vidregående skole. For the first week of my summer holidays I have attended something called FOS in Kristiansand. FOS is an abbreviation for "felles opptak og seleksjon", or in English "The armies joint admission program for officer training". Being waked up at 5.am 6 days in a row might not be the most relaxng way to start the holidays, yet it has been fun and interesting as well. Due to a conflict of intrests between the Fulbright program and the armies schedule I had to return early. I litteraly can't wait for my trip to the US!

Intrests: Sci-fi, books, computers, technology

#Kristian

Teachers Summer Institute in Amherst, MA

Hi, I'm Anne Siri Kvia attending the Teachers Summer Institute in Amherst MA. I'm 36 years old and teach Social Science, History and Religions and Ethics at Oslo katedralskole.

Since we arrived almost two weeks ago we've been so, so busy with lectures, field trips, getting adjusted and just getting to know the other participants. There are also optional evening events, and so far we've been able to go to a concert, watch a (outdoor) Shakespeare play, attend a latin dance in a neighbouring town and gone hiking. Having a great time and can't believe how fast time goes by!

Tomorrow we're taking part in making food from our countries (the Norwegians are serving smoked salmon) and Saturday morning we're leaving for Boston - can't wait!

Thanks Fulbright and US State Department for this opportunity, truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Best regards, Anne Siri :-)

#Anne Siri

Anniken

Hi, I'm Anniken Jonas. I teach in Junior High School in Alta, 8 th grade. I'm one of three Norwegian teachers that are attending the Summer Institute in Amherst, Massechusetts.

So far we have had some very interesting lectures about various topics within the main topic "the USA". We have also been on some excursions in the close area of Amherst. This weekend we're going to Boston.

I feel honoured and lucky to be chosen for this course, because it is very enriching and exciting to attend the Summer Institutes.

Meeting some of the participant in Spain.

Hello everyone,

My name is Muna (Mona in Norwegian) and I am 19 years of age. I will be attending the Environmental Stewardship program at the Northern Arizona University. It is a great honour to be a part of this program and thanks be to the Almighty for this grand opportunity and all who made it possible.

After we were selected for the Fulbright summer program, we were encouraged to join the Fulbright Summer Institute 2011 group on Facebook so as to get to know other participants across Europe. I joined the group and introduced myself and saying which program I would be attending. The same was done by other participants. Everyone seemed friendly and had given permission to be added as friends on Facebook. So, I added the people I was going to attend the same program with and also others. They were from different countries such as the UK, Spain, Sweden and others. In May, I found out that I would be spending a few weeks in Madrid, Spain. I contacted a girl named Paula, who leaves in Barcelona for a few tips since I also wanted to visit Barcelona. She then told me that she would be coming to Madrid on the 28th to attend the Fulbright orientation day. Seeing this as a wonderful opportunity, we arranged to meet and have breakfast before she starts her orientation day at the Fulbright headquarters at 12 a.m. She had arrived with another participant called Marc also from Barcelona but he will be attending the Civic Activism program in Philadelphia. Over breakfast at Paseo de Castellana, we discussed on variety of topics such as; family, politics, economy, nature and of course the anticipated trip to the US. As the time for the appointment was nearing, we started heading off to the headquarters. There, I met another girl, who will be attending the Education program in Spokane, Washington. However, I had to leave and so we parted ways, each looking forward to meet the other in the US. It is not a surprise that through Facebook, people have been brought closer and are able to keep contact with old and new friends regardless of the distance. Thanks to Facebook, we had the opportunity to communicate and make arrangements to meet each other before our actual departure.

#environment #civic activism #cultural differences #Astrid #Bjørg #Habon

Next stop: Northern Arizona University

Hi!

My name is Astrid, and Im 21 years old. Ive recently completed a bachelor degree in international studies and geography from the Universtiy of Melbourne. Ill hopefully be pursuing a masters degree in political science in Oslo this fall.

Im beyond excited to be a part of the Environmental Stewardship Institute in the amazing location that is the Grand Canyon! Im sure it will be an experience of a lifetime, and I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity.

Ill be bringing my camera along, so despite my ineptitude at this blog thing, ill be able to provide nice photos to make up for what my posts might otherwise lack in content.

Only 19 days to go.

#environment #Astrid

Sacramento, The State Capital of California and more.

Hello again, this is Nina Wroldsen, SUSI-participant at California State University in Chico, Ca. We have just returned from Sacramento, the state capital where we have met with politicians, lobbyists and staff at The State Department of Education. It was a very interesting experience, and I see trends and similarities with Norwegian educational policies. A hot topic is the issue of textbooks, the question is whether to print them or to put them on the net as pdf files? It saves money and perhaps the environment? Is that the way the world is turning? Educational policies are interesting, but to meet the kids is just as, if not far more interesting. We have had some meetings with kids in various types of high schools that have been really touching. I will never forget these kids and their stories. I feel so priveledged to be here and experience all this.

The American Dream - yes please!

My name is Bjørg, and I am 22 years old. The last year I have been studying comparative politics, but in August I will go back to medical school, where I am in my fourth year.

When I think back this has been an unbelievable experience, somewhat like a dream. When I first found out that my interview was scheduled at the same time that I was in Bali, I didn't have very high hopes for being nominated. Despite of thunder and rain, it worked out quite well :)

So here I am, actually going to the US in less than two weeks. Looking forward to learning a lot, meeting new people, hanging out in the US and just having fun!

Thank you for giving me this amazing opportunity, Fulbright! And also thank you, Abbey, for helping us with all the technicalities regarding our departure and for answering all of our many questions!

See you soon!

Bjørg (Going to be a challenge to pronounce it, dear new friends!)

#civic activism #Bjørg

Introduction

Hi! My name is Sakariya or Zack. (Just try to pronounce how it is written then you have it IN between your fingers :)). Well as the rest of you guys, I study too. I am almost through with high school and have only one remaining school year. Most of the subjects are scientific, or what we refer to as Realfag in Norway. What I love? That`s obvious, football(or what you guys call soccer), music and reading books!

To be nominated has truly been a honour, and something I intend to carry with me for a long time. The thought of begin in Spokane (in Washington state) in less than 3 weeks is beyond describable. Truth to be told, I am excited as a little child.

So the remaining question is: Are you ready DC, because I am sure as ready for you!!!!

#Sakariya

Summer Institute for Teacher Trainer's and Scholars in Chico, California

Hello again, I am Nina Wroldsen from Bjørnholt Skole in Oslo. I am participating in The Summer Institute for Secondary Teachers and Teacher Trainers, hosted by California State University in Chico, California. It is just fantastic to be here and to meet the other participants and discuss education which we all are so interested in. We are having excellent scholars come and talk to us, and we are having such interesting discussions. I would also like to mention the fabulous staff here at the university who are catering for all our needs. Chico is a nice little town, with lots of green spots, nice cafees and shops. There is a big park, Bidwell Park (actually more like a forest) and a river that runs through the town, which is excellent for recreational purposes. We are going there for a BB next week I believe. The Campus of California State University in Chico is also worth mentioning, as it is so green surrounded by big trees and lovely flowers, as you will see in the photo. Thank you for giving me this wonderful experience.

Kind regards

Nina

#nina

Only 20 days left for our journey to the US

Hello, my name is Habon and I am turning 18 years old this week. I am going to participate in the Summer Institute on Civic Activism at Drexel University in Philidelphia. I am ccurrently an IB student at Berg vgs in Oslo and have one more year left of High School.

First of all I would like to say thank you to the US-Norway Fulbright Foundation and the US Department of State for this amazing opportunity.

I still cannot believe that I was informed of being accepted to this program 3 months ago, time sure does go by quicly.

Excited is a vague description of how enthusitiastic I am for all of us. I am leaving in 3 weeks and looking forward to sharing my experience in the US through this blog.

#civic activism #Habon

See You Soon Amherst

My name is Melisa L. McIntosh and I teach at an upper secondary school in Sola. I’m attending the Summer Institutes and will be posting some entries here about my experiences while I’m there. We are three teachers from Norway who are taking the American Studies course at Amherst College, Massachusetts. We are looking forward to meeting the other 27 participants from all over the world. I’ve bought our fellow participants some bookmarks (as you can see below) promoting Norway.

We were in Oslo last week and had lunch with some of the former participants from Norway. They gave some useful tips and advice. It was great to hear about all their experiences and their enthusiasm about the program. Being in Oslo and meeting everybody at the Fulbright office and all the other participants was inspirational. We felt very welcomed and well looked after by Abbey, our program officer.

Thank you to the US-Norway Fulbright Foundation and the United States Department of State for this great opportunity!

#education #US geography #Melisa

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