NORAM Yearbook 2020 and Annual Report 2019 by Norway-America Association

n i y d u t S ! A S U e th

Yearbook The Norway-America Association since 1919

with Annual Report 2019

Publisher/Contact us: The Norway-America Association Rådhusgaten 23B, 0158 Oslo, Norway +47 23 35 71 60 || info@noram.no Org. nr.: NO 940 469 643

Editors/Contributors: Hanne K. Aaberg, Liv Elin Hjelmeland, Ane Louise Toft Rud and NORAM students with all their stories and photos. Twitter: @NorgeAmerika Facebook: NORAMscholarships Instagram: NORAMscholarships Graphic design: Moloko – det lille designbyrået Printing: In-trykk

Photo: Silje Kalleberg

Cover photo: Silje Kalleberg – MSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering at University of California, San Diego, 2019

Total recipients:

Norwegian Master/PhD students to the U.S.

YEAR IN REVEIEW

2019

Norwegian Bachelor students to the U.S.

American Master/PhD students to Norway

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

What is NORAM? NORAM (The Norway-America Association) is a non-profit organization founded in 1919 with the purpose of supporting and encouraging educational exchange between Norway and North America. The organization has supported more than 5800 students studying in Norway, Canada, and the U.S. The Norway-America Association receives no public funding, and is financed by private members and sponsors.

OUR SCHOLARPSHIPS • Scholarships for Norwegian students master, PhD in the U.S.

Scholarships are awarded annually from several funds and endowments that NORAM administrates. We also work with organizations in the U.S., such as the American-Scandinavian Foundation, Thanks to Scandinavia and the Stuart Family Foundation, and we help administrate applications for their scholarships and grants.

• Scholarships for various academic stays and study tours in the U.S.

Mission: NORAM works to strengthen the ties between Norway and North America through higher education and culture. NORAM’s goal is to provide funding to give Norwegians and Americans the opportunity to study or pursue research in North America and Norway, and to be a part of an extensive Norwegian-American network. This way NORAM helps build competence, facilitate exchange, encourage international networking and mutual understanding on both sides of the Atlantic.

WE CAN HELP WITH • Advising and information about studying in the U.S and Canada.

Alf and Bergljot Kolflat Fund for Architects and engineers

Ambassador Robert D. Stuart Jr. Fellowship

Total scholarships:

4.5

m i l l i ons No r we gi an k ro n e rs

5 12 602

USD

• Scholarships for for American master and PhD students • Partnerships with American universities for bachelor scholarships

• Information about visas for training and intern programs

Scholarships for Norwegians: Master/PhD students 324 035 USD 2 883 908 NOK

Bachelor students 142 500 USD 1 268 250 NOK

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

Greetings from the Secretary General Since 1919, the Norway-America Association’s mission has been to encourage cultural and educational exchange between Norway and North America. A century later, we are delighted to say that we have helped more than 5,800 students fulfill their dreams of studying abroad. We are so proud of everything they have accomplished. In 2019, Kjetil Flatin completed his book, A Journey Through Higher Education, documenting the history of NORAM and our partner organization, the American Scandinavian Foundation. With the publication and release of the book, we gained a renewed sense of our history and accomplishments. Reading the stories of the many people who have championed the organization over the last century inspires us to broaden our visions and commitments for the future.

great flexibility in allowing scholarship arrangements to be postponed.

transatlantic cooperation through academic and cultural exchange.

The unusual situation has helped us realize and utilize the many possibilities of digital tools. NORAM aims to give free advice to students all over Norway; online educational fairs and student advising smoothens this process. We reach many more students online, and it makes it easier to connect students with potential universities.

We celebrated our centennial at Akershus Fortress, where we were deeply honored by the presence of His Majesty, the King of Norway. In connection to the event, we held our first-ever Alumni Association meeting in our office in Rådhusgaten, Oslo. Here we announced the establishment of the NORAM Alumni Network. We envision the network as bringing our diverse and talented alumni together for years to come.

Numerous universities are preparing for online education this coming fall. Based on this, Lånekassen is looking at more flexible solutions to finance education at foreign universities. This may give some students access to universities they would not have had before. However, we firmly believe that studying – physically – on a college campus in a new country, with all that entails, is of utmost importance for the full educational experience.

As an organization that has never received any government support, we are incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors, members, and volunteers who make NORAM’s work possible. We believe that in the next 100 years, NORAM’s vision will continue to expand, with new approaches to strengthen transatlantic cultural and educational exchange. To each and every one of you who contributes to our endeavors: thousands of students fulfilled their dreams over the last 100 years because of you. We are forever grateful for your support.

This celebratory year would not have been possible without the generous support from our sponsors, members, and alumni, to whom we are tremendously grateful.

NORAM will do all we can to continue providing free student counseling, awarding scholarships, and facilitating educational exchanges that strengthen the ever-important bonds between Norway and North America. These efforts will be greatly helped by the merger of NORAM and Norwegians Worldwide, which was finalized in June 2020. The new organization will be named the Norway-America Association/NORAM, and will have as its mission to promote

The new year, 2020, has brought new challenges. The global coronavirus pandemic has left our students in limbo. Thankfully, our partner organizations, the American Scandinavian Foundation and Thanks to Scandinavia, have shown

Hanne K. Aaberg, Secretary General The Norway-America Association

– Our students make us proud.

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

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100 years of NorwegianAmerican academic exchange A journey through higher education. Norwegian-American academic exchange 1919-2019

In the event of NORAM’s 100th anniversary, author Kjetil Flatin donated his time and creativity to the organization to write about its century-long history. While the book tells NORAM’s story, it also describes the broader context in which NORAM was created and developed. NORAM’s roots stem from an American-Scandinavian environment in New York at the beginning of the last century, where the idea of education as a peace project was frequently discussed. From then on, the book covers the many years of student exchange between Norway and the United States, highlighting some of the participating individuals and institutions.

Today, Norwegian higher education is characterized by our more than 100 years of close contact and cooperation with North America. The influence of this educational exchange is shown in the accomplishments of the students and the transfer of knowledge and insight across borders. The book is meant to fascinate and inform, but also to encourage prospective students to invest in their skills and education by taking the opportunity to travel abroad. Contact info@noram.no if you want to buy the book.

NORAM Alumni

Throughout 100 years, NORAM has supported more than 5800 students and academics with exchange between Norway, Canada and the U.S. We are very proud of our alumni, who consist of many prominent and successful graduates in a variety of academic disciplines. We would like to introduce our new students to our alumni, and our alumni to each other.

Mission

The NORAM Alumni Network aims to develop and strengthen the ties between alumni who have received NORAM scholarships. The Network fosters connections within the alumni community by organizing activities such as networking opportunities, guest lectures, and special events. These activities build valuable relationships, promote community engagement, and facilitate professional experiences.

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

Scholarship for bachelor studies in the United States College in the U.S. can be very expensive, but NORAM has made it easier for you. By working with selected universities in the U.S. we can offer you a simpler way to admission and scholarship opportunities. Apply with NORAM’s application for both admission and scholarships at our partner schools.

• Sophomore standing, finish college in three years instead of four • Scholarship towards your tuition, ranging from $2 500 - $30 000 • Waived application fees • Exemption from English proficiency or college admissions test

Check our website noram.no for application deadlines and school updates.

Find out where you want to go to college, and you can receive:

9 3

8 6

NORAM partner institutions NORAM is currently working with the following colleges and universities

1. California Lutheran University, California 2. Central Washington University, Washington 3. Clark University, Massachusettes 4. Concordia College, Minnesota 5. Hawaii Pacific University, Hawaii

6. North Park University, Illinois 7. Pacific Lutheran University, Washington 8. St. Olaf College, Minnesota 9. SUNY Plattsburgh, New York 10. University of St. Thomas, Minnesota

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

Scholarships for Master and PhD in the United States The Norway-America Association offers scholarships for Norwegian master and PhD students to study and research in the United States. Some scholarships are awarded directly from NORAM, others are awarded by our partner organizations American-Scandinavian Foundation and Thanks to Scandinavia. All applicants are automatically evaluated for all scholarships available.

Photo: private. Helge Jørgen Samuelsen, MSc in industrial mathematics at University of California, Berkeley

Scholarships are offered to Norwegians students/researchers to study in the U.S. to gain experience, strengthen competences, facilitate international exchange, encourage networking and increase understanding between the two countries.

Between 25 and 35 scholarships are awarded annually, with amounts ranging from $2 000 to $20 000. The scholarships are intended to cover costs beyond what Lånekassen and other funding sources cover and are awarded based on merit and need. Between 50 and 80 students apply every year, and the applications are thoroughly evaluated academically by NORAMs Scholarship Committee and academic consultants.

Scholarships for Americans to study in Norway The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support for Americans to study in Norway. By supporting graduate study or research in areas of mutual importance to Norway and the United States we hope to bring the two countries closer. By awarding scholarships to American students or researchers, knowledge and understanding will increase, and it will strengthen the ties of friendship between the two countries.

Every year, we offer five to ten scholarships to American students, based on merit and need. The amounts vary from NOK 10 000 to NOK 40 000. The size of the individual grants will depend on the research subject, purpose and the intended length of stay in Norway. Scholarship funds: the Norwegian Marshall Fund and the Thanksgiving Fund.

Alf and Bergljot Kolflat’s Fund for Architects and Engineers This scholarship fund was a generous gift given to the Norway-America Association by Alf and Bergljot Kolflat from Wilmette in Illinois. The fund was created in 1976, and has since supported many engineers and architects for study tours to the U.S.

experience. It is not intended for regular academic work, but for practical orientation and to gain experience, and may be used for attending a specific course, conference, seminar, or independent/organized research tour. It may also be used on visits to industrial plants and companies.

The scholarship is awarded to Norwegian engineers and architects with a minimum of three years of relevant work

Scholarship amount: Up to 40 000 NOK Number of awards: 1-2 per year

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

2019–2020

AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS

GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Agathe Malmberg // USD 20.000

Maria Lavelle // USD 20.000

MA in Civil Engineering at Florida Institute of Technology

MFA in Directing, Producing and Screenwriting at New York University Tisch School of the Arts

Jørpeland

Ann-Katrin Grotle // USD 15.000 Bremanger, Norway

PhD in Exercise Science at The University of Texas at Austin

Asgeir Barlaup // USD 13.225 Bergen

Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, International Negotiations/International Organizations at Fletcher School, Tufts University

Charlott Dazan // USD 20.000 Oslo

MA in Fine Arts Photography at Rhode Island School of Design

Charlotte Bjørnhaug Evensen // USD 16.450 Hamar

PhD in Economics at University of California, Berkeley

Danielle Dahl // USD 20.000 Oslo

MFA in Experimental Sound Practices/ Composition at California Institute of the Arts

Emma Tveit // USD 20.000 Porsgrunn

Ma in Middle East Studies with a concentration in Politics at Georgetown University

Erik Bøe // USD 20.000

Haugesund

Marjan Mosslemi // USD 20.000 Theran, Iran

PhD in Transportation Systems Engineering at University of California, Irvine

Ragnhild Bruland // USD 20.000 Oslo

PhD in Cognitive, Social and Developmental Psycholog at The New School for Social Research

Silje Knutsvik Kalleberg // USD 12.000 Stavanger

MSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering at University of California, San Diego

Siri Haver // NOK 99.000 Bryne

Master of Public Policy, Human Rights at University of Chicago

Stine Roland // USD 15.000 Gjerdrum

MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at New York University

Thea Charlotte Andersen // USD 20.000 Oslo

JD in Law at Boston College

Trondheim

MSc in Industrial Mathematics at University of California, Berkeley

Hans Anders Grevstad // USD 20.000

Brandbu Master of Business Administration at Zicklin School of Business

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM Ada Thuland // USD 20.000

Helge Jørgen Samuelsen // USD 20.000

Oslo

MSc in industrial mathematics at University of California, Berkeley

Magnar Sebastien Solensteen Gjertsen // USD 20.000

Sandnes

BA in Business Administration at California Lutheran University

Joanne Michelle F. Ocampo // NOK 100.000

Bergen

Løvenstad

BA in Theatre at Concordia College

DrPH in Public health at Columbia University

Celine Steine Bendriss // USD 20.000

Knut Olav Gjertsen // USD 10.000 Tranby

MSc in Applied Analytics at Columbia University

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

Oslo

BA in Chemistry at California Lutheran University

Ida Nikolic // USD 20.000 Oslo

BA in Psychology or Criminal Justice at California Lutheran University

Mathias Sandeberg // USD 20.000

Høvik BA in Business Administration at California Lutheran University

Jon Erik Tolo // USD 22.500 Jessheim

ness at University of Oslo

Maeve Mcgovern // NOK 15.000 Stowe, Vermont

PhD in Biology with research in Longyearbyen at The Arctic University of Norway

Molly Monroe // NOK 30.000 Davenport, Iowa

Master of Philosophy in health economics, management, and policy at University of Oslo

BA in Engineering at Pacific Lutheran University

Felix Whist // USD 20.000 Oslo

BA in Business at California Lutheran University

ALF AND BERGLJOT KOLFLAT FUND Betina Haraldsen // NOK 36.000

AMERICAN STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Fredrikstad

Research visit to Sun City Arizona, the original retirement community to learn why the Sun City model has flourished throughout the world. 2019 candidate

Bo Knoblauch // NOK 30.000

Jostein Utstumo // NOK 40.000

Elaina Weber // NOK 15.000

Research trip to California to study similarities and differences in building techniques of old traditional barn buildings from Nord-Østerdal. 2018 candidate

Brooklyn, New York MA in Furniture Design, with a focus in Sustainability and Renewable Materials at University of Bergen

Tynset

Northville, Michigan

MA in International Environmental Studies at Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Elizabeth Duskey // NOK 10.000

AMBASSADOR ROBERT D. STUART JR. FELLOWSHIP

PhD in Natural Resources, Fisheries Science at Cornell University, research stay at the Institute of Marine Researching

Håvard Sandvik // USD 20.000

Camden, Ohio

Hannah Hernandez // NOK 20.000 El Paso, Texas

MSc in International Environmental Studies at Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Oslo

Internship in Capitol Hill and studies at George Washington University Policy Advisor, Liberal Party Parliamentary Group

Kaja Gjelde-Bennett // NOK 20.000 Loveland, Colorado

MA in Philosophy in Indigenous Studies, South Sami Language Revitalization at The Arctic University of Norway

Kelly Fisher // NOK 11.000 Minneapolis, Minnesota

MA in Gender Studies, Education Policy for Gender Aware-

chase thety! opportuni NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

Reports from the field Emma Tveit

Georgetown University, Washington D.C. Master in Arab Studies My name is Emma Tveit, and I am currently in my second and final year of a master’s degree in Arab Studies at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. I am one of the lucky students who got my second year fully funded thanks to the amazing support of my university and Thanks to Scandinavia through NORAM. I’m specializing in politics of the Arab world, and I am writing a thesis on Oman’s foreign policies in Yemen. The degree is fast-paced and comes with a lot of stress, but the shared experiences and work means I’ve made friends for life here who make the late nights all worth it. My cohort at Georgetown is fairly small - we are 31 students from a range

Silje Kalleberg

University of California, San Diego MSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering

of countries, including the US, Norway, Syria, Palestine, the UK, Brazil, South Korea, and Jordan. It’s an amazingly diverse group who all share a passion for the Middle East, though we all have very different specializations; from gender and culture studies to politics and history. Those of us who do not speak and read proficient Arabic by the time we start the program go through intensive Arabic classes every day until we pass the proficiency test, covered by a language grant from the university. Once we pass this exam, we are required to take one Arabic content class each year - this year, I took a class called “Arabic ›››

At UCSD my program is meeting expectations due to well- prepared classes and extremely knowledgeable professors and teaching assistances. They are available for academic conversations at their offices several times a week and respond to emails whenever you need guidance. During the quarter I have developed knowledge about different programming languages within my field, like C/C++ and MATLAB, and a mathematical method to simplify real problems. This method is called Finite Element Method (FEM) and is the most widely used method for solving problems of engineering. Next quarter I want to enroll in more graduate courses within my field and learn more about the American engineering community. I look forward to enrolling in courses that will continue developing my skills in FEM. Beside school, I have met many incredible people and traveled a lot. I have visited friends and other NORAM scholars at University of California Berkeley, traveled to New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Texas. Next semester I want to explore Hawaii, Grand Canyon and go wine tasting in Mexico. In addition, I have been very lucky to meet an elderly married couple that has a long tradition of taking care of Norwegian students in San Diego. They have invited us home for dinners, Thanksgiving, the Jewish holiday Hanukkah and baseball matches.

When I started as a student at NTNU’s five-years’ integrated MSc study in Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2016, I already knew that I wanted to spend some time abroad, and the U.S. was one of the countries I definitely would like to visit. I therefore feel very privilege to be an exchange student in San Diego and complete one full year unit of study at University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

Spending time with this couple and other Americans has been a great way to learn more about the American culture and the country’s politics. I have learned a lot about myself and the U.S. I look forward to my next quarters in California, and I am grateful and proud to be one of your scholars. Thanks to NORAM and ASF for this unforgettable adventure.

Politics Through Literature,” where we read two novels in Arabic and discussed it every week, all in Arabic. In terms of professional development, the university offers a range of events and workshops each semester intended for graduate students to develop their skills and become more attractive in the labor market. I’ve been able to meet potential employers during formal presentations and more intimate coffee chats, and I’ve taken a data visualization class and a workshop on mining data from Arabic and English open sources. The classes themselves can also be very practical - I have taken classes at the School of Foreign Service where we wrote policy papers, memorandums, and op-eds rather than traditional academic essays. In one of these classes, Diplomatic and Military Statecraft, our class went on a field trip to the National Security Council in DC, where we got a tour of the building and had the chance to talk to people working there about their jobs and current American national security priorities. Perhaps the most important professional experience I have had the opportunity to have is through writing my thesis. My university funded a trip to Muscat, Oman for two months in the summer of 2019 for me to conduct my own fieldwork and interviews. I got the incredible opportunity to interview Omani and Yemeni diplomats and ambassadors about their countries and learn from their extensive experience. It was also great to just be in a new country where I could use Arabic every day and see new places every day. In D.C., I followed this up with expert

Molly Monroe

University of Oslo Master in Health Economics and Management

interviews with academics and foreign service members. Through the focus on producing publishing-quality material based on my own research, I also realized that I want to continue with Middle East research as my future career. Writing a thesis is also an excellent way to make contacts for a future job, too - I make sure to meet people from all the think tanks and research centers I would like to work at so they know who I am and can recognize me by the time I apply for a job. For someone interested in policy and international politics, there are few places better in the world than Washington, D.C. This is the home of American politics and international research, with too many think tanks, research centers, and events to keep track of. I have been able to attend two conferences on Middle East politics where some of the world’s leading experts talk about their own research and not a week goes by when there isn’t a talk, panel debate, book launch, or conference in town that is relevant to my interests. I want to thank NORAM so much for their support this year. This degree has been the most challenging academic experience of my life, but also the most rewarding. Aside from all the academic and professional experiences I have had here, the US is also a really interesting place to study and live. Outside of my studies I have been able to go to California, Seattle, New York, and lots of places near DC in Maryland and Virginia. I am so thankful that NORAM was part of making this happen, and I couldn’t imagine a better place for me to study.

academic goals of learning more about international healthcare systems, sharpening my economic evaluation skills, and understanding current public health and policy issues. After completing the master’s program, I want to take what I have learned and apply these skills and knowledge to improve the U.S. healthcare system in the future. My studies and research in the field of health economics will gather comparative information from Norway that will help to examine, evaluate, and influence future U.S. health policy. In the second year of my master’s, I have finished specialized courses related to economic evaluation, integrated care models, prioritization in health care, and non-parametric methods. My thesis will discuss the antimicrobial resistance trends across European countries and explore the connection between quality of government and antimicrobial resistance rates. My experience in Norway has been invaluable. I feel more confident in my abilities as a student, as a professional, and as a person. I have made connections with people from all over the world and improved my competence in my chosen field.

I was awarded a scholarship through the Norway-America Association’s The Norwegian Marshall Fund to support my studies in a program for a Master in Health Economics and Management at the University of Oslo. I am currently in my second year of the program and will graduate this spring semester following the defense of my thesis. With support from the Norway-America Association, I am able to pursue my

I would like to express my gratitude for NORAM’s generous financial support towards my higher education and giving me the opportunity to fund an experience that is a once in a lifetime. I feel that I am one step closer to achieving my goals. I believe that the knowledge and skills gained during this experience will positively impact my future work both in my professional and personal life. I am proud to be a NORAM member and alumna to support the great opportunities the organization provides for students like me.

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

Annual Report 2019 The Norway-America Association (NORAM) celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019, and we are happy to say the organization is still evolving. We are expanding our reach and modernizing our daily operations. We had a busy year in 2019, organizing and participating in more than 20 student events, as well as giving individual advising sessions in person and via email and social media. We continued to be a relevant partner to the study abroad organizations and institutions, and NORAM is a natural point of contact for many colleges and universities when visiting Norway. NORAM is an active member of the EducationUSA network which consists of more than 400 student advising centers around the world. The membership provides many funding opportunities and access to informational resources for NORAM, so we can provide better advising for students. Since fall 2014 the Norwegian currency has remained weak against the U.S. and Canadian dollar, making it increasingly expensive to study abroad. Our scholarships and free advising are therefore important for students to help them find a school that fits their budget and to achieve their educational goals in the United States and Canada. The 2019 centennial year was celebrated with several events, as well as the launch of the NORAM Alumni Network. By organizing fun and informational events we hope to get in touch with and engage former scholarship recipients as well as provide a network for new students who choose to study abroad. Additionally, the book “A Journey Through Higher Education. Norwegian-American Academic Exchange 1919-2019” by author Kjetil A. Flatin was published, both in Norwegian and English. Flatin has donated his time and expert knowledge to the organization throughout the last five years, in order to write and document the organization’s history. While this unique book tells the story of academic exchange between the two countries, as well as NORAM’s story, it also describes the broader context in which NORAM was created and developed. A Journey Through Higher Education is the history of academic exchange between a small country in Northern Europe and the United States of America. For the past century, students from Norway have traveled across the Atlantic to American colleges and universities, earning degrees in fields ranging from physics and chemistry to economics and library science. Kjetil A. Flatin explains how developments within higher education in the U.S. attracted increasing numbers of Norwegians and how their American experience, in turn, brought about change in Norway’s educational system. Two organizations, the American-Scandinavian Foundation, established in 1911, and the Norway-America Association, founded in 1919, played a decisive role in shaping attitudes

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

regarding academic exchange and in facilitating opportunities for students from Scandinavia and America. Flatin chronicles the history of these organizations and brings to light the importance of the collaboration they encouraged and nurtured. The book is available for purchase by writing to: info@noram.no. Read more at: noram.no/noram-100-ar/ MISSION The Norway-America Association’s mission is to strengthen ties between Norway and North America through educational and cultural exchange. We work to fulfill this goal through NORAM’s five scholarship programs, cooperation with 11 undergraduate schools, and the administration of many scholarships from other institutions in the U.S. and Norway. NORAM offers unbiased college advising through email, social media, telephone, and individual advising sessions. NORAM shares Secretary General and office space with Norwegians Worldwide (NWW), a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen cultural and personal ties between Norway and Norwegians abroad. NORAM also represents the American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) in Norway and works closely with Thanks to Scandinavia Inc (TTS), the Stuart Family Foundation, the American and Canadian Embassies in Oslo, ANSA – Association of Norwegian Students Abroad, the U.S.-Norway Fulbright Foundation, the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (DIKU), the American College of Norway, the American Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Norwegian Business Association, and others. SCHOLARSHIPS In 2019, the Norway-America Association awarded 37 scholarships amounting to NOK 4.5 million. Interest in studying or researching in North America is high, and we are not able to support all qualified applicants. The table (NORAM by numbers) provides a quick overview of the scholarships awarded in 2019.

NORAM BY NUMBERS: Scholarships awarded through NORAM’s programs in 2019 Number of scholarship recipients/trainees

Norwegians to the U.S.: Undergraduate admission and scholarships from schools

1 268 250

Awards for Graduate Studies and Research in the U.S.:

2 883 908

The Norway-America Association Awards (Norge-Amerika Stiftelsen)

199 000

American-Scandinavian Foundation Awards (ASF)

2 328 908

Thanks to Scandinavia

356 000

–

The John Dana Archbold Fellowship Alf and Bergljot Kolflat Award for Architects and Engineers (Norge-Amerika Stiftelsen)

2 ***

76 000

Ambassador Robert D. Stuart Jr. Fellowship: Award for Norwegian Politicians to the U.S.

178 000

Number of scholarship recipients/trainees

Americans to Norway:

Scholarship Amount (NOK)*

Norwegian Marshall Fund/ Norwegian Thanksgiving Fund (Norge-Amerika Stiftelsen)

156 000

American Civilization Lecturing Fund (Norge-Amerika Stiftelsen)

–

4 562 158 NOK

Total: * ** ***

Scholarship Amount (NOK)*

Awards made in USD have been converted using Norges Bank currency August 1st 2019, 1 USD = 8,9 NOK No applicant was awarded Including a candidate from 2018

– we are happy to say the organization is still evolving.

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

FINANCIAL SUPPORT NORAM receives no public funding from the Norwegian government. To cover the operating costs of the Association, we depend on our sponsors and members. We are grateful for their generous support. It motivates the organization to know that our sponsors believe in the importance of what we are doing and what we can accomplish. NORAM receives funding to cover specific EducationUSA costs, related to advising and outreach from the U.S. State Department. ACTIVITIES Through seminars, school visits and fairs, NORAM reaches a wide audience in Norway. Daily, the Association receives requests by e-mail, telephone, social media and in-person from individuals interested in studies in the U.S. and Canada. We offer accurate, unbiased, comprehensive, and timely information about educational institutions in the United States and Canada. We also give guidance to students, parents, guardians, high school advisers, and others on how best to access those opportunities. In 2019 we also attended or arranged 22 seminars, fairs, and open nights. Through these events, roughly 1800 students received information about NORAM and the programs that we offer.

Educational Fairs: Together with the U.S. Embassy in Oslo and EducationUSA, NORAM arranged the second EducationUSA fair in 2019. The fair was attended by 36 American universities as well as about 350 interested students and family members. It is the biggest American educational fair in Norway. NORAM joined ANSA for their second “Oppdag verden” tour in 2019, which visited 18 Norwegian high schools in several Norwegian cities, including Bergen and Stavanger. We talked to about 260 students at these school visits. NORAM also attended ANSAs Open Day event. NORAM was part of the planning committee for “College Day Scandinavia”, a fair held at Oslo Handelsgymnasium. For this successful event, we partnered with College Council, The U.S. Embassy, ANSA, the American College of Norway and EducationUSA. There were several presentations, workshops, and a fair with representation from a number of American and international universities for students to meet. NORAM was present at the “Ta Utdanning” college fair in Stavanger and Bergen, two of the largest education fairs in Norway. Additionally, NORAM was represented at two fairs for law students: in Oslo and Lillehammer.

There was a big turnout at the EducationUSA fair at Clarion Hotel the Hub in Oslo, November 9th 2019.

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

Seminars: NORAM is a sought-after partner for seminars on study opportunities in North America, aimed at various audiences including high school students, graduate students, school advisers, and parents. Our presentations provide overview of the U.S. education system, the best strategies for applying to schools in the U.S. and Canada, and information on sport scholarships, as well as our own scholarship programs. NORAM often collaborates with the U.S. Embassy, Fulbright, ANSA, and EducationUSA at these seminars. Visits from U.S. and Canadian Universities: NORAM is a natural point of contact for North American university representatives visiting Norway. During 2019, several representatives from members of the NORAM Undergraduate Scholarship program visited our offices as well as many representatives from universities that are not affiliated with our program. We are always interested in expanding our undergraduate school portfolio and learning about new schools as it helps us inform students better about their opportunities. We aim to host events for our partner universities when they are in Norway. EVENTS The Centennial Celebration The Centennial celebration was kicked off with the annual Award Ceremony (Stipenddagen) which was held in Oslo at Akershus Fortress on June 17th, 2019. H.M. King Harald was the guest of honor, and about 250 guests attended. All contributors throughout the day were NORAM Alumni, including the Master of Ceremonies, philosopher and Vice Chair of the Nobel Committee Henrik Syse, journalist Tove Bjørgaas, architect Betina Haraldsen, and recently graduated master’s student Camilla Lingjærde. Additionally, entertainment was provided by NORAM Alumna and violinist Sara Chen. The event was made possible with the help from our generous sponsors.

Left: Masters of the Ceremony Henrik Syse. Right: Scholarship recipients of 2019, both at Akershus Fortress, June 17, 2019.

The first NORAM Alumni event was held later the same day at NORAM’s offices where about 50 former students, members, and sponsors joined in the celebration. The book “A Journey Through Higher Education. Norwegian-American Academic Exchange 1919-2019” by author Kjetil A. Flatin was launched as part of the centennial celebrations on September 25th at the Nobel Institute. A panel debate on the topic of internationalization of education was held as part of the event. The debate was moderated by Petter Næss, Executive Director of Fulbright Norway, and the panel consisted of Bernt Hagtvet (Professor in International Studies at Bjørknes University College), Hilde Restad (Associate Professor, Peace and Conflict Studies, Bjørknes University College), and Liv Duesund (Professor, Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo). On the 21st of November 2019, the launch of the English version of the book took place at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington DC. The book and the centennial year were also celebrated at the Norwegian Consulate General in New York on November 18, and at the American Scandinavian Foundation on November 20th.

Author Kjetil A. Flatin presenting his book at the Nobel Institute. H.M. King Harald is welcomed to Akershus Fortress by NORAM’s Secretary General Hanne Aaberg and President Liv Elin Hjelmeland on June 17, 2020.

From left to right: Petter Næss, Executive Director of Fulbright Norway, Liv Duesund (Professor, Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo), Hilde Restad (Associate Professor, Peace and Conflict Studies, Bjørknes University College), and Bernt Hagtvet (Professor in International Studies at Bjørknes University College).

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

– We are deeply grateful for each of these generous gifts, as well as the support from our individual members and our cooperating partners.

The Annual Meeting The Association held its Annual Meeting in Oslo at the offices of Formuesforvaltning on June 27th, 2019. An account of NORAM’s activities was presented by the Secretary General, including the financial statement. The board members who were up for election were reelected with no changes. 4th of July NORAM was invited to the 4th of July celebration hosted by the U.S. Ambassador Kenneth J. Braithwaite at Villa Otium. The Ambassador presented an American flag from the Embassy in Oslo to President Liv Elin Hjelmeland and Secretary General Hanne K. Aaberg in honor of NORAM’s Centennial.

Traditional Christmas get-together: On December 9th, NORAM invited its scholarship recipients, alumni, sponsors, members of the Association, Board Members, and other friends to our traditional “Julegløgg.” Guests enjoyed traditional mulled wine (gløgg) and cookies in our office overlooking Akershus Fortress and the Oslo harbor. The event was hosted together with Norwegians Worldwide. STAFF NORAM maintained a permanent staff of two (one part time and one fulltime, equaling 1.6 FTE). Hanne K. Aaberg’s position as Secretary General was split between the Norway-America Association (60%) and Norwegians Worldwide (40%). Ane Louise Toft Rud maintained her position as Director of Scholarship Programs (100%). Lillian C. Skage held the position as P.A. and events coordinator, supporting NORAM with all the special projects related to the centennial celebrations. Molly Monroe, student and NORAM scholarship recipient, assisted part time throughout the centennial year, and Håkon Fougner and Frode Berg volunteered with the organization throughout the fall. Additionally, Elizabeth Ruth Stang, a student in the Norwegian program at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, interned with the organization in January 2019.

NORAM’s President Liv Elin Hjelmeland, U.S. Ambassador Kenneth J. Braithwaite, and NORAM’s Secretary General Hanne Aaberg at Villa Otium, Oslo.

American Coordinating Council of Norway (ACCN) – 4th of July in Frognerparken ACCN hosts a 4th of July celebration in Frognerparken every year, which is open to the public. In 2019, both NORAM and Norwegians Worldwide attended with a joint booth at the event to spread information about the organizations, and to be a part of the American community in Norway.

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

The Association’s accountant was Mia Grandin from Fast Accounting AS, and the auditor was Alfhild Moltu, at Langseth Revisjon AS, Registered Public Accountant. WORK ENVIRONMENT NORAM enjoys a positive working environment, with low sick leave. Our activities are not detrimental to the environment. There is no discrimination in our organization, and we offer work placement for candidates in job rehabilitation programs when possible.

A WORD OF THANKS Our high activity level would not be possible without contributions from our faithful and valuable sponsors. We are deeply grateful for each of these generous gifts, as well as the support from our individual members and our cooperating partners.

Furthermore, we would like to extend our deep gratitude to all the sponsors of the book for your generous support, making this project a reality:

We would also like to thank our Scholarship Committee, consisting of top academics and specialists from a number of fields, for their invaluable contribution to The Norway-America Association. The evaluation of the applicants involves a lot of hard work, tough decisions, and dedication to NORAM’s mission to promote educational exchange between Norway and the U.S. The input and evaluations from our academic consultants in the applicant’s field are also of great value, and we would like to thank them as well.

Halvorsen Family Foundation

Additionally, we would like to thank the former NORAM scholarship recipients that volunteered their time to start the NORAM Alumni Network who helped make this centennial year a success.

U.S. Embassy Oslo

Leif Høegh Foundation Ferd AS Anthon B. Nilsen Per & Astrid Heidenreich Family Foundation The Norwegian Shipowners’ Mutual War Risks Insurance Association Jens P. Heyerdahl d.y. American-Scandinavian Foundation U.S. Department of State

A warm and heartfelt thank you to the incredible Kjetil A. Flatin for the time and effort he spent on documenting the organization’s history by authoring “A Journey Through Higher Education. Norwegian-American Academic Exchange 1919-2019”.

Oslo, April 2nd, 2020

Liv Elin Hjelmeland, President

Halgrim Thon

Vibeke Steineger

Berit L. Henriksen

Jarl Ulvin

Inger E. Prebensen

Peder Chr. Løvenskiold

Helmer Aslaksen

Knut Brakstad

Hanne K. Aaberg, Secretary General

NORAM Yearbook with Annual Report 2019

Financial statement 2019 Norge-Amerika Stiftelsen Org. nr.: NO 977 130 972

The Norway-America Association Org. nr.: NO 940 469 643 In NOK

2019

2018

In NOK

2019

2018

Statement of financial position

Income Membership

71 480

61 850

Financial return of investments

3 898 949

- 428 953