American Voices Seminar

Each year for the past 27 years, Fulbright Finland has hosted an event called American Voices Seminar at the University of Turku, 330km west of Lappeenranta. This year’s was on October 11th and 12th. The purpose is to share our perspectives of American society and culture to the university’s North American Studies program. During orientation we discussed topics with our fellow Fulbrighters and prepared presentations before arriving.

Photo credit: Fulbright Finland

The presentations lasted between 30 minutes and 1 hour each with time for questions. Titles included:

• Bless Your Heart: An Exploration of Southern Expressions
• Sustainable Biofuels and the American Dream
• ‘Melting Pots’: A Cacophony of Cultures, a Fusion of Flavors?
• Hiking in the United States
• Regional Cultures Across the U.S.
• Pizza: A Slice of American Life
• Holidays: From the 4th of July to Black Friday
• Learning Through Difference

As you can see, the topics were varied: lighthearted, serious, informative, introspective, and fun. I joined a group discussing hiking in the U.S. We briefly gave a history of the national park system and then talked about the Rockies, Appalachians, and my class trip to Texas and New Mexico this past winter. I loved the concept of American Voices because it portrayed, even in just one talk, the broad American experience.

As always, Fulbright Finland treated us really well. Throughout the weekend, the staff made sure to check in with us to see how our time in Finland was going so far. We had an hour-long debriefing session to share about our past few months and voice any concerns. Apart from eating lunch at the university’s cafeteria, we had a nice dinner right on the river and later happy hour at a bar. During meals and breaks, we were able to network with the Finnish grantees soon traveling to the U.S.

Once the event concluded, I stayed in Turku for an extra day to see more of the city with 6 other Fulbright students. First we went to the museum of history and contemporary art, Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. There we were able to explore underground ruins that told the story of the oldest city in Finland, which was also once its capital. After too much excitement involving a stranger falling unconscious at a bar, we spent the rest of the night chatting in a Thai restaurant until it closed. The next morning we woke up and watched one of Finland’s most beloved children’s cartoons: The Moomins. Our main highlight was visiting Turku’s castle. After breakfast and dropping our luggage off at the train station, we finally reached it- about an hour walk in total. We intended to catch the 12:15 tour but found out upon arrival that it was only offered in Finnish. This did not hinder us since the museum and castle signs were all in English as well. We spent three hours moving from room to room, immersing ourselves in history, and imagining what medieval life was like in Finland. And of course we had fun playing dress up. For the second time in two days, we were able to take advantage of the Museum Card that Fulbright Finland gifted us during orientation. Having this card encourages us to visit historical and cultural sites around Finland. Thanks Fulbright Finland for supporting our enrichment once again!

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