Annual Report

Orientation for GranteesOrientation for U.S. GranteesSummary of Non-Grant AreasAugust 2007:This year’s orientation meeting for U.S. grantees washeld on August 27, 2007, and included both graduatestudents and senior scholars together with theirfamilies.In addition to receiving practical information at themeeting, the grantees had a chance to meet oneanother, get acquainted with the Fulbright staff, andmeet former grantees. Grantees living outside theOslo area were housed at a nearby hotel at theFoundation’s expense.Two lectures were given as part of the orientationmeeting. Dr. David Mauk, Fulbright Board Memberand professor at the University of Oslo, informedabout “Norwegian Universities – What Can YouExpect?” and Dr. Ole Moen, Fulbright alumnus andprofessor at the University of Oslo, provided insightson “The U.S. Seen from Norway”A reception was held for the grantees, Fulbrightboard and staff, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs staffers,Norwegian alumni and partners at the NobelInstitute in Oslo. U.S. Ambassador Benson Whitneyand Nobel Director Geir Lundestad made theopening remarks.US Grantee Whitney Blanchard enjoys her time inthe snowFebruary 2008:In February 14, 2008, the Fulbright Foundationarranged a one-day grantee seminar in Oslo followedby a weekend ski retreat for the U.S. grantees andtheir families. As in the past, this event was atremendous success and an important part of theFulbright experience in Norway. For grantees livingoutside Oslo, this is one of the few opportunitiesthey have to meet and enjoy the company of otherFulbrighters, and to learn more about individualprojects.The grantee seminar: In 2008 the granteeseminar, with presentations of each grantee’s project,was held on Thursday, February 14, 2008, at theFoundation’s offices. Among invited guests were theiradvisors, the Fulbright board, and U.S. Embassy staff.US Grantees Erin Futterer and Jonathan Silvermanenjoy the orientation for U.S. Grantees.The ski weekend: As in previous years, the skiweekend took place at the Gausdal Høifjellshotelnear Lillehammer. The Foundation covered the costof the hotel, meals and travel for grantees and theirfamilies. Two members of the Fulbright staff and aboard member accompanied the group.page 8