Fulbright Center News

Transkriptio

1 Fulbright Centerin tiedotuslehti Vol. 14 Nro 1 (39) Kevät/Spring 2004 Scholar of the American Scene pages Tässä numerossa / In this issue: Stipendihaku alkanut (sivu 5) Jatko-opiskelijastipendeihin korotus (sivu 5) American Students for Nominated (page 7) Fulbright Center News

2 Kolumnit From the Executive Director Two years ago, the Fulbright Center embarked on the challenging task of program evaluation, as the changing demands of international education called for adjustments in Finnish-American academic exchanges. Since then, the Center has implemented several changes in existing programs and introduced brand-new scholarships. The Fulbright Senior Specialists Program, for example, was announced in the previous issue of this newsletter. The Program has already generated five Finnish-American projects, and Finnish universities will welcome the very first Senior Specialists later this month. On that note, I have the pleasure of announcing two improvements which will take effect in the academic year First of all, the ASLA- Fulbright Graduate Grant will be increased by USD 5,000 in response to the rising costs of tuition at American universities. After this significant increase, the maximum Graduate Grant will amount to USD 28,000. The second change involves the cost-share program with Finnish universities, which will be extended to include researchers. The universities share of the costs will be decreased, while the Fulbright Center will assume a greater financial responsibility. At the same time, the program administration will be streamlined to make the cooperation easier and more attractive to all parties involved. These changes were made possible by a combination of factors. On the one hand, the Fulbright Program in Finland has undergone a major reorganization, which has resulted in reduced administration costs. The savings have been channeled into the grant programs. On the other hand, the Finland-America Educational Trust Fund has continued to provide its vital support to the Fulbright Center despite fluctuations and diminished yields in the stock market. Income from the Fund currently constitutes more than half of the Center s budget. It is now an opportune time for the Fulbright Center to assess the changes that have been implemented during the past two years, and to review the operation of the Fulbright Program in Finland in view of the long-term goals of the binational program. These issues will be assessed in May 2004 when the Board of Directors of the Fulbright Center will convene to prepare a Strategic Plan for the future development of the program in Finland. Terhi Mölsä Is the Asla-Fulbright Exchange Program Still Competitive? When a program comes of age, it is also prone to self-reflection and wants to look back and think about its development and its achievements. But it is not enough just to see the rear view, as the road ahead with new twists and turns is equally important. And the educational environment today is indeed very different from the post-war era of 1952 when Finland joined the Fulbright program. The ASLA-Fulbright program has an impressive record in Finland. The list is long of leaders in all walks of Finnish society who are also former Fulbright scholars and it is easy to imagine what the influence and the ripple effects of the program have been in this country. So, why the question, when the answer is obvious. Or is it? In the early days of the program in the 1950 s, the Fulbright exchange was one of the largest academic exchange programs in the world. Today, the scene of international education is rather different with many exchange and scholar opportunities within and outside of Europe. Even though the Fulbright program is no longer the largest in relative size, it can nevertheless be described as an idealistic, high-quality flagship program that attracts top academic candidates of any participating country. On the other hand, Education today is a commodity in the global market and thus also very dependent on what else goes on in the world. This means that all educational actors, irrespective of motivation and standard, are also dependent on global developments. At the moment, it seems, we are going through a major transition. Europe is joining forces to create the ERA, the European Research Area, which it wants to attract top scholars from all over the world. The Nordic countries work intensively towards the creation NORIA, the Nordic equivalent of the ERA. ERA and NORIA are the next logical steps in the European and Nordic policies. On the other hand, the reputation of top American universities is unrivalled and they are also the top favorites particularly among science postdocs all over the world. The overall picture is, however, very confusing. Where Central European university systems, particularly French and German, are criticized as bureaucratic, outdated, underfunded, and suffering from stagnation and lack of dynamics (Time, January 19, 2004), the current heavy-handed immigration policies in the U.S., visa restrictions and delays result in global frustration in the academic world. And American universities are extremely worried about the dwindling flow of foreign scholars and students to their programs. The Fulbright program is not exempt from these global trends. Students and scholars assess their options carefully. Juggling with personal career plans, bureaucratic delays and long waiting times weighs heavily in the final choice of country and institution. And with the increased global competition, there is a risk of some grantees even withdrawing from the program. The answer to the question in the title Are we still competitive? is thus yes and no. It is the red tape that is creeping in from outside that is now threatening the program s success. Red tape, however, can be cut, is being cut and the sharpest edge is our mutual cultural exchange. The ASLA-Fulbright program and the premises it is based on are sound and solid. It also has the full support of the educational authorities of both countries. Its aims are highly valued, its reputation is impeccable and its practical management smooth. Former Fulbrighters speak highly of their Fulbright experience in unison. The program is dynamic by nature and capable of change and development. Krista Varantola, Professor of English (Translation Studies), University of Tampere Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Chair of the Fulbright Center Board of Directors 2

3 Sisällys In this issue Photo: Aleksi Jantunen Professor Jeffrey Meikle and his wife Alice are staying at the Fulbright Bicentennial Residence in Helsinki. Professor Meikle is the current Bicentennial Fulbright Chair in American studies at the University of Helsinki. Traditionally, the holder of the Chair is also a sought-after speaker in other universities and institutions. Professor Meikle's interview is on pages Kolumnit... 2 Värikylläinen vuosi... 4 Stipendihaku alkanut... 5 Jatko-opiskelijastipendeihin korotus... 5 Senior Specialist -stipendit...6 Joustoa Cost-Share -ohjelmaan... 6 Luennoitsijavierailuihin matka-apurahoja... 6 American Fulbright Program Amerikkalaisten Fulbright-professorien haku alkanut...7 Vaihdot edelleen suosiossa... 8 Community college -varteenotettava vaihtoehto... 9 International Relations Scholar of the American Scene Ontario: Discover the Possibilities Suomalaiset TOEFL-testin parhaimmistoa...15 Fulbright Center mukana opiskelijamessuilla LA as in Living Artistic LAndscape dialogue. (towards dunes city oregon)...18 Welcome to Suomi A Nobel Cause...19 Poems on Helsinki in March...19 ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association 50 Years Turning Points Raija Sollamo Fulbright Centerin johtokuntaan Raimo Väyrynen as the President of Academy of Finland Infotilaisuuksia FC:ssä Fulbright Center Fulbright Center News on Fulbright Centerin asiakaslehti, joka ilmestyy kaksi kertaa vuodessa. Lehdestä julkaistaan myös verkkoversio. Seuraava numero ilmestyy syksyllä Artikkelit ja muu aineisto pyydetään toimittamaan 1.9. mennessä. Artikkeleissa ilmaistut mielipiteet ovat kirjoittajien omia. The Fulbright Center News is a biannual newsletter published by the Fulbright Center in Finland. The Fulbright Center News is also available online. The next issue will come out in Fall, The submission deadline for articles and other materials is 1 September. Opinions expressed by authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Fulbright Center. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material in this publication, the Fulbright Center does not accept liability for any errors or omissions. Aineisto vapaasti lainattavissa, lähde mainittava. Reproduction allowed, source must be cited. Päätoimittaja/Editor-in-Chief Terhi Mölsä Executive Director The Fulbright Center Vastaavat toimittajat/editors Laura Pohjola, Johanna Lahti The Fulbright Center Ulkoasu ja taitto/layout Banzai Direct Marketing Oy Toimituksen yhteystiedot/ Contact Information The Fulbright Center Kaisaniemenkatu 3 B, 5 th floor Helsinki, FINLAND Fulbright Center Opening hours Mon-Wed, Fri 9:00-15:00 Thu 9:00-18:00 Summer hours Please consult for exceptions in opening hours Tel Fax office@fulbright.fi Levikki/Circulation: Painopaikka/Printed by Suomen Painotuote Oy 3

4 Stipendiaatit kertovat Värikylläinen vuosi Rosenthalin ryhmään, jossa on mukana sekä tutkijoita että väitöskirjan tekijöitä. Opetusmenetelmät poikkesivat siinä määrin suomalaisista, että totutteluun meni muutama kuukausi. Opetus ei perustunut valmiin tiedon tarjoamiseen, vaan opiskelijoiden omaan ajatustyöhön, keskusteluun ja vuorovaikutukseen. Aluksi tuntui siltä, että muut opiskelijat ovat ehtineet paljon minua pidemmälle. Tietyssä mielessä tämä pitikin paikkansa, koska Suomessa mielenfilosofian opetusta ja tutkimusta on vielä vähän. Totuin kuitenkin melko nopeasti opetustapaan ja pystyin osallistumaan täysipainoisesti keskusteluun, Arstila sanoo. Arstila palasi Suomeen elokuussa Sen jälkeen hän on toiminut teoreettisen filosofian tuntiopettajana Turun yliopiston filosofian laitoksella. Hän on soveltanut Fulbrightvuotensa aikana omaksumiaan opetusmenetelmiä omassa työssään: todellista oppimista ei tapahdu opettelemalla, vaan oivaltamalla. Luennoilla ei jäljennetä käsi kipeänä piirtoheittimellä heijastettua tekstiä tai kuunnella luennoitsijan paperinmakuista puhetta. Perinteisille kalvosulkeisille onkin jo kaivattu vaihtoehtoja. Olen perustanut luentosarjoille omat kotisivut, jonne laitan muistiinpanot nähtäville jo ennen luentoja. Näin opiskelijoiden aika ei kulu tiedon jäljentämiseen, vaan luennoilla voidaan keskittyä itse asiaan ja käydä keskustelua. Usein keskustelu jatkuu vilkkaana vielä varsinaisen luennon jälkeenkin. Yritän myös olla mahdollisimman hyvin tavattavissa luentojen välillä, jos opiskelijoille tulee kysyttävää. Opiskelijat voivat olla minuun yhteydessä vaikkapa sähköpostitse. Pyrin vastaamaan kaikkiin luentojen aihepiiriä koskeviin kysymyksiin. Valtteri Arstila valmisteli Fulbrightstipendillä värihavaintoja käsittelevää väitöskirjaansa New York Universityn filosofian laitoksella. Oivaltamiseen perustuvat opetusmenetelmät tekivät Arstilaan vaikutuksen: hän soveltaa niitä myös omassa opetustyössään Turun yliopistossa. Valtteri Arstilan väitöskirja käsittelee värihavaintojen syntyä: ovatko värit fyysisiä ominaisuuksia vai ihmisen aistimusjärjestelmässä syntyviä havaintoja? Väitöskirja kuuluu mielenfilosofian tutkimusalaan. Mielenfilosofia tutkii tajunnan ja ruumiin suhdetta, ihmisen tietoisuuden tasoja ja kokemusten syntyä. Tieteenalana se on lähellä kognitiivista psykologiaa ja kognitiotiedettä. Kognitiivinen psykologia keskittyy ihmisen tiedonkäsittelyyn, ja kognitiotiede tutkii tietoon liittyviä ilmiöitä, kuten ajattelua, oppimista, muistamista, kieltä ja käsitteitä. Mielenfilosofia on Suomessa vielä nuori ja vähän tutkittu tieteenala. Siksi päätin hakea Fulbright-stipendiä, Arstila kertoo. Valtteri Arstila haki opiskelupaikkaa New York Universityn (NYU) filosofian laitokselta, koska sen opettajakuntaan kuuluu filosofi Ned Block, yksi mielenfilosofian tunnetuimmista tutkijoista. NYU:n filosofian laitos on sijoittunut kärkisijoille erilaisissa laitosten välisissä vertailuissa, ja mielenfilosofian alalla sitä pidetään Yhdysvaltojen parhaimpana. Opiskelupaikka järjestyi, koska väitöskirjani aihe sopi hyvin laitoksen tutkimusohjelmaan. Minun kannaltani paikka oli paras mahdollinen, ja NYU oli paras vaihtoehto myös vaimolleni, joka matkusti mukanani Yhdysvaltoihin. Hän jatkoi siellä lääketieteen väitöskirjansa tekemistä itsenäisesti ja kävi seuraamassa yliopiston korkeatasoisia yleisöluentoja. Oivalluksia opetustyöhön Arstila aloitti opintonsa New Yorkissa elokuussa Hän pääsi maailman johtaviin tietoisuuden tutkijoihin kuuluvan David New York, New York Iso omena. Maailman pääkaupunki. Kulttuurien sulatusuuni. Kaupunki, joka ei koskaan nuku... New Yorkista on jo sanottu kaikki mahdollinen. Valtteri Arstilan mukaan kaupunkia ei ole turhaan kehuttu, sillä parempaa opiskelukaupunkia on vaikea kuvitella. Hän kiittelee Fulbright-ohjelmaa Yhdysvalloissa hallinnoivan IIE:n Event Desk-palvelua, joka teki kaupungin kulttuuritarjontaan tutustumisen mahdolliseksi opiskelijabudjetilla. New Yorkissa asuvat ja siellä vierailevat Fulbright-stipendiaatit saavat ilmaislippuja kulttuuritapahtumiin: konsertteihin, elokuviin, teatteriin, näyttelyihin, oopperaan, balettiin... Muuten lippuja voi olla vaikea saada, ja ne saattavat maksaa satoja dollareita. Kaupunki oli maineensa veroinen, mutta ihmiset eivät he olivat mainettaan parempia. Valtteri Arstila ei allekirjoita käsitystä tylyistä ja itsetietoisista newyorkilaisista. Kaupunkilaiset olivat avoimia, avuliaita ja ystävällisiä. Vuoden kokemuksella Arstila kyseenalaistaa toisenkin kliseen. Suomi ei ole New Yorkin näkökulmasta syrjäinen maailmankolkka. Ihmiset tiesivät Suomesta yllättävän paljon, enemmän kuin monet eurooppalaiset. Moni esimerkiksi tiesi, että meillä on naispresidentti, ja joku muisti myös warlord Mannerheimin. Nokia tietysti tunnettiin, mutta suomalainen kulttuuri oli teknologiaa tunnetumpaa. Kaurismäki sai paljon julkisuutta, ja New York Times julkaisi vuoden aikana ainakin kolme laajaa artikkelia suomalaisista kapellimestareista. Arstila palaa New Yorkiin maaliskuussa. Hän jatkaa väitöskirjansa valmistelua tutussa työryhmässä parin kuukauden ajan. Näillä näkymin väitöskirja valmistuu ensi vuoden alkupuolella, ja jos aikataulut sen sallivat, vastaväittäjänäkin toimii tuttu mies: David Rosenthal. Teksti: Timo Luhtanen Kuva: Riikka Kurkijärvi 4

5 Fulbright Center julistaa haettavaksi seuraavat apurahat: Stipendihaku alkanut LUKUVUODELLE Fulbright Centerin dollarin apuraha perustutkinto-opintoihin henkilölle, jolla jo on opiskelupaikka Yhdysvalloissa ja joka aloittaa opintonsa siellä syksyllä Hakemuksen liitteenä oltava yhdysvaltalaisen korkeakoulun hyväksymiskirje. Hakuaika päättyy Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation Fulbright -stipendi kansantaloustieteen jatko-opintoihin. Hakuaika päättyy LUKUVUODELLE ASLA-Fulbright stipendit jatko-opintoihin (ei lääketieteessä tai hammaslääketieteessä). Opiskelu USA:ssa on aloitettava tällä stipendillä. Hakemukseen on liitettävä voimassa oleva todistus suoritetusta TOEFLkielikokeesta (vähintään 250 pistettä tietokoneavusteisesta testistä). Apuraha on suuruudeltaan tai dollaria. Hakuaika päättyy Fulbright Centerin stipendiohjelmien tarkoituksena on edistää Suomen ja Yhdysvaltain kansojen keskinäistä ymmärrystä koulutus- ja kuttuurialojen vaihdon kautta sekä tukea ja kehittää kansainvälistä yhteistyötä koulutuksen ja kulttuurin saralla. Stipendihakemusten arviointiperusteet: - hakemuksen omaleimaisuus ja innovatiivisuus, - hakemuksen selkeys ja toteuttamiskelpoisuus, - akateemiset ja/tai ammatilliset valmiudet ja pätevyys, - perustelut opiskelu- tai tutkimusprojektin suorittamiselle Yhdysvalloissa, - projektin merkitys alan tietämyksen kehittämisessä, - projektin merkitys Fulbright-ohjelman tavoitteiden saavuttamisessa, - henkilökohtaiset ominaisuudet: sopeutuvuus ja soveltuvuus toimia Fulbright-ohjelman lähettiläänä Yhdysvalloissa Stipendiä ei voida myöntää Yhdysvalloissa asuvalle henkilölle. Hakijat, joilla ei ole lainkaan tai joilla on vain vähän kokemusta Yhdysvalloista, saatetaan asettaa valinnoissa etusijalle. Stipendiohjelma on tarkoitettu lääketiedettä ja hammaslääketiedettä lukuunottamatta kaikkien alojen hakijoille. Erityisesti humanististisia tieteitä, yhteiskuntatieteitä, kasvatustieteitä ja taidealoja edustavia hakijoita kannustetaan hakemaan stipendiä. Lisätietoja Fulbright Centerin toimisto (Kaisaniemenkatu 3 B, 5. kerros, Helsinki), puhelin (09) Hakulomakkeet ohjeineen saa internetistä osoitteesta Kirjeitse lähetettyihin hakulomakepyyntöihin on liitettävä 0,90 euron postimerkein varustettu C4-kokoinen palautuskuori. 4. Mid-Career Professional Development apuraha. Tämä 4-6 kuukauden apuraha on tarkoitettu työuransa keskivaiheilla oleville, oman alansa asiantuntijoille, jotka haluavat kehittää ja laajentaa ammattialan tuntemustaan (ei akateemiseen tutkimukseen). Hakemukseen on liitettävä tarkka suunnitelma projektista ja/tai opinnoista sekä kutsu vastaanottavasta laitoksesta. Apuraha on suuruudeltaan dollaria. Hakuaika päättyy ASLA-Fulbright -jatko-opintostipendin enimmäismäärä nousee dollariin lukuvuonna Stipendisumma on porrastettu opiskelijan todellisten opiskelukustannusten perusteella. Lukukausimaksuja maksavan opiskelijan stipendi on dollaria. Stipendi myön- Jatko-opiskelijastipendeihin korotus 5. ASLA-Fulbright stipendi nuorelle tutkijalle tutkimustyöhön (ei lääketieteessä tai hammaslääketieteessä). Tutkimustyö USA:ssa on aloitettava tällä stipendillä. Hakemukseen on liitettävä kutsu vastaanottavasta laitoksesta. Nämä 4-6 kuukauden apurahat ovat suuruudeltaan dollaria. Hakuaika päättyy netään dollarin suuruisena niille opiskelijoille, jotka eivät joudu maksamaan amerikkalaisen yliopiston lukukausimaksuja. Tällaisia opiskelijoita ovat mm. väitöskirjatutkimukseensa stipendivuotenaan keskittyvät jatko-opiskelijat, jotka eivät suorita kursseja Yhdysvalloissa. 5

6 Ohjelmia korkeakouluille Senior Specialist -stipendit Teknillisen korkeakoulun Yhdyskuntasuunnittelun koulutus- ja tutkimuskeskukselle on myönnetty stipendi Fulbright Senior Specialists -ohjelmassa. Professori Gary Anderson Johns Hopkins -yliopistosta vierailee laitoksella maaliskuussa Regional Manager John H. Eaves, Peace Corps, vierailee Senior Specialist -stipendillä Lapin yliopiston kansainvälisten asiain yksikössä kesäkuussa ja elokuussa Jazz-muusikko Armen Donelian on saanut Senior Specialist -stipendin vieraillakseen Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulussa touko-kesäkuussa Armen Donelian opettaa New School -yliopistossa New Yorkissa. Fulbright Senior Specialists -ohjelma tarjoaa mahdollisuuden kutsua amerikkalainen asiantuntija vierailulle 2-6 viikon ajaksi. Ohjelmasta kiinnostuneet korkeakoulut saavat lisätietoja Fulbright Centeristä, puhelin (09) ja Fulbright Centerin kotisivuilta Senior Specialists -stipendiä tulisi hakea viimeistään 3-4 kuukautta ennen suunniteltua asiantuntija-vierailua. Luennoitsijavierailuihin matka-apurahoja Inter-Country ohjelman kautta suomalaiset yliopistot ja korkeakoulut voivat hakea Fulbright Centeristä matkaapurahaa ja kutsua toiseen maahan sijoitetun Fulbright -luennoitsijan Suomeen lyhytaikaiselle, noin viikon kestävälle vierailulle. Matka-apuraha kattaa vierailevan luennoitsijan edestakaisen lentomatkan Suomeen korkeakoulupaikkakunnalle, edullisinta lentohintaa käyttäen. Vierailun muista kustannuksista vastaa kutsun esittänyt korkeakoulu. Matka-apurahaa ei myönnetä lääketieteen aloille. Lisätietoja matka-apurahoista saa Fulbrigh Centerin koulutusasiantuntijalta Terhi Topilta, puh. (09) Joustoa Cost-Share -ohjelmaan Yliopistot ovat jo pitkään osallistuneet ASLA-Fulbright -ohjelmaan ns. Cost-Share -stipendien kautta. Cost-Share -ohjelmassa yliopisto ja Fulbright Center ovat jakaneet yhden ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant -stipendin kustannukset. Nyt Cost-Share -ohjelma on muuttunut entistä joustavammaksi. Lukuvuodesta alkaen yliopiston maksuosuus Cost-Share -stipendistä laskee 35 prosenttiin. Samalla stipendin enimmäismäärä nousee dollariin. Yliopiston osuus enimmäismääräisestä stipendistä on siis dollaria. Yliopiston ei enää tarvitse ennakkoon ilmoittautua ohjelmaan. Mukaan pääsee toimittamalla yliopiston Cost-Share -ehdokkaiden hakemukset Fulbright Centeriin mennessä. Uusia mahdollisuuksia tutkijoille Jatko-opiskelijoiden lisäksi yliopisto voi jatkossa valita Cost-Share -ehdokkaikseen myös nuoria väitelleitä tutkijoita 4-12 kuukauden stipendikaudeksi tai varttuneita tutkijoita 4-6 kuukaudeksi. Cost-Share -ohjelman tutkijastipendin suuruus määräytyy stipendikauden keston mukaisesti siten, että 12 kuukauden stipendi on suuruudeltaan dollaria. Jatko-opiskelijan Cost-Share -stipendi voidaan myöntää entiseen tapaan yhdeksi lukuvuodeksi. Jatko-opiskelijan stipendisumma on tai dollaria. Edut stipendiaatille Opiskelijalle ja tutkijalle ASLA-Fulbright - ohjelmaan osallistuminen tuo stipendisumman lisäksi myös monia muita rahanarvoisia etuuksia. ASLA-Fulbright -stipendiaatit saavat mm. vapautuksen viisumianomusmaksusta, ilmaisen sairaus- ja tapaturmavakuutuksen, opiskelupaikan hakuun ja Yhdysvaltoihin lähtöön liittyvät neuvontapalvelut sekä mahdollisuuden osallistua Fulbright-ohjelman järjestämiin seminaareihin ja vapaa-ajantoimintaan Yhdysvalloissa ollessaan. Myös matka-apurahoja stipendikauden aikana tapahtuviin konferenssimatkoihin saattaa olla tarjolla. C York University 6

7 American Fulbright Program Eight American Scholars Expected for Finland Final approval of the American scholar candidates for is expected in March. A list of the selected scholars will be available soon at Altogether 30 students applied for a Fulbright grant to Finland for the academic year The Fulbright Center has nominated the following six students for a grant: Mr. Daniel Benesh Biology University of Nebraska, Lincoln Host institution: University of Jyväskylä Project title: The Evolution of a peculiar genus of parasites Mr. Charles Kamm Conducting Yale University Host institution: Sibelius Academy Project title: Choral conducting, repertoire and traditions in Finland Mr. Venu Nadella Sociology Harvard University Host institution: Swedish School of Social Science, University of Helsinki Language and ethnic dynamics in Helsinki STUDENTS COST-SHARED WITH CIMO: Ms. Heather Mae Erickson Design Cranbrook Academy of Art Host institution: University of Art and Design, Helsinki Miss Patty Huang Engineering Stanford University Host institution: Helsinki University of Technology Project title: Computer simulation of rooms using the digital waveguide mesh Ms. Fawna Korhonen Geology University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Host institution: Geological Survey of Finland Project title: An Investigation into the geologic origins of magnetic signatures in central Finland Amerikkalaisten Fulbrightprofessorien haku alkanut Korkeakoulut voivat hakea Fulbright - luennoitsijaa tai -luennoitsija/tutkijaa lukuvuodeksi (alakohtaiset apurahat, prescribed awards ) tai jo lukuvuodeksi (avoimet apurahat, all disciplines awards ). Fulbright-vierailijaa voi hakea pääsääntöisesti yhdeksi lukukaudeksi (4-5 kuukaudeksi). Fulbright-NOKIA Grant in Electronics, Information and Telecommunications Technology -stipendi voidaan myöntää 4-9 kuukaudeksi. Fulbright Center vastaa Fulbright-luennoitsijan kuukausistipendistä, vakuutuksesta ja edestakaisesta lentomatkasta Suomeen. Isäntäkorkeakoulu vastaa puolestaan vierailijan asunnon järjestämisestä ja maksamisesta. LUKUVUODELLE haettavien luennoitsijoiden opetusalat määritellään erikseen laitosten Request for a Fulbright Scholar -hakemuksissa. Korkeakoulun hakemusten tulee olla Fulbright Centerissä mennessä. LUKUVUODELLE ovat haussa nk. all disciplines -stipendit, joiden opetusalaa ei määritellä ennakkoon. All disciplines -luennoitsijaa hakeva laitos toimittaa kutsukirjeen amerikkalaiselle luennoitsijalle, joka halutaan kutsua vierailulle ja joka liittää kutsun omaan Fulbright -hakemukseensa. Korkeakoulun laatimaa erillistä hakemusta Fulbright Centeriin ei tarvita. Tarkemmat tiedot Fulbright-luennoitsijoiden hausta sekä lukuvuoden uudet hakulomakkeet on saatavilla Fulbright Centerin kotisivuilta (linkki stipendiohjelmat - korkeakouluille - alakohtaiset apurahat ja/tai avoimet apurahat ). Lisätiedot: ohjelmapäällikkö Tuula Laurila puh. (09) , tuula.laurila@fulbright.fi. 7

8 Opiskelu Vaihdot edelleen suosiossa Opiskelijoiden terveydenhuolto Yhdysvalloissa NAFSAn julkaisema Health and Wellness for International Students, Scholars, and Their Families on hyvä perusopas opiskelijoille, jotka suunnittelevat Yhdysvaltoihin lähtöä. Medical Insurance for International Students, Scholars, and Their Families -opas taas käsittelee amerikkalaista vakuutuskäytäntöä. Molemmat oppaat löytyvät NAFSAn kotisivulta pdf -muodossa. Osoite on (Professional & Educational Resources) Liity Fulbright Centerin e-tiedote-listalle Haluatko sähköpostitse Fulbright Centerin tiedotteita mm. FC:n toiminnasta ja tapahtumista, stipendeistä ja testauksesta? Näistä kaikista saa ajankohtaista tietoa liittymällä FC:n e-tiedotepostituslistalle. Listalle voi liittyä lähettämällä viestin osoitteeseen otsikkona FC:n e-tiedote. Kerro viestissä nimesi, organisaatiosi nimi, sähköpostiosoitteesi sekä mielellään myös muut yhteystietosi. Parin viime vuoden aikana ulkomailla tutkintoa suorittavien suomalaisten opiskelijoiden määrä on ollut laskussa. Huippu saavutettiin vuonna , jolloin lähes suomalaista opiskeli tutkintoa varten ulkomailla. Tämän jälkeen usean vuoden kasvu taittui. Myös Yhdysvaltoihin suuntaavien opiskelijoiden määrä on laskenut. Lukuvuoden aikana Yhdysvalloissa suoritti Kelan opintotuen turvin tutkintoa 356 opiskelijaa. Kanadaan trendi ei toistaiseksi ole vaikuttanut. Maahan suuntaa vuosittain viitisenkymmentä opiskelijaa. Vaihto-opiskelun suosio on tasaisempaa. Vuosittain noin kolmesataa vaihto-opiskelijaa suuntaa Kelan tuella Yhdysvaltoihin. Määrässä ei ole tapahtunut suuria muutoksia viimeisen viiden vuoden aikana. Saattaakin olla, että opiskelijat haluavat nyt keskittyä enemmän nimenomaan lyhyempikestoisiin vierailuihin. Mielenkiinto Kanada-vaihtoja kohtaan on jopa kasvamassa. Vuonna sinne suuntasi 124 suomalaista vaihtoopiskelijaa. Yhdysvallat Kokonaisuudessaan lukuvuoden aikana USA:han lähti noin suomalaista opiskelijaa ja nuorta työharjoittelijaa. Kauppa- ja taloustieteet ovat selkeästi ne alat, jotka vetävät suomalaisia Yhdysvaltoihin. Myös humanistiset- ja yhteiskuntatieteet sekä taiteet ovat vahvasti edustettuina. Opiskelijoista lähes kaksi kolmasosaa opiskeli undergraduate -tasolla ja noin kolmannes graduate -tasolla. New Yorkiin ja Californiaan suuntaa selkeästi eniten suomalaisia. Kolmanneksi suosituin kohde on Massachusets. Viime vuonna Texas kasvatti selvästi suosiotaan. Suomalaiset ovat kuitenkin levittäytyneet laajalle koko maahan, koska tilastojen mukaan esimerkiksi vuonna vain viidessä Yhdysvaltain osavaltiossa ei ollut yhtään suomalaista opiskelijaa. Kanada Lukuvuonna Kanadassa opiskeli opintotuen turvin yhteensä 167 suomalaista. Koko tutkintoa suoritti 43 opiskelijaa ja vaihtoon siis osallistui 124. Kanadassa suomalaiset opiskelevat erityisesti humanistisia- ja yhteiskuntatieteitä. Myös kauppa- ja taloustieteet houkuttelevat väkeä. Kaksi kolmasosaa kansainvälisistä opiskelijoista Kanadassa suuntasi vuonna 2001 British Columbiaan ja Ontarioon. Nämä provinssit tuntuvat olevan myös suomalaisten suosikkikohteita, koska Kanadan osalta kysellään usein eniten juuri näistä provinsseista. Lähteet: Yhdysvaltain suurlähetystön konsulaattiosasto, Institute of International Education, Kansaneläkelaitoksen opintotukikeskus ja Citizenship and Immigration Canada. C University of Virginia 8

9 Community college varteenotettava vaihtoehto Community College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas. Community colleget muodostavat Yhdysvalloissa maan korkeakoulujärjestelmän laajimman sektorin. Noin 11 miljoonaa opiskelijaa, eli noin 40% kaikista korkeakouluopiskelijoista, aloittaa opiskelunsa community collegessa, joita on kaikenkaikkiaan Community colleget tarjoavat yhä kasvavassa määrin opiskelupaikan myös kansainvälisille opiskelijoille. Institute of International Educationin mukaan community collegejen kansainvälisten opiskelijoiden määrä on kasvanut noin 60% alle kymmenessä vuodessa. C Community College of Southern Nevada Mitä tarjottavaa community collegella on suomalaiselle opiskelijalle? Community colleget tarjoavat undergraduate -tason koulutusta ja suoritettavan tutkinnon nimi on joko Associate of Arts (A.A.) tai Associate of Science (A.S.). Community colleget tarjoavat usein sekä akateemisia että ammatillisia ohjelmia. Community Collegessa opiskelu on edullisempaa ja siellä oppii yleensä kantapään kautta kaiken oleellisen. CCSN:n opiskelija Mika Koponen Suomessa tiedetään verrattain vähän community collegejen ns. transfer -ohjelmista. Opiskelijat voivat suorittaa community collegessa kaksi ensimmäistä vuotta (associate degree), siirtyä sen jälkeen yliopistoon seuraavaksi kahdeksi vuodeksi ja suorittaa Bachelor -tutkinnon. Koulutusohjelmasta riippuen community collegen kaksi vuotta voidaan siis lukea täysimääräisesti hyväksi opiskelijan siirtyessä jatkamaan opintojaan nelivuotiseen collegeen tai yliopistoon. Tämä 2+2 sopimus, eli transfer agreement, on osavaltiokohtainen ja joskus myös oppilaitoskohtainen, mutta pääsääntöisesti voimassa kaikissa osavaltioissa. Opiskelu community collegessa on edullisempaa kuin nelivuotisessa collegessa tai yliopistossa. Lähes puolet kaikista amerikkalaisista opiskelijoista suorittaakin kaksi ensimmaistä yliopistovuottaan community collegessa juuri tästä syystä. Community colleget ovat hyvä vaihtoehto esimerkiksi opiskelijoille, jotka vielä harkitsevat pääainevaihtoehtoja ja joilla ei ole aikaisempia yliopistotason opintoja. Akateemisten ohjelmien lisäksi community colleget erikoistuvat kouluttamaan työvoimaa, jota kyseinen paikkakunta tarvitsee. Oppilaitoksilla on usein vahvat suhteet paikalliseen yhteisöön ja yrityksiin. Ammatillisesti suuntautuneet opinto-ohjelmat kuvastavat usein kyseisen osavaltion elinkeinojärjestelmää. Esimerkiksi Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN) Las Vegasissa kouluttaa valtaosan paikallisten hotelli- ja kasinoyrittäjien työvoimasta. CCSN:n elektroniikka- ja tietotekniikkaohjelmat toteutetaan yritysten, kuten Cisco Systemsin, Sprintin ja IGT:n taustatuella. Esimerkiksi mikroprosessori, telekommunikaatio ja tietokonepohjainen graafinen ja animaatiosuunnittelukoulutus tukee Las Vegasin kehittyvää teknologiasektoria. Terveydenhuoltosektori on yksi nopeimmin kasvavista aloista USA:ssa ja CCSN kouluttaakin valtaosan Nevadan terveydenhuollon työntekijöistä. Kilpailu opiskelupaikasta näihin ns. limitedentry -ohjelmiin on usein kova. Community colleget tarjoavat siis niin amerikkalaisille kuin kansainvälisillekin opiskelijoille varteenotettavan vaihtoehdon korkeakouluopintoihin. Lisätietoja community collegeista saa American Association of Community Colleges -järjestön (AACC) kotisivulta Teksti: Anneli Adams Anneli Adams työskenteli vuosina USA:n suurlähetystössä Helsingissä. Hän toimii nykyisin CCSN:n kansainvälisten ohjelmien johtajana. Yhteistyöstä kiinnostuneet oppilaitokset tai opiskelijat voivat ottaa yhteyttä Anneliin osoitteeseen anneli_adams@ccsn.edu. CCSN:n ohjelmista on saatavissa tietoa osoitteessa Usein kuulee, että opiskelu Yhdysvalloissa on kallista. On kuitenkin hyvä tietää, että Yhdysvalloissa on suuri määrä eri hintaisia oppilaitoksia. Myös erilaisia mahdollisuuksia on paljon, mutta ne on opittava itse löytämään ja hakemaan. CCSN:n opiskelija Mika Koponen 9

10 Alat ja ammatit Matthew Friar (second row, on the right) studies Finnish Foreign Policy at the University of Helsinki during his Fulbright year. He received a grant from the Fulbright Center to attend the Introduction to the European Union Seminar held in Luxembourg, Brussels, Brugge, and Mons this March. A group of American Fulbright grantees in Europe is selected each year to participate in the seminar arranged by the Commission for Educational Exchange between the U.S.A., Belgium and Luxembourg. International Relations International Relations is a very broad, interdisciplinary field of study which is relatively new in terms of the social sciences. It received attention as a separate branch of study following the devastation of World War I as academics and politicians attempted to craft international diplomacy, security, and economy so as to avoid a future conflict of such proportions. International Relations study includes, but is not limited to: political economy, international security, international law and organizations, diplomacy, political history, sociology, and foreign languages as well as use of statistics, game theory and other theoretical models in forecasting international events. Those best qualified to seek a degree in International Relations are those who are constantly informed about world politics and events, open-minded, skeptical, not easily discouraged, and able to stomach learning and explaining the world via broad generalizations. It is important to realize that the more you learn about the world, the harder it becomes to explain. With each new insight comes a more complex and multifaceted understanding that there is no set answer any question of international Alat ja ammatit Alat ja ammatit -sarjassa amerikkalaiset Fulbright-stipendiaatit kirjoittavat omasta opiskelustaan Yhdysvalloissa. Miten alalle kouluttaudutaan ja mistä saa tietoa opinnoista? 10

11 relations, affairs, and conflicts, only millions and billions of interconnected bits and pieces making up a very complex answer to even the most unassuming inquiry. The happiest, most frustrated, and most enlightened of all International Relations scholars will be the one who takes just one of those pieces and studies and presents it from every angle imaginable. Scholars who pursue terminal degrees in International Relations are very often generalists who know only a little about a lot of the world, but have specialized in understanding and analyzing one or two regions or subfields of International Relations very intensely. Those with PhDs often find employment as researchers, professors, political advisors or leaders in the think tank community. Those who stop after an MA or MS typically work in think tanks, the private sector or government agencies but seldom have a chance of teaching or researching in a stable university post. Specialization Technically, one can specialize (in the modern, stylish sense of the word) in a subfield of International Relations, such as International Security Studies, by completing all academic requirements at a university, obtaining various internships in the private and public sector, carrying out original independent research, and all the while preparing to bestow wisdom on classrooms of knowledge-hungry pupils. This is specialization in the classical sense: the brain, the motivation, the credentials, and the opportunity to use all three in fulfilling one s duty both to himself and others. In my opinion, no one can accomplish true unquestioned specialization in any field of International Relations unless they can legitimately claim to comprehend their field from the perspective and experience of every political person, both past and present, in the entire world. Specialization is relative to one s culture, country, and academic environment. In the US, I would consider myself specialized on Finland s historic and current relationship with NATO. This is primarily because I have been to Finland, have studied the topic, have followed the news, and know more about Finnish foreign policy It is important to realize that the more you learn about the world, the harder it becomes to explain than 99% of all Americans. Do I consider myself some sort of specialist in Finland? Absolutely not. There is something important to be said about being Finnish, speaking the language, and hearing stories from one s grandparents about the Winter and Continuation War even if this type of experience is not validated by science as we know it. Thus, essentially, no one can be a specialist in international relations so long as the field forces them to move outside of their domestic comfort zone to understand, analyze and explain the behavior of people, society, and institutions which are inherently foreign to them. But one can be a specialist relative to someone else, and this is what is important unless you want to delve into discussion about the existence of Immortal Truths in international relations (which might be appropriate somewhere else). Structure of Education Very few undergraduate institutions in the United States offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Relations as such. If the desire is to seek a graduate degree or terminal degree in International Relations, then it would be wisest to seek a BA from an institution which offers undergraduate training in a sub-field, such as Foreign Service, International Economy or International Business & Finance. Broad degrees such as Political Science, Foreign Language & Culture, History, or Economics are generally acceptable as well. It is virtually impossible to find gainful, long-term employment in an International Relations field in the US without going on to graduate school and obtaining an MA or MS in International Relations or a sub-field. Toptier graduate International Relations programs often mandate that applicants take 3 years of foreign language, one statistics or calculus course, and two courses in economics (macro and micro). Also, grades and standardized tests scores are critically important to admissions committees, if only as a way to weed through stacks and stacks of applications. Text: Matthew L. Friar, Fulbright Graduate Grantee at the University of Helsinki. Photo: Caroline Dumoucel Resources and Organizations WORLDWIDE Oxford Analytica, International Affairs Virtual Library: International Affairs Think tank resources psthink.html United Nations World Trade Organization NATO EU affairs Guide to the EU International Atomic Energy Agency Rotary International US American Political Science Association Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs US Department of State US Presidential page IRS Tax information Department of Homeland Security FINLAND Ministry of Defense Finnish Institute of International Affairs Tampere Peace Research Institute Atlantic Council of Finland NEWS BBC CNN Financial Times Guardian NPR Matthew L. Friar 11

12 Fulbright Bicentennial Scholar of the American Scene Professor Jeffrey Meikle knows how to combine business with pleasure. His professional interests combine in his favorite hobby: an impressive collection of postcards from America s past from an era when harsh realities were retouched and replaced with a brighter outlook on life. Jeffrey Meikle is the current Bicentennial Fulbright Chair in American studies at the University of Helsinki. He comes from the University of Texas at Austin, where he holds a professorship in American studies and art history, specializing in architecture, design, and technology. American studies is an odd field, he comments. You re a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none. Modesty aside, Meikle has mastered a trade or two. To begin with, he is the author of two landmark books, American Plastic: A Cultural History and Twentieth Century Limited: Industrial Design in America, Moreover, he has just completed Design in the U.S., which will be published next year in the Oxford University Press History of Art series. His current research interests American landscapes, cityscapes, and the theme of the open road blend beautifully in his next book project, which is based on his favorite hobby. I have a collection of some eight thousand postcards representing the American scene in the 1930s and 1940s, Meikle explains. It s a very specific type of postcard, based on black-and-white photographs which were airbrushed to take out any undesired elements. Often things were added as well; for example, old cars were updated to newer models. Then the images were colorized. Postcards of this particular type were only produced in the 30s and 40s. The gloomy moods of the great depression and times of war were replaced with vivid colors so extravagant, on occasion, that they bordered on psychedelic. These inexpensive cards, which were printed on textured card stock, dominated the American postcard market until the early 1950s, when colorizing became obsolete. By that time, color processing film had become inexpensive enough for postcards to be based on actual color photographs. To the researcher, the touched-up imagery suggests a sense of artificial nostalgia: a longing for a world that may not have existed a paper Atlantis, as Jeffrey Meikle calls it. These postcards present a popularized and idealized account of that era, portraying the world in the way people wanted to view it at their most optimistic moments. Collector s Confessions Jeffrey Meikle s interest in vintage postcards arose fifteen years ago. A lot of them represent the streamlined art deco architecture of the twenties and thirties that I was interested in as a scholar. I would collect postcards of motels, diners, gas stations, theaters and so on and I finally realized that I actually had a collection which covers all aspects of the American landscape. 12

13 And where did he find these rarities? He got the collection off to a good start by ransacking relatives attics, flea markets and drugstores. The collection was perfected at collector s expos, where dealers showcase and sell everything from baseball cards to action figures and rare artifacts. There s a certain tension in the air at these events, although postcard collectors are, by Meikle s definition, a bunch of fairly mildmannered people. It s a hunter-gatherer activity, Meikle says with a laugh. You walk into this room which is full of people who are out there hunting, and you spot some other guy who collects the same stuff you do. You rummage through boxes and you just hope he hasn t been through the same boxes yet. He says the collection is just about complete. He has enough cards to work with and he s not into paying an inflated price for mere postcards. When I first started, I could pick up these postcards for ten or fifteen cents apiece. Now you never get a card for less than fifty cents, and anything that s worth having is a dollar. Cards that I once bought for fifteen cents are now going for six to eight dollars. He also realized that searching for postcards might not be the sole purpose of weekends... He felt he needed to do something reputable with his collection or abandon it. That s why I decided to write a book. I will trace the history of the company that manufactured most of the postcards. I will also analyze the meaning of these representations of the American scene, trying to get at what the images meant to people back then and what it means to look at them today. I m interested in the European take on the American theme of the open road, and Aki Kaurismäki s film Leningrad Cowboys Go America is basically a classic road movie. I foresee a final chapter on cultural exchange between Europe and America that might begin with Wim Wenders and end with Aki Kaurismäki. Apart from research, the position of the Bicentennial Fulbright Professor involves teaching at the Renvall Institute, a University of Helsinki affiliate specializing in area studies. The Renvall Institute has a very active American studies program, and the Institute itself is a close-knit, friendly community with a great deal of camaraderie. The University has been a very welcoming environment, Meikle says. Traditionally, the holder of the Bicentennial Fulbright Chair is a sought-after speaker. Jeffrey Meikle has delivered guest lectures, on a number of occasions, at the University of Turku, the University of Tampere and the Helsinki School of Economics. He also has given speeches at the invitation of the League of the Finnish-American Societies, and the federation of Finnish teachers of English, who sure had some good, tough questions for me. Text: Timo Luhtanen Photo: Aleksi Jantunen From Kerouac to Kaurismäki Before the book project, Jeffrey Meikle will embark on another extensive undertaking. He will spend the last months of his stay at the University of Helsinki gathering information for a new research project. The tentative title is Children of Kerouac. He predicts that the project will take five to six years. The research focuses on writers, artists, photographers, musicians and filmmakers who were inspired by or who loosely followed in the footsteps of the Beat generation: Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs. Surprisingly enough, there s a Finnish component. 13

14 Opiskelemaan Kanadaan Ontario: Discover the Possibilities Ontario, Canada s economic centre, is rich in vibrant communities theatre, dance, music and art. Canada s largest province also has one of the world s most culturally diverse cities Toronto! With its diverse landscape, Ontario is home to the largest network of interconnecting canoe routes in the world as well as sites including the Niagara Falls. C York University Choice With a post-secondary history dating back to 1827, Ontario is an internationally recognised hub for higher education. Students can choose from a host of options: large or small institutions, rural or urban settings and programs taught in English or French. In all, Ontario is home to 19 universities, 25 colleges of applied arts & technology, 14 private institutions and more than 300 private vocational schools. Whether students are looking to pursue a bachelor s degree (typically three to four years), their first professional degree (such as law, medicine or dentistry), or a graduate degree (master s or PhD), they ll find numerous programs to choose from. Ontario universities also offer flexibility in learning through distance education, evening and part-time studies as well as exchange opportunities with universities around the world. C York University Cost and financial aid Tuition at Ontario universities can range from $11,000 to $17,000 CDN for one full year of study. Students should contact the individual institutions or visit university Web sites for details. International students should know that Ontario universities offer a wide range of scholarships to international students who demonstrate academic excellence. Admission Admission requirements for a bachelor s degree program generally include the completion of a high school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum overall average determined by the university. Specific programs, particularly those in the sciences, may require additional prerequisites. Ontario has simplified the application process. Students can apply online through C York University the Ontario Universities Application Centre at or the Ontario College Application Services All universities and colleges accept applications through these two centres. Text: Elisa Tortola York University International Recruitment & Marketing Toronto, Ontario, Canada etortola@yorku.ca More information To learn more about study opportunities in the province of Ontario visit: Ontario Government: Ministry of Education postsec/postsec.html CanLearn Interactive Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada Council of Ontario Universities Ontario travel and tourism 14

15 Suomalaiset TOEFL-testin parhaimmistoa Vuoden aikana TOEFLkielitestin suorittaneiden suomalaisten keskiarvotulos oli 252 pistettä (maksimi 300 pistettä). Suomalaiset sijoittuivat vertailussa jaetulle kahdeksannelle sijalle. TOEFL-testi (Test of English as a Foreign Language) on englantia vieraana kielenä käyttäville tarkoitettu kielitesti. Testi toimii kansainvälisen opiskelijavaihdon peruskriteerinä, ja opiskelijan tulee saavuttaa tietty oppilaitoksesta ja opiskelualasta riippuva vähim- mäispisteraja päästäkseen mukaan opiskelijavalintaan. Taulukossa on esitetty tietokoneavus-teisen TOEFL-testin heinäkuun 2001 ja kesäkuun 2002 välillä suorittaneiden 10 parasta kieliryhmää. Tiedot ilmenevät Educational Testing Servicen (ETS) julkaisemasta yhteenvedosta TOEFL Test and Score Data Summary Edition. Testiin osallistui ihmisiä kaikkiaan 141 eri kieliryhmästä. Testissä 10 parhaan joukkoon selviytyneet konkani, tulu, marathi, kashmiri, kannada, hindi ja tamil ovat Intiassa puhuttavia kieliä. Sija Äidinkieli Testin tehneiden lukumäärä Kokonaispisteiden ka/ max konkani tulu hollanti tanska marathi kashmiri kannada suomi hindi saksa islanti tamil Fulbright Center mukana opiskelijamessuilla Fulbright Center osallistui maaliskuussa Helsingin seudun yliopistojen Uniexpo - opiskelijamessuille. FC kertoi osastollaan opiskelusta Yhdysvalloissa ja Kanadassa. Messukävijöitä kiinnosti erityisesti FC:n undergraduate -stipendi ja TOEFL -kielitesti. Fulbright Center, CIMO, Ranskan kulttuurikeskus ja Saksan suurlähetystö järjestivät yhteistyössä myös kaksi infotilaisuutta ulkomailla opiskelusta. Tilaisuuksiin osallistui yli 100 kiinnostunutta opiskelijaa. 15

16 Fulbright Center Grantees LA as in Living Artistic LAndscape C Alan Spence Mrs Barnes, who is in charge of USC s vocal program, calls me up for a gig. It s a party at the Film department and I want you to accompany our singers, just a couple of songs. The dress code is black tie. Without further ado, I show up with the Studio Vocal Ensemble at the agreed time, assuming it to be like any of the gigs we ve had the past two months. Turns out it is a ceremony commemorating the 100th birthday of Jack Oakie, a famous comedian in the history of motion pictures and the inspiration for the official establishment of a scholarship in comedy. This is a first for a university level program in cinema-television. Glancing at the diversity of the assembling audience, and with the recent California elections in fresh memory, I m first struck by the ironic thought that as long as politicians are a reflection of the consciousness of the people, any improvement in film education must be for the better. However, the reason the memories of this event were to remain so vivid is the lasting impression made by distinguished actors entering the stage that day. Taking turns, these actors, some of whom are Oscar winners, celebrate the acting art by creating an improvised performance where the words of one actor seamlessly give way to those of the next. At times their words point in the same direction as if in agreement, only to at the next instant, as if in loving contest, be challenged with new words creating a certain dissonance. To me it is not only their sense of rhythm and sheer intensity which is fascinating, but their capability of stretching the limits of our one-word-at-a-time language by wittily referring to aspects of reality in which there is great commonality among members of the audience. Their performance, which has some properties found only in the best of musical performances, points to the existence of some common ground between different kinds of art and to the artist s capability to transcend 16

17 his or her own idiom to reach that common ground. For the first time I experience a link between the good comedian and the true artist, and, more generally, between awareness in entertainment and a good society. Along these lines, the Great Dictator from 1939, where Oakie s Mussolini is played for comedy against Chaplin s Hitler, is a good work of art. It is not rare, and this should be said while it is a strong characteristic of life as a musician in Los Angeles, that one encounters the entertainment industry from time to time, and also is privileged to here see some of the more creative facets of its appearances. However, given that the above forms of expression have their natural outlets in LA, then what of the more serious art forms? I find USC to offer a good example of an institution nourishing good quality art in an entertainment capital. The USC Thornton School of Music, ranking in the top one percent of the North-American music schools, is a case in point. Its quality student body of about 600 undergraduates produces more than 500 concerts a year and, similarly to the Sibelius Academy, the school attracts distinguished faculty who are at the forefront of the city s and the nation s musical life. In addition to the concert activities, I have come to experience another, very positive dimension to its interaction with society in the newly started outreach program; each week we spend a few hours visiting the neighborhoods, which are mostly populated by Spanish speaking, low-income families, and involve elementary school students in ensembles, choirs and private instruction. Without going into the numerous synergy effects of such activity, I find it to be most noteworthy that it, in its being a highly organized network, manages to project a picture of the musicians as part of a community, contrasting the traditionally perceived image of the individual artist striving towards his or her own success. USC thus plays an active part in the society in which it is situated as well as in internalizing such activity in its students. To me, such an opportunity of interaction first became clear when I had just arrived in Los Angeles. I was looking to buy an international phone card in the Spanish speaking quarters surrounding my apartment when a boy, who could well be one of the outreach students, suddenly shows up to assist me in my linguistic endeavors. Eagerly he translates my inquiry I realize how, to him, this must seem close to a remake of the classic ET phone home scene. Mathias Aspelin met president Clinton at the Inauguration of the Ruthermere American Institute in Oxford, U.K. President Clinton was the main inaugural speaker. Mathias Aspelin performed at the ceremony. In the picture from the left: Mathias Aspelin, Bill Clinton, and Rhodes Scholar Julian Harris. about a phone card to the store clerks, their English being anything but fluent, and a few seconds later I have one in my hand. In my helplessness I find some comfort in the fact that at least musically one is able to communicate meaningfully with people regardless of geographic background. And, speaking of geographic background, I then tell the boy that I am making a phone call to Finland. On doing my best to explain its location, he becomes excited and actually ends up standing in the phone booth with me while I am making the call. It is a funny scenario, and I realize how, to him, this must seem close to a remake of the classic ET phone home scene. Musically it is obviously far more difficult to discuss the geographic locations and the distance between them. In trying to compare the improvised music in LA with that in Finland I find the differences to lie more in nuances in the musical language used than in specific doctrines or clearly delineated musical concepts. It seems we can talk of something sounding LA or Helsinki, say, because of the subconscious osmotic processes taking place in those surroundings, and that the parameters involved in these can change without necessarily changing the artistic value of the music. This easily digresses into theorizing about the phenomenological aspects of the art. However, let it be said that the education at USC, despite being surrounded by the recording industry and its values, sees music as being a holistic experience and so focuses on all aspects of the musical performance. This combination of uniqueness in sound and performance makes LA a unique artistic landscape; it is an honour to be part of and a highly enriching experience for the serious musician. Text: Mathias Aspelin Aspelin is a Fulbright Center Undergraduate Grantee He is studying towards Bachelor of Music at the University of Southern California. C Rob Judges 17

18 From Grantees dialogue. (towards dunes city oregon) cut teeth will set in the color of a blind child s fish book even after these long-years of turning to the faces or houses of a pocket coin what do you see from here I still see no water where it does not move as pillar shaped or as a maker s hands over a ballot box the name changes on folding-paper did you have any doubt I can see no water only charity pamphlets handed out alongside lined suits pages of a fish book in a flood basement a bent ship binding the pages dyed with children-teeth has not seen the water drawn like pillars of a government house sides of a flip coin or water a pamphlet how was I supposed to remember past all those low waisted roads these are boot tops in heavy polish it is too hot even for a game of coins here are the thumbs and the new teeth caught in a high silver trap because of the weeds you would not trim just slip the cutters under neath the door with the blueprints something will happen I am sure did you have any doubt or can you distinguish how I will ditinguish or a maker s hands over the ground yellow from pressed hornets beneath no water you will not see hung like a fish in a flood basement how we collect flat-water lay our coins in it how the coins have faces with 2 green eyes because it is still the same year Dear Fulbrighter, February 17, 2004 Welcome to Suomi! Below I have assembled a list of incorrect assumptions that I made about Finland before coming here. Although it is difficult to do so, I would suggest that you try to make as few assumptions as possible. Keep an open mind and always remember the value of the Estonian proverb: the work will teach you. Top 10 FALSE assumptions about Finland prior to departure: 10. navigating the public transportation system will be difficult and I will get lost often. 9. Helsinki = few cars, few traffic signals, woodlands, quaint houses 8. cell phone culture is not as sweeping as books/travel literature make it sound. 7. free coffee refills at restaurants 6. blustery Nordic winter begins in September 5. The Finnish language is some sort of code that I will never be able to crack. 4. November-January will be like living in a closet without windows. 3. this will be fine, sunlight doesn t affect me anyway (motivation *poof* zzzzzzzzz) 2. popular culture will be quite different than what I m used to in the US 1. the people will be cold and condescending In addition to an open mind and sunny disposition you might want to take along a number of practical things as well, such as long underwear, a Finnish-English dictionary and a mood lamp. Again, welcome to Finland and good luck. Best regards, Matthew Poem and drawing: Elisabeth Whitehead Fulbright Graduate Grantee from University of Montana. Whitehead is studying Creative Writing at the University of Helsinki. Matthew Friar is Fulbright Graduate Grantee He is studying International Relations at the University of Helsinki. 18

19 A Nobel Cause In a few months, Erkko Etula will complete his junior year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he is pursuing a bachelor s degree in economics. Etula is currently on a Fulbright Center Renewal Grant, an extension to the Fulbright Center Undergraduate Grant which he was awarded for the academic year MIT has earned a worldwide reputation as a leading educational institution. The high number of Nobel laureates at MIT is one of the features that attest to its world-class quality: fifty-seven current or former members of the MIT community have been awarded a Nobel Prize. As it happens, Erkko Etula has firsthand experience of this particular facet. Since last summer, he has been working as the personal research assistant to Institute Professor Emeritus Paul A. Samuelson, who won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1970 for his groundbreaking work in the field. In late spring 2003, one of my professors in economics recommended me to Professor Samuelson, who was seeking a research assistant, Etula says, explaining the early stages of his collaboration with one of the most prominent names in modern economics. What started as a summer research assistantship, however, has developed into a full-fledged research collaboration that has opened an extraordinary perspective into Etula s field of study. As for Professor Paul A. Samuelson and economics he wrote the book. He is noted for establishing the agenda of modern economics and developing the scientific tools for economic analysis. He also authored Economics, a coursebook classic first published in Since then, the book has been translated into more than forty languages, producing over three million copies. It is no wonder, then, that economics holds a fascination for Erkko Etula, who secured a student placement at MIT upon graduation from the famed United World College of the Atlantic in Wales. Prior to enrolling in MIT, he studied for a year at the Helsinki University of Technology, majoring in engineering physics. There has, however, been a slight change of plans: Etula s mind is now set on a doctorate in economics. Text: Timo Luhtanen Poems on Helsinki in March Dark patches scattered about, moving with no clear direction What brings each one out walking on the icy sea? To admire buildings from a strange angle To laugh and plan with friends Need for solitude Test of courage So many stories. The little fellow has a kite! mastering a small breeze over ice-bound sea, What a surprise, does he know white sails will fly here soon? The last skier on the frozen sea stares at shore, warmth, comfort, home Turns toward the horizon hunting adventure still. They hit my jacket Whispering to me, one by one Perfect, lovely shapes Nature s calm assurance that order surrounds us. Poems and photo: Suzanne Louis The writer was a Fulbright Mid-Career Grantee in Finland She is the Director of the Lorna Sundberg International Center at the University of Virginia. 19

20 ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association 50 Years ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association 50 Years Leif Segerstam, Chief Conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra was an ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grantee in Music at the Juillard School of Music in My Fulbright year was a milestone experience says Leif Segerstam, Chief Conductor of the world-acclaimed Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, speaking at the 50th Anniversary Reception of the Finnish ASLA- Fulbright Alumni Association at the Finlandia Hall November 20 th, The Alumni Anniversary event was, in fact, also the 40th anniversary of Segerstam s own Fulbright experience: he was an ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grantee in Music at the Juilliard School of Music in US Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter Honorary Chair of the Fulbright Center Board of Directors and a stout supporter of the ASLA-Fulbright Program spoke about the significant role the program and its alumni have had over the past five decades in academe, arts, and society at large. Over 3000 Finns and over 1000 Americans have participated in the program over the years, and there are over alumni worldwide. Over a hundred guests, distinguished alumni, and current grantees from Finland and the United States attended the Anniversary Reception. The event also marked the opening of Turning Over Points a hundred an exhibition guests, distinguished at the alumni, Fulbright and current Center grantees in Helsinki. from Finland and on the history and present the United day States of Finnish- attended the 50th Anniversary The memorable Reception reception at the Finlandia was followed Hall inby American academic November. exchanges, produced a concert by the world-acclaimed Helsinki jointly by the Alumni Association and the Philharmonic Orchestra, lead by Leif Segerstam. Fulbright Center. Before touring Finland and the US, the exhibition is currently on display Over a hundred guests, distinguished alumni, and current grantees from Finland and the United States attended the 50th Anniversary Reception at the Finlandia Hall in November. 20