A flag flies in the US. Archive photo.

American culture club aims for inclusivity

Sarah Kippernes wants to give UiO students «the American experience» – and a new place for international and Norwegian students to connect.

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«The last time I was in the United States, I had to use the American citizens’ line to clear immigration, while my Norwegian boyfriend used the non-citizens’ line. And I made so many new friends in that line,» Sarah Kippernes exclaimed. She works for the student administration at the Faculty of Social Sciences, and is a founding member of the new American Cultural Exchange Society (ACES).

Kippernes grew up in Norway, but with an American background. She has already recruited several American students to ACES. The new association hopes to host American holiday celebrations, but Kippernes also hopes to create the kind of atmosphere she found in the immigration line in New York, centered on American hospitality and openness.

«Suddenly I was friends with a couple returning from a wedding in Jamaica,» she explained, describing how she never felt alone, even though her boyfriend was in another line.

Holiday spirit

The association, which has started out with around 17 members, plans to start by hosting Thanksgiving at Blindern. The holiday, perhaps America’s most distinctive, takes place on November 23 this year. In the spring, the ACES is hoping to host events for the Super Bowl and St. Patricks Day. While it is an Irish holiday originally, Americans have taken St. Patrick's Day and turned it into their own, celebrating the heritage of over 30 million Irish Americans (and taking the opportunity to drink vast amounts of beer).

Kippernes also mentioned hosting a celebration of America's Independence Day on July 4. «The semester may be over [in June], but many students stay in Oslo,» she pointed out.

Though ACES missed the deadline to apply for grants from the Board for Cultural Affairs, Kippernes and the rest of the association will not be deterred.

«We have 16 to 17 volunteers at this point, and 7 people on the board. We’re putting all our efforts into hosting Thanksgiving this semester, and maybe one event within the organization, to help the members get to know each other,» Kippernes said.

Exchange not exclusion

In particular, she wants to give international students a new venue to get to know Norwegian students. Many international students find it hard to connect with Norway when they first arrive.

Kippernes emphasized she wants to avoid making the association into a private club for US students.

«We do not want to be a group of Americans. We are an association about America,» Kippernes said.

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