American Voices Seminar

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University of Turku
A full auditorium listening to a panel discussion. Five U.S. Fulbrighters are smiling and laughing behind a desk with a moderator smiling at them left of them.

October 9-10, University of Turku, Main Building

The 33rd American Voices Seminar celebrates the kaleidoscope of American cultures and the 250th anniversary of the United States! Join the seminar to learn about various aspects of U.S. society and culture through the experiences of U.S. Fulbright Finland grantees.

The seminar is organized by the Fulbright Finland Foundation, the Department of English at the University of Turku, and the John Morton Center for North American Studies.

The seminar is open to the public and free of charge, and you are warmly welcome to attend either individual sessions or stay for the full two-day program.

You have an opportunity to visit the Fulbright Finland Foundation stand outside the seminar hall for information on studying in and on scholarship opportunities to the U.S.

Tentative Program

Sessions in Tauno Nurmela Hall, Main Building

Friday, October 9

13:30–13:45 Welcome!

  • Janne Korkka, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, University of Turku
  • Maija S. Peltola, Vice-rector, University of Turku
  • Terhi Mölsä, Chief Executive Officer, Fulbright Finland Foundation

13:45–14:35 The American College Experience: What You Don't See in the Movies

  • Paul Umbach, Fulbright-Tampere University Scholar Award
  • Anne Langendorfer, Fulbright-Tampere University Scholar Award
  • Anita Wagner, Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Grant in Health and Environmental Sciences
  • Shelley Stephenson,Fulbright Specialist Program

Chair: TBA

14:35–15:15 American Intercultural Experiences

  • Sophia Farrand, Fulbright-Tampere University Graduate Award
  • Sarah Washburn, Fulbright-LUT University Graduate Award
  • Cameron Strang, Bicentennial Chair in North American Studies sponsored by the Fulbright Finland Foundation and the University of Helsinki

Chair: TBA

15:15–15:20 Greetings from the Fulbright Finland Foundation and Finlandia Foundation National

  • TBC, Fulbright Finland Foundation
  • Tommy Flanagan, Executive Director, Finlandia Foundation National

15:20–15:45 Refreshment Break

15:45–16:35 Immigrant Families

  • Edgar Arriaga, Fulbright-Aalto University Distinguished Chair
  • Fatiha Bazouche, Fulbright Finland Doctoral Award
  • Steven Girard, Fulbright-University of Turku Scholar Award
  • Reza Rejaie, Fulbright-Nokia Distinguished Chair in Information and Communications Technologies

Chair: TBA

16:35–16:45 Break
 
16:45–17:35 This is Halloween, Halloween, Halloween!

  • Mya Parr, Fulbright-LUT University Graduate Award
  • Dallianny Perez Lantigua, Fulbright-LUT University Graduate Award
  • Jessica Schonhoff, Fulbright-LUT University Graduate Award
  • Emily Curran, Fulbright-LUT University Graduate Award

Chair: TBA

End of program on Friday

Saturday, 10 October

10:15–11:05 What Americans Watch, Wear, Buy, and Cheer For: An Informal Look at American Popular Culture and What It Reveals About American Life

  • Christine Farley, Fulbright-Hanken Distinguished Chair in Business and Economics
  • Zaeem Zia, Fulbright-University of Turku Graduate Award
  • Arunachala Nadar Mada Kannan, Fulbright-LUT-EMRC Scholar Award
  • Wensong Yu, Fulbright-LUT-EMRC Scholar Award

Chair: TBA

11:05–11:30 Refreshment Break

11:30–12:10 Interpersonal Communication Norms in America: Small Talk, Acquaintanceships, Nonverbal Cues, and More

  • Elizabeth Lawrence, Fulbright-University of Jyväskylä Graduate Award
  • Kathryn Lambright, Fulbright-Tampere University Graduate Award
  • Abigail Lateer, Fulbright-University of Helsinki Graduate Award

Chair: TBA

12.10–13:00 Take a Road Trip with Us! Landscapes of the American West

  • Mindy Crandall, Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Grant in Health and Environmental Sciences
  • Kade Keranen, Fulbright-University of Oulu Scholar Award
  • Kalei Combs, Mid-Career Professional Development Program (MCPD)
  • Morgan Halley-Gluesing, Fulbright-Aalto University Graduate Award

Chair: TBA

13:00 Closing Words 
 

Read about the seminar: 

Previous American Voices programs

32nd American Voices

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31st American Voices

The 31st American Voices seminar took place on October 11-12, 2024, at the University of Turku

30th American Voices

The 30th American Voices seminar took place on October 6-7, 2023, at the University of Turku

29th American Voices

The 29th American Voices seminar took place on October 7-8, 2022, at the University of Turku

28th American Voices

The 28th American Voices seminar took place on October 8-9, 2021, at the University of Turku

27th American Voices

The 27th American Voices seminar took place on October 11-12, 2019, at the University of Turku

26th American Voices

The 26th American Voices Seminar took place on October 12-13, 2018, at the University of Turku.

25th American Voices

The 25th American Voices Seminar took place on October 6-7, 2017, at the University of Turku.

24th American Voices

The 24th American Voices Seminar took place on October 7-8, 2016, at the University of Turku.

23rd American Voices

The 23rd American Voices Seminar took place on on October 9-10, 2015, at the University of Turku.

22nd American Voices

The 22nd American Voices Seminar took place on on October 10-11, 2014, at the University of Turku.

21st American Voices

The 21st American Voices Seminar took place on on October 11-12, 2013, at the University of Turku.

20th American Voices

The 20th American Voices Seminar took place on on October 12-13, 2012, at the University of Turku.