Two years ago, Norwegian students in the Twin Cities served a Syttende mai breakfast in Mindekirken’s Fellowship Hall. It was a fundraiser for their organization, ANSA (Association of Norwegian Students Abroad). More than 100 people enjoyed røkelaks, eggerøre and other Norwegian specialties.

The last two years, however, there simply have not been enough Norwegian students around to put on a Syttende mai breakfast. This follows a pattern which is more serious than the lack of a good meal. Over the years, thousands of Norwegians have gotten their college and university education in the US. Norway has always regarded this as very important, not only for the quality of the education, but for the value of the ties between the two countries, at both the formal and personal levels.

Bjørn Boe, who is the Norwegian Student chaplain for North America (and also an associate member of Mindekirken) says that in 2001, there were 1700 Norwegian graduate students in the US. Now that number has declined to less than 1000. He points out some reasons why this is happening.

Tuition has increased relatively more in the US than in other countries. Many potential Norwegian students find it too difficult to find their way through the University bureaucracy in the US. In order to get a visa, the US embassy requires an interview with the applicants. Some regard it as an unnecessary obstacle to have to go to Oslo for an interview, which on the average takes about three minutes. Post 9/11, the questioning of the American immigration authorities has become tougher; some experience it as quite unpleasant.

Where do most Norwegians who study abroad go? The number one destination is Australia, with 5000(!) Norwegian students. Great Britain and Denmark come next.

Having Norwegians get their education in Australia has become big business, promoted by both Australian authorities and private agencies. One might question to which degree it is right to make graduate education a four-year package tour to another country. But what means might be used in order to increase the number of Norwegian students in the US ought to be a concern on both sides of the Atlantic ocean.

Jens Arne Dale, pastor

jens@mindekirken.org