Washington Seminar 2011 Behind the scenes and in the media

References from previous participants

The seminar has been given a top-score by its previous participants. The range of our participant’s background have traditionally been ranging from central news- and tv editorial staffs, high ranking governmental political staffers, politicians, political advisors, communication staffers, academics and a broad range of representatives from public and private sector.

–A unique possibility to experience the political and social mentality that characterizes the heart of one of the world’s most important nations.

Eirik Mosveen, political journalist in VG, participant in 2003.

– To understand international politics is to follow the development in Washington, D.C. To understand American politics you also need to get out of Washington, D.C. The seminar gave us an opportunity to do both. A high level on the speakers, an active participation of the grou  and the trip to small town American made it all a informative, demanding and fun trip.

Cathrine Andersen, senior advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participant in 2007.  

- To be in Washington during the most exciting presidential election in a long time was a life time experience .To experience president-elect Barck Obama together with 80 000 hopeful others was the same. The most fun part was to experience how so many of the participants that cheered on Obama  elevated him almost as a good old Norwegian socialist. Something he definitively is not. This has given me lot of memories for a life time!! So thanks to the organizer – after being paid a considerable honorarium – facilitated it!

Geir Almåsvold Mo, secretary-general in FrP, participant in 2008.

– The intense feeling of being ”inside the beltway” was absolutely present.

Stein Hernes, political advisor Social democratic party, participant in 2000 and 2003.

- And the life never turned out to be the same again. It was us – and hundre thousands others in a field in Virgina. It was Obamas last speech during the election campaign. We were shoulders to shoulders. He looked outwards at the crowd and ended his speech with the following words: “Go out and change the world”. Go out and vote!” A moment frozen in time. A moment where everything felt possible. Six days in Washington while history where written. What a gift to be able to experience this!

Jane Throndsen, Cultural- and magazine editor in Dagbladet, participant in 2000.

– The experiences, friendships and network from Washington, D.C. does not go away before the plane lands on Oslo Airport again.

Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide, parliamentary representative from the Conservative party, participant in 2000.

– There are some things you can get an understanding of by reading it. It is fascinating to watch President Bust at television, while you get another understanding of the message when a Nigerian single mother from the local perfumery tells you her story of why she planned on giving him her vote.

Hege Duckert, Cultural editor Dagbladet, participant in 2004.

– A unique opportunity to get in touch with people in Washington, D.C., that again and again gives an increased insight into how the world only super power is made up political.

Anders Giæver, VG, participant in 2004. 

– I would not have been without this experience.

Kåre Verpe, director for communication and strategy in NHO, participant in 2002.

– The only weakness – the seminar ended. .

Guri Hjeltnes, professor, Norwegian School of Management, participant in 2004 and 2008.

– The US has one of the highest concentrations of competence, intellectual curiosity and healthy critical sense. The seminar gives us close contact to all of this and challenges both our love and despise.

Petter Nome, journalist and US sceptic, participant in 2003.

– We were challenged: clear pointed messanges that we like – or disliked – but that was not possible to be indifferent to.

Terje Svabø, Civita, participant in 2004.