Wohlfeil Spends Fulbright Year in Norway
Though only recently back on campus following an exciting year teaching in Norway, Fulbright Scholar Dr. Michael Wohlfeil is looking forward to returning to Norway sometime in the near future and exploring ways Concordia can continue to strengthen its ties with the country.
The Concordia education professor and chair is hoping to assist international education director Dr. Per Anderson with creating arctic study abroad programs for the college, which would include studies in Norway.
"Norway today is a dynamic country we can learn from," he says.
Wohlfeil spent the entire academic year living and traveling in Norway as a Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research Roving Scholar of American Studies. He conducted seminars on 10 different American topics, including current events and American folk songs, for secondary school teachers and students.
Prior to his arrival, the ministry informed schools of his availability to teach about these American topics for seminars and all interested schools signed up for the visits. More than 800 teachers and about 8,000 students ages 16 to 19 attended the classes.
"As far as I know, Norway is the only country (in the world) with such a program," Wohlfeil says. "It was truly a great opportunity."
He was on the road three to seven days per week, traveling the country by land, water and air, and teaching two to eight hours a day in between. Wohlfeil spoke at as many schools as his schedule would allow. Though he handled many administrative duties as education chair, he says the opportunity to serve as a roving scholar confirmed his true love lies in teaching.
"I came to realize that my greatest strengths are as a teacher," Wohlfeil says. "It is where I have the greatest joy and received positive feedback."
View a photo gallery documenting Wohlfeil's Norway travels
See a complete list of Wohlfeil's visits
Curious how many days Wohlfeil spent teaching in Norway or how many plane trips his travels required?
Here are the stats:
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The Concordia education professor and chair is hoping to assist international education director Dr. Per Anderson with creating arctic study abroad programs for the college, which would include studies in Norway.
"Norway today is a dynamic country we can learn from," he says.
Wohlfeil spent the entire academic year living and traveling in Norway as a Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research Roving Scholar of American Studies. He conducted seminars on 10 different American topics, including current events and American folk songs, for secondary school teachers and students.
Prior to his arrival, the ministry informed schools of his availability to teach about these American topics for seminars and all interested schools signed up for the visits. More than 800 teachers and about 8,000 students ages 16 to 19 attended the classes.
"As far as I know, Norway is the only country (in the world) with such a program," Wohlfeil says. "It was truly a great opportunity."
He was on the road three to seven days per week, traveling the country by land, water and air, and teaching two to eight hours a day in between. Wohlfeil spoke at as many schools as his schedule would allow. Though he handled many administrative duties as education chair, he says the opportunity to serve as a roving scholar confirmed his true love lies in teaching.
"I came to realize that my greatest strengths are as a teacher," Wohlfeil says. "It is where I have the greatest joy and received positive feedback."
View a photo gallery documenting Wohlfeil's Norway travels
See a complete list of Wohlfeil's visits
Curious how many days Wohlfeil spent teaching in Norway or how many plane trips his travels required?
Here are the stats:
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- Back to eNews