Five American University School of Communication journalism graduate students had the opportunity to head to Norway through AU’s Bridging Investigative Journalism (BRIJ) fellowship. The fellowship works as an exchange program between AU’s students and the University of Bergen’s Center for Investigative Journalism students. Before SOC students headed to Norway, Norwegian students came to DC to experience the US Presidential election. 

In Norway, the BRIJ program afforded various opportunities for students to do a deep dive into investigative journalism and press freedom. Among Maria Lawson’s (SOC/MA '25) favorites was attending The Media Futures Annual Meeting. Students spent two days learning about the future of artificial intelligence and journalism from experts. They also had the opportunity to tour newsrooms, which opened their eyes to the cultural differences in how Norwegian news operate and the challenges they face. Learning from local journalists about reporting tactics, ethics, AI, and partnerships were some of the student’s favorite lessons. SOC spoke to Maria Lawson (SOC/MA ‘25), who gave insights into her experience in Bergen.

Did you act as a guide for the Norwegian students at all during their time in DC? If so, what did you show them or tell them to visit/see?
We became fast friends with the Norwegian students. We showed them an American Halloween, went to a local jazz show and attended events pertaining to American politics. They also shadowed us during our Election Day coverage for TheWash.org, an online news site featuring journalism students’ reporting. Their first day on campus, we took them to Chef Geoff’s, an AU staple.

What were you hoping to gain from your time in Norway? How much did you know about what you would be doing there prior to leaving the US?
I was hoping to learn more about investigative journalism and experience a new culture — specifically one that prioritizes freedom of the press.

What are a few takeaways of the way the media environment or investigative journalism in particular is different in Norway than the US?
Many news outlets in Norway receive funding from the government, but the government doesn’t interfere with their reporting. They also have a national board of journalists, editors and laypeople that handles ethical dilemmas faced by news outlets. News outlets also collaborate, and many of them are housed under the same roof.

What advice would you give to a student considering participating in BRIJ next year?
It was a lot of fun, both to learn more about journalism but also to immerse myself in Norwegian culture for three weeks while integrating with the students from the University of Bergen. I’d recommend this program to anyone looking to enhance their worldly understanding, both in and out of journalism.