about awc of oslo

The American Women's Club of Oslo (AWC)

offers an opportunity to become acquainted with other Americans in Oslo, to explore Norwegian and American culture, to participate in varied programs and activities, to network and expand within a large resource group, and to share the "Norwegian experience" with American friends.

Who are we?

Our nearly 300 AWC members are a diversified and dynamic group, ranging in age from 20 to 96 years and hailing from virtually every U.S. state and many foreign countries.

We are homemakers, professionals, students, women in the Norwegian work force, spouses of Norwegians, representatives of U.S. firms and institutions, educators, entertainers -- women from all walks of life. Our common denominator is our American heritage.

Membership in AWC is available automatically to all women having American citizenship. In addition, up to 25% of the membership may be citizens of other countries who have special ties to the U.S. These "associate members" currently represent 13 different countries in addition to Norway.

What do we do?

The Club meets regularly once every month, maintains a comprehensive Library, awards a biennial scholarship of NOK 100,000, and hosts a variety of special activities for its members. What we do is based on our membership at any given time; the Club directly reflects our members' needs and preferences.

Annual membership dues are NOK 400, payable in September (although you can join at any time). The benefits of membership are the following:

• Monthly Membership Meetings with themes or speakers of special interest. Reasonably priced catered lunches or (for the evening meetings) dessert and beverages served. Held on the second Tuesday of each month at Hanson Hall, American Lutheran Church, Fritznersgata 15, 0207 Oslo. Reservations required. Daytime babysitting offered.

• AWC Library, housing contemporary literature in English, best-sellers, biographies, cook books, leisure, health and women's issues, children's books, and popular magazines.  Open (September - June) during evening meetings and one Tuesday per month, 2 weeks after the monthly meeting, from 11 am - 1 pm.

• Subscription to The Fjord Flyer, a monthly newsletter carrying membership information, articles of general interest to the members, announcements of activities and events, and reviews of Library books.

• The annual AWC Membership Directory, listing names, addresses, and phone numbers of all members, in addition to useful local information.

• Information and support for Newcomers to Oslo, including printed material and informal get-togethers.

• Fund-raising activities in support of the AWC Scholarship Program.

• Celebration of American Holidays: 4th of July picnic, children's Halloween party, Thanksgiving meal, Christmas lunch, Valentine's meeting, etc.

• Community Outreach opportunities through contact with other organizations in Oslo having a similar or complementary focus.

• Affiliation with FAWCO (Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas), offering annual international conferences and access to a storehouse of information on women's issues.

• Special interest groups within the Club, such as Pins and Needles, Moms & Tots, Book Club, handicrafts, and other courses and classes.

Fill out a membership application to join or email our Membership Coordinator to receive additional information.