Embassy Youth Council

U.S. Embassy Bern Youth Council Are you a Swiss citizen or resident between the ages of 15-21? Do you want to develop your leadership skills and empower Swiss youth? Do have a say in shaping policies that affect young people in Switzerland? If so, we invite you to apply for the U.S. Embassy Bern Youth …

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Women’s History Month Essay Competition

The U.S. Embassy in Bern is thrilled to announce the winners of the Women’s History Month Essay Competition! After evaluating the submissions, the panel selected three outstanding winners. We extend our congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional work and insightful consideration of the essay topic. The essays submitted demonstrated a deep understanding and …

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Ambassador Miller Participates in Liechtenstein’s First Pride

Remarks by Ambassador Scott C. Miller Schaan, Liechtenstein June 11, 2022 Happy Pride everyone! Apologies for me having to speak in English. So, thank you for your patience. This is my first Pride this month and I can’t think of a more exciting opportunity than to celebrate it in Liechtenstein on your very first Pride. …

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Happy International Women’s Day and Happy Women’s History Month from Chargé d’Affaires Eva Weigold Schultz

  Hello.  I’m Eva Weigold Schultz, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Bern. March 8 is International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the contributions of women everywhere to advancing peace, prosperity, and security. March is also Women’s History Month in the United States, where we celebrate women who have shaped the course …

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U.S. Embassy Bern Celebrates Black History Month 2021

To celebrate Black History Month and this year’s topic of “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” members of the Embassy are reading their favourite, family-related poem by an African American author. Langston Hughes: “Mother to Son” Lucille Clifton: “won’t you celebrate with me” We are using the poem, which was published in The Book …

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Black artists have always been an essential part of American culture

Black women in the arts have long formed the backbone of America’s cultural landscape. As Americans were reminded at President Biden’s inauguration, young Black artists such as poet  Amanda Gorman  are emerging and sharing their vision for the future with the world. For  Black History Month , we look at past and present defining figures in music, literature and the …

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Today We Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day to emphasize the importance of gender balance in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). So many solutions to today’s global challenges demand a strong background in STEAM fields, and these disciplines are stronger when women are equally represented. The …

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Songwriter Workshop with Arts Envoy and Professional Musician, Derik Nelson

Attention budding Swiss and Liechtensteiner songwriters!! The U.S. Embassy in Bern is delighted to announce a five-day virtual songwriting workshop led by professional musician and Arts Envoy, Derik Nelson. This unique, week-long event will offer something to beginning and experienced musicians alike. The first lesson kicks off Monday evening 30 November at 6pm. For 5 …

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Fulbright Specialist Kevin Oh at the School for Education FHNW in Brugg

For three weeks in February and March, Kevin Oh, Associate Professor of Learning and Instruction at the University of San Francisco, visited the School for Education at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts NorthWestern Switzerland as a Fulbright Specialist. The goal of his time at the FHNW was to give lectures to future primary …

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Ambassador McMullen Visits Swiss Canton of Glarus

Ambassador McMullen travels through Switzerland to get a fist-hand insight of regions, cultures, businesses and people – and their connections to the United States. His most recent trip took him to central Switzerland, where he visited the Canton of Glarus for a day. Glarus Businesses with Investment in the United States The first visit of …

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Americans in Switzerland: Meet Fulbright Specialist Joanna Woronkowicz

Social scientist Joanna Woronkowicz was selected as a Fulbright Specialist to work with Zurich University of the Arts (ZhdK Zurich). We caught up with her to learn more about her experience in Zurich and with the program. What was your motivation to collaborate with ZhdK Zurich? I had a couple of motivations. First, I wanted …

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United States Embassy Bern – Art in Embassies Exhibition and Reception

Nearly 70 years ago, the Museum of Modern Art first envisioned a worldwide U.S. arts program. It was President John F. Kennedy who, a decade later, established the Art in Embassies program at the U.S. Department of State. Now, the Art in Embassies program consists of over 200 permanent and temporary art exhibitions in U.S. …

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Opening of the William Wegman Exhibition at the Museo d’arte della Svizzera Italiana in Lugano

On Saturday, 7 September, the photo exhibition of William Wegman officially opened to the public at the Museum of Arts in Lugano. The exhibition is supported by a grant from the U.S. Embassy. William Wegman has been photographing and filming his Weimaraner dogs for about fifty years. In the exhibition, Wegman combines a documentary style …

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Frederike Asael Participates in the Program “Entrepreneurship as the Engine of Prosperity and Stability”

This past spring, Frederike Asael, an entrepreneur and photographer from Switzerland, participated in the three-week IVLP program designed by the U.S. Department of State entitled “Entrepreneurship as the Engine of Prosperity and Stability.” The program aims to promote small business development, innovation, and entrepreneurial acumen as paths to socio-economic wellbeing and political stability. After Frederike’s …

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Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing in 1969

July 20, 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first humans to land on the moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission. 50 years later, the U.S. and the world celebrate this historic event which serves as a symbol for human progression and achievement in space exploration and science. The …

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Benjamin Franklin Night at the Ambassador’s Residence

Last month we hosted a “Benjamin Franklin Night” at the Ambassador’s Residence! The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute (BFTF) is a 4-week program in the U.S. that aims to build links between Europeans and Americans. At the institute, participants discuss topics relating to transatlantic relations and diplomacy. There are a total of 10 U.S. …

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Americans in Switzerland: Amanda Bennett Director of Ballet School Theater Basel

We visited the Ballet School Theater Basel and got an in depth look at ballet education in Switzerland. Our host was the Texas-born director of the school, Amanda Bennett. Basel has played an important role in Amanda’s career. From 1978 to 1989, she fascinated audiences as the principal dancer under the leadership of Heinz Spoerli. Since 2001, she has …

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Arts Envoy Musician and Spokesperson Gaelynn Lea Wowed Swiss Audiences

The U.S. Embassy Bern was happy to host the American violinist Gaelynn Lea from June 12 until June 21, 2018.  She visited Switzerland as part of the State Department’s Arts Envoy Program.  During her stay, Gaelynn met with several high school classes from Bern and Aargau and more than 100 students from the International School …

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Statement from Secretary Pompeo on the Occasion of Ramadan

On behalf of the United States Department of State, I offer best wishes to Muslims around the world for a peaceful and blessed Ramadan. For those observing this month, it is a time of reverence, generosity, and spiritual introspection. Ramadan is also a cherished time of community, often spent reconnecting with family and friends. It …

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Impressing Students with Pulled Pork Burgers and Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwiches

Embassy Bern attended the Global Village event organized by the international youth organization AIESEC at the University in Bern. The students present were able to try food specialties from all around the world, prepared by Embassies and citizens of the respective countries.   We contributed two American classics: pulled pork sliders and peanut butter jelly sandwiches. …

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Ambassador McMullen at Geneva Book Fair

On April 25, Ambassador Edward McMullen attended the official opening of the 32nd annual Geneva Book Fair–the second largest French-language book fair in the world. The Fair attracted 100,000 guests and up to 1,000 authors over five days. The city of New York was honored with a special pavilion and an extensive program of activities. …

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Embassy Bern Celebrates World Intellectual Property Day

April 26, 2018, marks the 18th annual celebration of World Intellectual Property (IP) Day.  Intellectual property underpins nearly every aspect of the economy – it supports good paying jobs, creativity in the arts, innovation in sciences and technology, and it creates a framework that allows new industries and innovations to flourish. Every year, we celebrate …

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Americans in Switzerland: Jessica Caldwell “Sometimes, I’m speaking in French and nobody knows that I’m speaking in French!”

Jessica Caldwell, a native Hoosier (colloquial tern for a resident of the State of Indiana) came to Switzerland in September of last year for a Master’s degree program at the Adolphe Merkle Institute in Fribourg which offers a broad array of programs with specialties in biology, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering and more.  She met with …

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Ambassador McMullen Cooks His Favorite Chili

At the U.S. Embassy’s chili cooking competition last week, Ambassador McMullen’s recipe took home the top prize in the meat and bean category. The Ambassador is a passionate cook and now he invites you into his kitchen to share with you how he makes the timeless American classic—best served with a topping of shredded cheddar …

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Americans in Switzerland: Heather’s and Jonathan’s Creative Summer in Bern

Embassy Bern met with two American artists, Heather and Jonathan, to learn about how spending time in Switzerland, being immersed in a different landscape and culture, and exchanging ideas with strangers has impacted their creativity. What inspirations will they take back home? Read below. The two American artists visited Switzerland as artistic fellows with the …

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New York Poet and Film Maker Max Stossel in Bern to “Tell stories that matter”

On invitation by U.S. Embassy Bern New York poet, social media activist, and film maker Max Stossel was in Bern for various speaking engagements. Max spoke with four groups of high school students at the Gymnasium Kirchenfeld and Neufeld on the use of social media and how it should enhance one’s life, instead of making …

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U.S. Embassy Participates in Bern Ouest Pride March

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, staff from U.S. Embassy Bern joined the Bern Ouest Pride march. Six sections representing the colors of the rainbow kicked off the march from different parts of the city, coming together at the Bundesplatz. Embassy staff and family members walked along the orange route whose theme was “The Power of …

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Chargé Erath Remarks for Independence Day Reception 2017

Excellencies, Representatives of the Swiss federal administration, Representatives of the Liechtenstein government, Representatives of the Swiss Armed Forces, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you all so much for joining us today to celebrate the 241st anniversary of American independence. We are so pleased to welcome guests from the many facets of our engagement with Switzerland and …

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Basel and Miami: Partners in Art

On June 14th, Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath was warmly invited to a lunchtime discussion with representatives from Basel Stadt, MCH Group AG, City of Miami Beach, Basel Tourism, BaselArea and Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. President of the Government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt Elisabeth Ackermann kicked off the event with a welcome to …

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Lebanese-American Artist Leads Workshops at School & Asylum Center

On invitation of the U.S. Embassy Bern, Helen Zughaib visited Switzerland this week as a part of the State Department’s Speaker Program. On Monday she held workshops for a multicultural school class in Bümpliz and a “Durchgangszentrum” (transit center for asylum seekers) in Lyss. She opened the workshops by discussing her family’s migration story and …

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Pulitzer Prize Winner Adam Johnson Shares Stories with both Students and Academics

Adam Johnson, 2013 Pulitzer Prize winner for his novel The Orphan Master’s Son, was in Bern from May 22-23. On invitation from U.S. Embassy Bern, Johnson was the guest of honor in a fireside chat about his approach to writing The Orphan Master’s Son, a novel set in North Korea following the life of orphan and …

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Helen Zughaib to Discuss Fostering Mutual Understanding through Art

With the support of the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Lebanese-American artist Helen Zughaib will be in Switzerland June 12-16. A painter whose work has been shown in multiple exhibitions all over the world, Zughaib maintains that art is one of the most important tools we have to help shape and foster dialogue among people from …

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Pulitzer Prize Winner, Adam Johnson, in Bern

Adam Johnson, 2013 Pulitzer Prize winner for his novel The Orphan Master’s Son, will be in Bern May 22-23. He will give several talks focusing on his approach to writing and on The Orphan Master’s Son, a novel set in North Korea following the life of orphan and model citizen Pak Jun Do. Adam Johnson is …

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Media Literacy and Rumor Research: Snopes.com Founder David Mikkelson in Switzerland

David Mikkelson, co-founder of Snopes.com, a leading U.S.-based resource for debunking rumors and bad information, discussed media literacy, rumor research and the importance of trustworthy sources with a wide variety of audiences in Switzerland. Addressing university students in Bern, high school students in Wettingen, an audience at the Museum of Electronic Arts in Basel, Swiss …

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U.S. Embassy Bern Celebrates American Pop Art Master

On April 8, 2017, Vice Consul Benjamin Baughman spoke at the opening of the Robert Indiana exhibit at the Pinacoteca Comunale Casa Rusca in Locarno.  U.S. Embassy Bern is a proud supporter of the celebration of the American pop art master.  Best known for his iconic LOVE sculpture, Indiana’s art has been inspiring people around …

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David Mikkelson, co-founder of Snopes.com, speaker on Urban Legends and Rumor Research

Public Lecture at the House of Electronic Arts in Basel on April 27 from 18:00 – 19:00 David Mikkelson, co-founder of Snopes.com , will be speaking and leading the discussion Admission: free – No registration needed Drawing on his experience as co-founder of  Snopes.com , a leading U.S.-based resource for debunking rumors and false information, David will …

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Chargé Erath Highlights Louisiana French Heritage Community During Francophonie Week

On March 21, as part of the “2017 Week of Francophonie” celebrations, the U.S. Embassy and the Embassy of Canada hosted a screening of the film, “Zachary Richard, Cajun Heart,” in Bern. The movie shows the history of the Acadian people, their expulsion from Canada in the 18th century and the migration of many of …

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U.S. Embassy Bern Celebrates Jazz Together with the Jazzwerkstatt Bern

For its 10th anniversary, Jazzwerkstatt Bern, a festival supported in part with a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Bern, featured musicians from all over the world: Switzerland, Germany, South Africa, Great Britain, Italy, Austria and the United States.  Chicago musicians Josh Bernan, Keefe Jackson and Frank Rosaly performed with Swiss musician Marc Unternährer, and …

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Screening of “Zachary Richard, Cajun Heart” and Discussion with Director Phil Comeau

Join Us on March 21, 2017 at 18:00 at the Bubenberg Cinema in Bern!   In France, Canada, Switzerland and many other countries people speak French, but did you know that there is a French-speaking community in the United States too? You can learn something about the Cajun culture and community, mainly found in Louisiana, …

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Jonathan Mitchell Spoke at the SonOhr Festival

With support from the U.S. Embassy, American podcast producer, director and writer Jonathan Mitchell’s visited Switzerland from February 16 to 19. He spoke at the sonOhr Festival at Bern’s Cinema Rex on Saturday, February 18, leading a master class and participating in a panel discussion on podcasting. At the master class he guided the audience through the …

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Jonathan Mitchell at the sonOhr Festival with Support from U.S. Embassy Bern

We are happy to support U.S. podcast producer, director and writer Jonathan Mitchell’s visit to Bern this week. From February 16 to 19 Mitchell will be here give talks and lead a workshop at the sonOhr Festival at Bern’s Cinema Rex on Saturday, February 18. Mitchell produces “The Truth” which makes “movies for your ears”: audio short …

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U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath Opens Visit USA Seminar 2017

Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath delivered opening remarks at the Visit USA Seminar on February 1, 2017 in Zürich-Regensdorf.  A total of 375 travel professionals attended the event which featured 54 partners and exhibitors.  Chargé d’Affaires Erath thanked the audience for promoting tourism to the U.S. and thus contributing to the U.S. economy.  She noted …

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Tour de France Comes to U.S. Embassy Bern

On Tuesday July 19,  the U.S. Embassy welcomed U.S. cycling team Trek-Segafredo for a coffee break as part of their rest day activities in Bern. The team, which includes Swiss rider and local hero Fabian Cancellera, U.S. rider Peter Stetina and current #2 in the overall race, Bauke Mollema, stopped by the Ambassador’s Residence where …

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Ambassador LeVine Visits Anti-Piracy Exhibition in Gandria

On May 25 Ambassador LeVine and her husband, Eric, visited the customs museum in Gandria, to view the special exhibition organized by the anti-piracy organization Stop Piracy. The exhibit, “Beguiling Appearance, Murky Shadows, ” focuses on the importance of protecting intellectual property rights. Along for the visit were Swiss musician IVO and Cecile Drexel from …

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