104 responses so far ↓

• 1 quickcutters // Jul 29, 2008 at 7:51 am

  I would be in big trouble trying to speak to any one there.
  At my age i think it would be harder to learn also. nice post.

• 2 Diane // Jul 29, 2008 at 8:00 am

  You always have the best information! Some day, should I ever get to traveling, all this will come in very handy :)

• 3 Gift Baskets // Jul 30, 2008 at 6:16 am

  I would think these would be normal issues as an expat about anywhere. All too scary for me, that is for sure!

  Lisa

• 4 Jerry Graffam // Jul 30, 2008 at 7:40 am

  Hi Kristie:

  It’s very cool that you’re on Fire Storm. I met you through link exchange last year when I had 33 Is The New 23. I’m very glad everythign is still working out so wel for you. I did like teh winter scene better for a background, but oh well. Take care! ~Jerry

• 5 damian // Jul 30, 2008 at 11:00 pm

  Un saludo,mucho tiempo sin saber de ti,un fuerte abrazo desde españa

• 6 moni // Oct 16, 2008 at 5:53 am

  Hi my husband is from Norway Bergen but we live in Florida, USA now we have 2 beautiful girls ages 12 and 14 and with all the changes and no guarantees about life insurance and job security and our children’s future, my husband wants us to move to Bergen to live which I am willing to do it. Now considering that I speak german, english and spanish, and I am very broad. Our kids are more american than both of us , not too confuse them we taught them a neutral language. How it will affect them a life change as their peers, i am confused, do you think they will miss their friends from school??my husband says in a long run, our kids having dual nationality as american and norwegian will benefit better over there although I know the weather is rainy and cold most of the time.Please, reply.

• 7 Kristie // Oct 16, 2008 at 5:06 pm

  @moni: The girls at that age is what makes a move like that so tricky. I would (if you can) take them on a vacation there and ask them what they think. I think it would be most important to involve them in the decision making process so they dont feel like helpless victims being yanked out of their lives unwillingly. I dont personally know how much they will benefit from a dual nationality… I dont think that alone is a very good reason to make a move like that.
  My advice is to ask your kids what they think. I think parents underestimate the intelligence and understanding teenagers have…. and in making a move like that, I would want them to agree - or else you might be up against very hostile teenagers who feel like victims to their parents decisions. I would ask them!
  I hope this helps, maybe someone else reading this might also have some advice!

• 8 moni // Oct 17, 2008 at 3:39 am

  I understand that it is not easy because our children have their own mind but realistically, there is a huge unemployment, also there is no health care available if you get fired or laid off and jobs are scarce and we cannot live on medicare and social security only. There is a recession right now , and we are getting old and scared if something happens to my husband i will be working until i drop dead. Our kids will get almost 300 dollars being norwegians . It is a tremendous experience and we can always come back to USA at least once a year.

  Please, reply.

• 9 Tom // Oct 19, 2008 at 8:27 am

  Moni, what the hell is wrong with you? Where is the tragedy of living in US that you have to run for your life? Your arguments are irrational at best. You wanna move, move but without creating fony arguments. And your kids gonna hate you for it. Norway is for eating berries, walking fiords, and taking advantage of socialist mentality of peasants and fishermen that hit a jackpot in form of oil. Use your head woman, since your husband is losing it.

• 10 Eric // Oct 21, 2008 at 5:43 pm

  Hello,

  My wife is Norwegian and I am American. I have lived in the States my whole life except when I was in the Military.
  Basically in a nutshell, I have a bachelors degree, I hated my job so much in the States that the stress was killing me and I couldnt find anything else. That led me to worry for the past 5 years about job security and our lives so we decided to foreclose on our house, cash in our 401K plans to live on and ship all our stuff to Norway. Now we are renting a 2 bedroom house on a farm in the middle of nowhere. My wife cant find a job and neither can I due to the language issue. We have been here since May and have been miserable ever since as we have to live off the Govt here which gives you money, but too little too late most of the time. We wanted to move to a larger city, but without jobs it is just too expensive. There is absolutely nothing here to do in this town and no jobs unless you speak Norwegian. I have walked to places and asked and jobs are few.
  This is effecting our children and our marriage life. If we were to move back to the States, we would have to sell everything we shipped here and send back the important stuff such as pics of the kids, wedding dress etc. We have nowhere to live if we go back to the States except with my parents who basically turned their house into a cat rescue center. It is truly aweful to be in this situation. My wife is seeing if she can get her old job back in the States and I can work at Walmart or something until I get something better. I actually spoke with someone from Eures who is an American that has lived here for 20 years. She cant find anything for me job wise and I went to a temp agency here today and they basically said we will keep your resume and let you know.
  We consider the States to be our home and want to go back, but dont know if we should continue to try it here or go back while we still can and at least live where we want to be even though we have to start all over again with our lives. We think if we go back we need to as soon as possible so companies will not think we lost our skill-sets for working again.
  Basically we are stuck and dont know what to do.
  Advice??

• 11 Kristie // Oct 24, 2008 at 4:05 pm

  @Eric: Hi Eric. I am so sorry to hear about your situation. I know a few people in similar situations and I dont really know what to tell you. I will leave your comment here and hope someone will have some advice for you! I wish you the best of luck.

• 12 Kristie // Oct 24, 2008 at 4:28 pm

  @moni: I understand, and those are very realistic fears. It is hard for me to say too, because I do not have children. One thing is for sure though…that it is good to have options. :) It doesn’t mean you have to do it or not, you are more fortunate than many people in the US to know that you have options :) I wish I had more good advice for you than I do…believe me. I am sure whatever decision you make, you will make it work! Good luck!

• 13 Moni // Oct 25, 2008 at 5:45 pm

  Tom,
  This is for you, I don’t know how old are you but i already been in Norway, we have family from our husband’s side, my husband went in May to see his father for a terminal illness and worked there for 2 months, at the same time he is Norwegian 100%. We reside in Florida because we decided to, but the economy right now there is no guarantees unless you study a career and join the govermment if you want your retirement secure.This is for Eric, Does your wife has contact in Norway?? why did you move to a middle of a farm??? you seclude yourself, now my husband is from the second biggest city of Norway which is Bergen, try to relocate near Oslo or contact that your wife has, can she get a job right away, try kelly services, monster.com,etc. also you have to do at least 1000 hours of norwegian language for free but you have to move out of the farm, you won’t find a job like that, now i am not against United States, there is no job security right now, only doctors, nurses, in the medical field but i am trying to finish my bachelors on arts and get certification for a teacher in esol endorsement in german and spanish, minor biology, with that i will continue back to the state of florida retirement system.
  Eric, this is for you if you have a trip to Oslo or call first to the american base in Oslo, they can probably hook you up to work there as a veterenan or continue with the US govermment, don’t give up, your wife needs to network, does she have education??? now i forgot to tell you guys I am peruvian born, i hold 2 passports american and peruvian, so i lived overseas, now married to a norwegian i can get my citizenship in norway in 2 years but living there, because i married him 16 years ago.
  The only thing i like about norway is that it is difficult for them to lay you off and you have access to a good retirement system, my husband’s family is in Bergen, his mother is widowed now and she is getting at least 3000 dollars per month from the husband, which is a pension, now he never worked for the govermment in Norway, they are norwegian viking 100%.
  Tom, this is for you, i don’t know if you ever lived in Norway or have two nationalities but one thing it seems that either you are patriotic or you are not broad at all or Norway treat you bad, because yes the weather is horrible coming from Florida, but in Florida there is no jobs, and if i move to Norway and decide to work for 7 years i will be entitle to be on vacation for 5 weeks which works for me, i already pay my dues, I worked 10 years for the florida retirement system and 13 more years for private industry in the states, what kind of experience you have, i don’t know. Good Luck for your endeavors.

• 14 moni // Oct 25, 2008 at 5:47 pm

  Kristie,
  Thanks for your opinion, and continue with your endeavors.

• 15 Eric // Oct 25, 2008 at 10:57 pm

  Thanks for the comments Moni.

  Our goal is to move off this farm and to a bigger city such as Oslo or Trondheim. It is really too expensive to just pick up and move before we get a job. My wife has been applying for jobs on NAV, but I think her secondary education is keeping her from getting anything. I will tell her to try more Temp agencies as she is the key to us getting off this farm and into civilization. If we can do that, I might actually like it here. Once in a bigger city there will be more job opportunities for me - dont care what I do, just want to work. Hopefully the Govt will move us to the city where she gets a job and will help us until we can start making house payments on our own. Where I come from it is a no no to take money from anyone but yourself so this really sucks. We have 300,kr to our name for the rest of this month. That is not good.

• 16 moni // Oct 30, 2008 at 11:17 pm

  hi,
  Eric but the way it sounds is that you don’t have no connection from your wife’s side at all??? Doesn’t she know people in Norway??? another thing i forgot to tell you, Norwegians know each other since they were growing up and they tend to help each other and even do connections. What i didn’t get it is that the govermment will move you, what do you mean, Norwegian govermment??? either your wife or you have to work??? on my understanding you have to learn norwegian so far, another thing even if you hate it, if you are greedy and you think that Norway will change for you, it is not going to happen. You need to learn their language and learn their way of living which is completely different than here, life is more relax but you have to learn the language to be accepted in their culture.
  Just a tip, i know in USA anyone gets use to it because it is capitalism, and as long as you are useful you find a job>>> do you understand>> jobs that many american wouldn’t do it, but in Norway because it is not so big, they pick and you have to be competent, and maybe know several languages but it doesn’t mean that you won’t have chances in life. Don’t give up, be positive…. The best of luck to you and your family.

• 17 Eric // Oct 31, 2008 at 5:58 pm

  I dont expect anyone to change for me. I thought we were coming to a place that actually had jobs and not a farm in the middle of nowhere.
  This was not planned as we were just going to stay with my wife’s sister for a short time and move to the city we wanted to move to. We ended up staying here since it was so cheap which I was against as it is settling and that means difficult to get out.
  I will learn Norsk eventually, but I thought I could at least get a crappy job doing of course what Norwegians dont want to do and overtime learn Norwegian.
  Its not like I am a child and can pick up Norwegian overnight and I really dont want to. Nobody wants to be forced to do anything, but I do start classes in Nov.
  I would much rather move to somewhere like Spain if I have to learn a new language. Girls are much much better looking there and it is a great place to be. Also I have taught myself Spanish. Wait I am married, nevermind.

  My wife has very few connection here as she is from small towns and is actually more American than I am figuratively speaking. She realizes that this place is somewhere to visit but not to live.
  I think the people are greedy, biased, racist - pretty much like we are in the States.
  Dont get me wrong, I get alot of attention being American here and everyone is really nice to me, but I am in a bad situation because of where we located ourselves, the lack of Norwegian language which I dont think would change a thing.
  I do think things would be better if we moved to a City here or back to the States.
  I am way too overqualified and over-educated to do crap jobs here.
  What I meant by the moving is if we get a job the Govt is responsible to move us to the other city as we dont have enough to move.
  So until we can get out of this small town and into a city where there are more jobs available and not farms everywhere we are stuck sucking money from the Govt. I would think they would be a little more intelligent and say, hey, we need to help these people get jobs instead of giving us tax payers money every month to watch t.v.
  Dont get me wrong, I have done everything I can in this town to get a job, but like I said, its too small and there are no jobs available at this time.
  It is very easy from someone on your side who is married to someone who has a job and is Norwegian to say what you are saying. It is very different for the Norwegian person to have limited education and the career field they picked in school they cant do anymore because of their back.
  Love the snow though!

• 18 MS // Nov 16, 2008 at 10:18 am

  Learn the language, people! They offer many classes all over the country. You are going to have to learn it anyway, if you are allowed to stay there with a visa.

• 19 tasta // Dec 29, 2008 at 10:31 am

  Hi
  I come from a third-world country. I came to Norway (to marry my Norwegian) with a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience. I cleaned some houses while doing Norwegian language course. My mother-in-law took care of my child from a previous marriage. After 10 months in Norway, I found a job through someone I met socially. After 6 years, I now earn a lot so I have to pay “topp skatt”. My friends all have the same experience. Even my friends with MBA’s did not hesitate at cleaning or babysitting jobs. These jobs also widen your social network.

• 20 Kristie // Jan 4, 2009 at 10:21 pm

  @tasta: I agree..it does widen your network. I am babysitting right now and I actually love it (although the pay is not so so great).

• 21 Si // Jan 30, 2009 at 3:04 pm

  Heya,

  Thanks for your tips on finding a job in Norway. I’m looking for a summer job there, or any job to be perfectly honest, sick of UK syndrome lol!

  Viel Gluck!

• 22 Brittany Aasheim // Feb 3, 2009 at 12:52 pm

  Hei, i moved here a couple months ago from Orlando with my Norsk hubby who is a pilot, im having trouble finding a job in Fredrikstad due to my limited Norsk skills. So i am now looking in Oslo, i do not mind cleaning and such for the first 6 months or so until i find a job as a skintherapist. Any advice on companies for cleaning that do not mind english speakers, you would be surprised how many do mind even if you dont say a word all day and just clean!

• 23 Jeannie // Feb 5, 2009 at 8:01 pm

  Hi everyone, I’m new here. My husband inherited a house on the Fjord 3 miles outside of Flekkefford, Norway. Flekkefjord is a nice oceanside town with shops & a mall. The ships pull into the port there, so there’s always lots of tourists. We are considering renting the house out- if we don’t go there ourselves. If anyone is interested, reply to this posting and I’ll send photos.

• 24 Working in Norway « navigate norway // Feb 7, 2009 at 11:05 pm

  [...] are many different experiences with the job hunt in Norway. I have heard from expats that were told of the low unemployment rate [...]

• 25 William // Feb 12, 2009 at 10:38 am

  @eric, wow I thought I was the only one in this situation but you have been here longer and more power to you, hello I,m William I moved here in 12/08 from California to be with my wife which is norwegian and my beautiful daughter that was born in Norway were staying in Nesoddtangen which is a little outside Oslo in a small house .Unfortuanally me and my wife are going thru a ruff patch in our relationship were she no longer wants to be with me and leaving me in a hard situation my 90 day visa is up in march and I want to stay here in norway were I sold everything back in california and have nothing to go back to fortunally her family is very nice and is helping me on getting the family immigration papers in process and hope to also find work in oslo but I’m slowly learning the language here and seeing everybodys comments here give me hope that yes its hard situation but stay positive and push forward we could all do better here in Norway, also I dont have any degrees but a hell of lot work experince I was a manager for an insurance brokerage in california and also I have been experince with industrial jobs I was hopping to get a job doing something like logistics ,or distribution work were they do freight in california people there dont even speak english and they would get work in the warehouses places like that also TGIF resturant from what I heard use alot english speaking workers hell maybe I could be a waiter Ill would even settle washing dishes haha but you have to start somewhere
  please reply i would like to make some contacts here and maybe network to help each other

  thanks

  William

• 26 zina // Feb 18, 2009 at 12:53 pm

  hi all ;
  i am new here , but when i am looking for someone help me to move to norway i found this page , so i think if someone read my comment maybe wants / can help me .
  we my husband and me looking for chance to live and work in norway for better chance in life ,
  i just want to live in good situation. with my husband we really need this chance.
  i will be greatfull to who will help us
  thanks
  zina

• 27 Magda // Feb 27, 2009 at 11:47 pm

  Hey guys,

  I am in a simular situation too. I am engaged with a Norwegian, and looking for a job in Norway for a long time .. :(

• 28 William // Mar 1, 2009 at 2:21 pm

  hello there Magda what part of Norway do you guys live? and are you American like me always good to hear from fellow American,and what kind of work have you been looking for?

• 29 Magda // Mar 1, 2009 at 2:26 pm

  Nope, I am Europian :) I am Economist and I had a great job, but I cant find anything here now :S Its so frustrating :S:S What about You William? :)

• 30 William // Mar 1, 2009 at 3:21 pm

  well it’s hard because all the adds are norwegian and I use the google translator to translate but I’m learning the language so I could communicate better and that way I could find a good job here, but for now I must take whatever comes my way luckily my daughters family here are very nice and are helping me with that right now I’m bearly getting the papers done and I don’t even have a work permit yet but once all that is done I could start working again

• 31 Magda // Mar 1, 2009 at 6:18 pm

  I tried with google translate too, but then they ask if I speak business level Norwegian ? so nothing.. I just apply on English adds. I apply for the most stupid job as well, like work in a hotel, shop, … but nothing ? I was thinking that it wont be difficult to find job in Norway, because there are tons of foriners here. And many dosnt speak Norwegian and English. Like the Polish workers. They do some physical job in Norway just with Polsih language. .. But I cant find anything and I am here for 3 months ?

• 32 WILLIAM // Mar 1, 2009 at 8:13 pm

  wow that’s not good Ive’d been here 3 months too and didn’t know it was that hard , what about those classes they have to teach Norwegian ? so what are your plans ? but don’t give up you cant succeed without failing first , no sacrafice no victory.me I’m going to give it my all! but I know it’s hard and by posting comments here it gives you a sense of hope , well it those for me anyway my motto is “no one gives it to you , you have to take it”

• 33 Eric // Mar 1, 2009 at 8:40 pm

  All I will say if you are married to a Norwegian who has a job here, take your time and learn the language. You will probably not get a job until you do and I highly doubt you will get a job in what you were doing before or what you have an education in. They will always use you for cleaning though. Just being realistic.
  Just be happy one of you has a job as it is hard even for Norwegians to get a job right now.

  For those of you who plan on coming here all I ask is why? There is nothing here unless you are young enough to learn the language and become Norwegian and love this country more than anything.

  Yes this is a beautiful country to visit, but never to live unless you are rich and dont have to worry about employment.

  There are so many better countries out there which might not be and I hate to say it as prejudice as they are here against non-norwegians.

  Go someplace like Spain, South America, the States.

  I have lived here for almost a year and have become a complete vegetable living off the Govt. We are going back to Texas in a little more than a month thank goodness.

  William,

  I am terribly sorry to hear about your situation. I can say I do feel your pain as coming here has only torn apart our relationship more than it already was. It seems like this is a last resort before couples split. All you can do is apply for the family visa and they will grant it to you I am positive as they will not separate kids from their father. NAV will give you money to live on and have a place to live. We just drop off our bills there every month if we dont have enough to pay them.

  I am glad to hear that you are a go- getter as that is how I was until I was turned down by a pig slaughterhouse. Learning a new language may be easy for kids but for us adults it is extremely difficult and takes a long time and than you can enter the job market and have to compete with Norwegians. If my wife left me I would apply for the family visa and continue to live here like you are but we havent gotten to that point yet.

  Everyone, just remember Spain, S. America and the States!!

  Jeannie all I can say is you and your husband are some lucky dogs :) Maybe if we stay we would rent from you as we are looking for a bigger city and more job opportunities, but now going back to States to face that economic horror :o

  Good luck to everyone!

• 34 Magda // Mar 1, 2009 at 10:31 pm

  o God, but its good to know that I am now alone in this silly situation. I am not married, and I really dont plan to do it. I know it will help if I marry my bf, but I never liked the marrige, and I feel to young to marry now. So, without marrige, I learn Norwegian by myself, and I have huge problems with pronansiation :( I plan to stay here just 3 months more, hope to find some job, or (as a advise), there are some good one year classes at the Univeristy, in Marketing … in English. Maybe education in Norway will help, becouse everytime I am applying, the ask if I am I Skandinavian, or have a education in Skandinavia :S I know, not all of them have a good feeling about non norwegian :(
  .. especialy the expresion - import woman- ggg
  But I dont have any bad experience here.. for now. They are all nice and kind..
  I like the sea cost here, but what the hell, there is a good costline and lovely climate in Croatia, so We plan to move there ….

  Good Luck to ALL :)

• 35 emma // Mar 2, 2009 at 3:53 pm

  Thanks, that’s really interesting.I’m going to check out the link above. thanks!

• 36 Eric // Mar 2, 2009 at 7:34 pm

  Import Woman…

  Thats funny coming from people who often go live in Iceland, a Country with 250,000 people who are all related and end up single mothers to Icelandic or American Men.

  Norwegians go there and end up doing the jobs that Icelandics do not want to do such as working at bakeries, being Au-Pairs and working in Green houses.

  So basically Norwegians are second class to a bunch on inbreaders.

  Dont get me wrong, I had more fun in Iceland than most places I have been. I just thought it was kinda strange how they looked down upon Norwegians and Swedes.

  I have spent a long time living in different countries Internationally and I do love the people here that I know and I am friends with, but I really despise this country.

  It is the last communist country in Russia.

  Magda, you fit the perfect person that comes here to Norway. People from Ukraine, Russia, Croatia looking for a better life.

  If you find a job in 3 months I will freak.

  Leave as soon as possible.

• 37 Magda // Mar 2, 2009 at 10:22 pm

  haha Eric Eric.. thanks.. I am not Croatian, just speak the language fluently :)
  I am also quite international, have been working abroad for a long time, and I can say that Norwegians are not that bad… they accepted me quite well, but you know, There are idiots everywhere …

  I am really tried to find a job here. I can give you advise, I went through all Norwegian companies in Google Finance-around 800. just click on the name, and you will see if they have Employment Opportunity link there. If they do, usually they have adds in English. And there I sent Open Job Applications … tons :S:S still nothing, but you can try :)

  Guys, lets create a company together :P

• 38 Eric // Mar 3, 2009 at 12:58 pm

  Ok, I think we should start a company.
  There are a million things that are in the States that you just cant get here in Norway.
  I think we should start a store that sells things you cant get here.
  Just a thought.

• 39 Magda // Mar 3, 2009 at 2:17 pm

  yeap, good idea, specialy now, when the Dolar is low :)

• 40 Jim // Mar 28, 2009 at 5:40 pm

  I’m moving to Norway this summer with my family, we live in Canada right now. My wife is Norwegian and has lived here in Canada for the past 8 years. I have a job starting in August in Stavanger, as long as you have some post secondary education you also will find work. It’s also a good idea to start learning a little norwegian so you can understand the basics. You must be able to speak english fluently.

• 41 Vasty // May 6, 2009 at 2:41 am

  i visited trondheim norway in february for two weeks, attendign ISFIT 2009 and i wanna go back in the summer, but i am a university student in Nicaragua, i am only nicaraguan and well i was wondering if there is a way i could work there, while also learning the languguage, i will stay with my boyfriend who lives there. i am willing to do anything, by the way i am a biology major student in an american unviersity in nicaragua on my last year and i am also an EFL part time teacher (i have been workign for 3 years now) and right now getting certified as an EFL teacher to work anywhere. any comments, suggestions, i would really appreciate it?

• 42 Inesa // Jun 16, 2009 at 9:35 pm

  hi everyone,

  I am from Lithuania. A lot of people from our country goes to Norway to find temporary better life. We are looking for jobs in building or country(landbruk) - but there no possibilty witout lanquage. We translate CV but I can’t to find pages were can be offers for jobs. Please be so kind and help to start to live in Norway. We pay money for company, but it doesn’t help to find any job. I and my friend will pay for you if get help to find job.
  Thank you people for help in advance
  kpinciukas@yahoo.com

• 43 Kristie // Jun 17, 2009 at 7:27 am

  For information in Lithuanian about living in Norway go to the website http://www.lietuvis.no

  For the best language school for Lithuanians to learn Norwegian (in Oslo, Norway) go to http://www.norvegukalba.com

• 44 moni // Jun 17, 2009 at 11:25 am

  hi guys,
  Just to give you a tip, I know people in Norway, my girls will be in summer to visit our relatives in Bergen, there is huge unemployment and i have a friend who has a master as an engineer and his company that he works for is closing for 5 weeks, he will be on vacation or there might be a laid off even in oil companies, he speaks fluent spanish, swedish and norwegian. I don’t know how you can migrate to find a job without not knowing norwegian. Just to give you a tip, remember Norway doesn’t care if you speak english, you have to know Norwegian very well. Good Luck!!!

• 45 susan // Jun 30, 2009 at 4:57 pm

  If you are from the States, don’t move to Norway. Very few make it here, even if they are married to a Norwegian. People from european countries have a better chance.

  You have to learn Norwegian no matter what, and it’s hard work. So be prepared. Don’t just depend on the classes, get materials and work on your own, and then get out there and use it. Take it from one who knows.

• 46 Larry J // Jul 5, 2009 at 4:58 pm

  Strong statement about “if you are from the states, dont move to Norway”
  Is that based on your own personal experience?
  Or is there some hidden something we need to know about?
  No two people are alike, so an opinion is appreciated, but not as a declaration. Please explain your statement.
  Thank you
  re-posted to correct email address

• 47 Eric // Jul 25, 2009 at 10:05 am

  Larry J,

  I will strongly back up what Susan is stating about dont move to Norway if you are from the States.

  This is a nice place to visit. That is it. If you have a job in the States that transfers you to an American company here in Norway that is fine. If not, you are looking for trouble.

  You HAVE to learn Norsk and it is one of the hardest languages I have seen. Americans cant pronounce many of the vowels here and it makes it that much more difficult. Also to make things more fun, there are different dialects in every city or town you go to with different words for things and I am not exagerating. Just in our town of 20,000 people where we live they speak differently than they do in the center of town. I have never seen anything like it.

  Once you do learn the language you might get a job cleaning. That is it. Very few, I dont know anyone who does anything but clean. It is very hard to get work, competition for jobs is extreme and they post videos of themselves along with their resume so the employer can see who you are. Also if you have a foreign name, they will put your resume at the bottom of the pile. Someone here actually changed their name to a Norwegian name to fined work and ended up writing a book about it. When applying for work they ask if you are married, have kids, have a car; everything that is completely illegal in the States.

  Most people that come here are refugees from Iran, Iraq, Africa, Ukraine etc and they learn the language and end up cleaning buildings for years and years.

  It takes about 10 months to learn the language to where you can speak enough to work and than you will be lucky to get a job.

  I am here because I lost everything in the States and I need insurance for my family and the govt will pay for your living here. If we had jobs somewhere in the States, we wouldnt even think about it and move immediately.

  If you come here, good luck. Dont know why you would want to unless you are from a crappy place in the world. Europe is a great place, I love it. A great place to visit or if you dont have to worry about money. Other than that, stick to your own country.

  From the looks of Ukranian women, I think I am going there on vacation if we ever get any money :)

• 48 Eric // Jul 25, 2009 at 10:38 am

  Also I wanted to say that the money the govt gives you here is just enough to survive. Yes it is very nice, but if you are wanting to buy anything else for your kids or yourself its not going to happen.

  If you want to relocate to another town, there are no UHauls or storage facilities that are on every block in the States to store your stuff and moving your furniture is extremely expensive. So basically once you settle somewhere get used to living in that place.

  Gas here is 10 bucks a gallon, beer is 15 bucks a 6 pack and that is the cheap stuff, cigarettes are 15 bucks a pack. Just if you are into that stuff.

  I also wanted to give an example of the language here. Where I live in North Trondelag, they have 5 different ways just to say I am hungry.

  When you come here they teach you how to speak the way they do in Oslo which is the way they write as well. Where I live it is completely different so when I would come home from language class I would be all excited because I knew how to say something but would be corrected by my kids as they would say, here we say it this way which is completely different.

  I also want to say that Norwegians are very nice people and from all the places I have been in Europe they speak the best English. You of course want to be able to speak their language but they understand how difficult it is. Not like Spanish which to me is very easy.

  I do think Norwegians are prejudace against people from other countries when it comes to getting jobs, but maybe one of you will get lucky.

  Again, I am going to Ukraine :)

• 49 Moni // Jul 25, 2009 at 3:09 pm

  Eric,
  I can see that you start to like t, refer to the comment if you don’t want to worry about money!!! what do you mean with that??? do you know my kids are in Norway right now, my oldest is 14 and she loves it, they are norwegian by dad, matter in fact i have to renew their norwegian passports in Miami, each kid receives money but living there, now i don’t know, i am so accustomed to everything, USA is my second home country because i live here 24 years of my life, it gave me opportunities and i never go against USA, now i was schocked, my kids have cousins in Norway and they told me mom i love it, before school starts just find out how to start school here, although my oldest one will be in 9th grade and my fear is if we all decide to move over there and my husband is norwegian 100% but what happens if both kids decide to study university in Norway and when they finish there and they decide to move to USA to work in the future due to the weather or for whatever reason, they have to do all over again???? few more years and go thru the whole process of revalidation, which i had to do it when i obtain credits in Germany ( at the university)).. yeah, it is probably the best way now for me to move now before kids become hesitant, but it is a drastic decision, also i need only 10 more classes at Florida Atlantic university and i will get my bachelors in arts and humanities, wether my credits will be transferable to Norway, i don’t know who to contact??? hints let me know!!!

• 50 Eric // Jul 25, 2009 at 4:53 pm

  Moni,

  Your kids do not have to worry about anything. First of all they are Norwegian. They, I assume speak Norwegian, English, German and can understand Swedish and Danish. Therefore, Norway considers them to be just like they were born here and are Norwegian. They will fit in fine.

  My 6 year old and 3 year old are both fluent in Norwegian and English so when they get older they will not have a problem getting employment here since it is just like being Norwegian.

  What I meant by not worrying about money is if you are rich and dont have to work. Than this place is really nice. No crime except by foreign people coming here, good food and nice scenery.

  Your kids are in Bergen which is the 2nd largest city here so they are not going to be too effected by the move as we were moving from a city of 5 million to a farm on the outside of a city of 20,000. Dont like the weather in Bergen, too much rain and not enough snow :)

  About school, I dont know. They can go to school here and go to the States and work if the company considers their education to be legitimate. My wife who is 100% Norwegian got a job in the States before I did and she doesnt have college. I guess to see if your classes transfer you would have to check with the school you are wanting to go to. Hope you know Norwegian because they are not going to teach you in English.

• 51 Kyli // Aug 6, 2009 at 6:01 pm

  Hi I am trying to find nursing work in Norway and how much they pay…Would I have to speak norsk to work at a hospital or what/.

• 52 Eric // Aug 7, 2009 at 7:08 am

  If you are a nurse in Norway than yes.

• 53 Larry Johnson // Aug 8, 2009 at 10:45 pm

  Hi Kyli
  Nursing in Norge is in high demand and the pay is excellent….You will have favor in the work place, but you WILL need to learn Norsk, but the classes are usually free and is not that hard to learn since English is based on nordic before it was salt and peppered with latin. My best to you. Call the Norwegian embassy in NY…they are a great help.

• 54 Hege // Aug 12, 2009 at 8:04 am

  Hi
  I am 100% Norwegian but live in United States.
  I have lived here now for almost 16 years.My husband is American.My husband wants to move to Norway,We are going to be close by where you are Eric.We might have a place to rent in Oppdal South Troendelag.I am hoping that we can get work there.My kids are year younger than your girls Moni.Eric what you say scares me.I know it is going to be a language barrier for my husband.I dont mind cleaning houses or babysitting.I am originally from Trondheim so I know the thing about the dialect can be hard.
  Jeannie we might be interested in renting from you if you have not rented out yet.
  Vasty my father is Norwegian but works and lives in Nicuragua.
  any suugestions for us moving will be greatly appreciated Hege

• 55 Eric // Aug 14, 2009 at 12:57 pm

  Hege,

  I dont think it will be a problem at all for you or your children. You guys know the language and dialects wont effect you as you know. You have to remember your children and yourself are now Americanized so living here will be a culture shock even for you. Say goodbye to Walmarts, 24 hour pharmacies and get used to things being closed at 3pm and not open at all on Sundays.

  If you are wanting to stay home with your children than it is going to suck as NAV only gives you so much to live on and if your husband cant work than it is not very much fun.

  If you are willing to work at a Kiwi, or Coop or somewhere than I think you will get a job very quickly.
  Why dont you move to Trondheim so you can be in a decent size town with more jobs? We are a family of 5 and live in a 2 bedroom farm house that might be 800 sq feet for 800.00 dollars a month. We are trying to move to another town where we have a bigger house and more job opportunities but unless the govt helps us we are stuck here on a farm.

  Your husband will have to sign up for language classes like all of us that are not Norsk.

  Do you both have jobs in the States right now?
  Is this place that you are renting a family owned place or are you renting from someone?

  You know Norway is a great place, but if you are just picked up and moved here not wanting to, it is a traumatic event for everyone. Here my daughters have no dance class to sign up for and sports are few in this town.

  We are trying to be more positive about things, but it is very difficult. We are lucky to be here as many others who lose everything dont have that opportunity.

• 56 Bunchil // Aug 28, 2009 at 4:09 am

  hi everyone

  i used to be an exchange student in norway. glad to say i can speak the language with very incorrect grammar. love the country so much.

  from my experience, i do see that many english-speaking (esp if english is their mother tongue) foreigners find it difficult to learn Norsk. why? because most people can talk to them in english, they can ask help, etc. so it’s not forcing them enough to learn the language. why should they really if they can survive without it?

  i’ve seen many english speaking people also succeed in learning the language. why? because they really take interest in the country. plus naturally it should be easier because english and norwegian is the same root, germanic languages.

  let’s face it. if you hate the country. you despise the people. you blame everyone else for your miseries. u don’t want to force yourself to learn the local language. you just won’t get anywhere. esp with getting a job.

  it’s just a basic knowledge for living anywhere worldwide.

  fyi, norwegian is definitely not the most difficult language in the world. try arabic? slavic languages? finnish? or those with chinese characters? hahaha…but i’m not going to debate on that though. different people come with different capacities in life.

  good luck everyone!

• 57 Larry Johnson // Aug 29, 2009 at 3:40 am

  Bunchi you are absolutely correct
  It is an attitude thing…language and job
  Norway is a choice place with choice people
  and choice government….Amazing place.
  Norwegian is not too hard if you really want it.

• 58 Larry Johnson // Aug 29, 2009 at 3:41 am

  Sorry Bunchil…misspelled your name
  My appologizes
  Thank you for your input…positive is always good, especially when it is the simple truth.

• 59 Kristie // Aug 29, 2009 at 4:39 am

  I totally agree about Norwegian not being the hardest language to learn. I never made that statement, but others make it very often here on my site and I always wonder about that. I always think first of all there are only a few different characters in addition to the regular alphabet that we are used to as English speakers. Compare that with learning all new characters and alphabet, it cant compare to Chinese or Japanese or Telugu.

  Learning a new language is always a huge challenge. But but is Norwegian one of the most difficult languages for English speakers to learn? I would guess not.

  And bye the way Bunchil, I totally agree with your comment. I think you sum up the reality of the situation very clearly and correctly….but of course that is only my opinion :)

• 60 Kristie // Aug 29, 2009 at 4:42 am

  Hey Larry, I agree too…she is right on about attitude being everything!

• 61 Vic // Oct 7, 2009 at 8:04 pm

  I love Norway, I am married to a Norwegian who works in Norway and we live in Spain…

  Just as a point about the language, it’s pretty difficult to pick up a language unless you imerse yourself in the culture of the country that you are in, but without speaking the language at all you will not be able to do that as easily as you think. I think that having a partner who speak the language that you are trying to learn can make things even more difficult as it can be pretty frustrating. I still struggle with the language a bit here. But also when it comes to taking your kids abroad, its better to do it as early as possible. Otherwise you are going to have reall problems integrating your kids into the life of the country that you take them to. My son came to Spain at eight years old and has come on leaps and bounds. I certainly would not be moving to Norway now that he is twelve. I would def try and wait till he has left shcool and home and made his way in the world before I would consider such a move.

  I love Norway and always feel at home while I am there!

• 62 Eric // Oct 10, 2009 at 3:44 pm

  I totally agree that attitude is everything when it comes to living somewhere else. If you dont like it, you wont learn the language and you wont get a job and you will hate life, etc.. I think there is a huge difference between us who were forced to move here because of bad circumstances and those of us who move here freely because we want to try something else. We had no choice so of course we are going to compare and miss what we had before. It is normal and human. If we had a choice we would be in a city and in a normal neighborhood instead of on a cow farm. Of course we are not going to like it. Due to the economy there are not many jobs if any for those who do speak Norwegian to get much less people like me.

  First of all I dont hate anyone. Norwegians are wonderful people and are extremely nice. I have family here and they treat me as if I was Norwegian and I wouldnt expect anything else. The thing is, although Norwgians are extremely nice people and the country is beautiful, this is probably the most boring country I have been to and there are very few in Europe I have not been. I go to Norwegian class with many people - most refugees, but quite a few Brazilians, Russians, Mexicans and people from Peru. They all agree with me that this place could use some lightening up if you know what I mean. Maybe big cities are different but here it is not the case. The personalities are those of people who are not friendly or social unless drunk. They are very laid back and are not bubbly like other places. Norwegians are very good at speaking English so that is a problem for us who live here and need to learn the language. They like to practice speaking English and that way we dont have to speak Norwegian. Not good for us. No, it is not the most difficult language, but it is the 5th most difficult after Chinese, Finish, blah blah. I dont see that anyone making these comments about the language can actually speak Norwegian so please keep your opinions about thinking it is not difficult to yourselves unless you know what you are saying.

  As for Vic, I love Norway too when I am on vacation here. It is a great place to take a trip and the scenery is amazing. The reason you love it here and think of it as your home is because you live in SPAIN!!! I would sell my children to switch places with you :) Lets trade places and see how much this place makes you feel at home :)

  Dont get me wrong, I have lived in Turkey, Iceland, Germany, Spain, and Norway to name a few. Iceland is a great place, probably one of the best kept secrets in the world besides Sevilla. My wife is Norwegian and completely hates it here. She is Americanized now and misses all the benefits of living there. I can list many countries that I love and I have even taught myself some spanish because I wanted to live in Spain so I know all about the drive to want to learn in order to live somewhere you love.

  Anyway, I think this is an interesting place, but far from where I want to live and raise my family. Lets just hope something comes up work wise — Maybe in Spain Vic????. Please check out the following blog from another girl who lives down south from here. She is hilarious and says excatly how it feels to be here. Of course she has a choice and lives in a normal town so she should not bitch — Lol!

  http://www.katiemeetsnorway.blogspot.com/

• 63 Kyli // Oct 10, 2009 at 8:21 pm

  Hi Larry,

  So they are in high demand? SO I wouls just call the norway embassy in New York and ask them questions about moving there or what? And second, What do I need to do to look for a nursing job like internet sites..Where would I start to look at? Thanks so much for the much needed advice. Hope to hear from you…Kyli

• 64 Ray // Oct 11, 2009 at 3:58 pm

  Another great online translation service is at http://www.nicetranslator.com It works for a lot of different languages, and it’s helped me out quite a bit picking up Norwegian.

• 65 Finding Work In Norway « Sladder bloggen! http://sladder.bloggeren.com leverer deg sladder om kjendiser, musikere osvosv // Nov 5, 2009 at 9:33 pm

  [...] See the article here: Finding Work In Norway [...]

• 66 Ana // Jan 17, 2010 at 10:18 am

  Hi..just want to say that Norway is a beautiful country to stay…I worked there for 6 months.. unfortunately I didn’t get another contract so i didn’t stay any longer to Norway. But I still have some friends there..they are there for 12 years happy with kids and jobs and anything else…of course it is hard for a stranger to start all over with no money, no relatives or without knowing norwegian language but if you really want to live there you just do it. I don’t know norwegian language not even english very well but I had a job in to a bakery, not hard at all ..but yeah you have to be in a big city ( I was in Bergen).
  I wish you all the best.

  PS: They are no racist..they are lovely educated people. I didn’t have any kind of problem…I respect them very much.

• 67 Larry Johnson // Jan 18, 2010 at 10:17 am

  Ana’s right…
  You just do it…you can do it.
  You will find a way.
  Culture is so different, but that is not bad.
  Find a way in their ways
  Norway has a lot to offer everyone…find it.
  Been here almost 3 months…I found people in general are not friendly like in USA on the outside, but once you make an effort and get in front of an individual, they do everything they can to help. People are so nice once they meet you personally. But, the job market is much more available in the warmer months…Trying to start in the Winter is difficult.
  Hang on and don’t give up..you will win.

• 68 Rico // Feb 5, 2010 at 5:46 am

  Hello everyone ! I’m a US citizen planning on moving to Norway (my girlfriend is Norwegian) , I have read all your comments , some of them very funny , but also helpful from your own point of view . One things that’s is clear to me after reading all the comments is that you need to learn Norsk , no problem , my question is , How hard is for a foreigner (American) to study college /university in Norway ? I heard is free , is that true ? Do colleges in Norway take American college’s credits ? bacherlor degrees are 3 years Vs 4 years ? thanks for your time , and keep on trying ..

• 69 PAUL ANDERSEN // Mar 5, 2010 at 10:17 am

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• 70 Thomas // Mar 11, 2010 at 12:09 pm

  @Rico… I am in the same position. From my experience and understanding, most universities in Norway require students coming from the States have 1 year previously completed towards the applicable degree. Also, regardless of the cost of the university you plan on attending, UDI requires that before you or the school submit the application for your visa, all international students must prove they can finance their stay and study in Norway. The current amount is 144,000 NOK per year. That money applying students must transfer to an account at the school before UDI will issue a visa. Once in Norway, then you must open a norwegian bank account and the school will transfer the money back to you. I am unclear whether or not tuition will be deducted from that physical amount or not… but either way you need to have it. I believe that international students will be eligible for Norwegian finacial aide on the 4th year of studies in Norway.

  There is a school in Norway called the American College of Norway which is a branch of the University of North Dakota… all classes are in English and the school (being only a 2 semester program) sets up international students to be able to then apply to a norwegian university without having to study a year at home. Some Norwegian friends of mine are studying there so that they can move and study in the states their next 3 years. Check out ACN on the web. Cheers,
  Thomas

• 71 Jeannie // Mar 12, 2010 at 2:21 am

  My husband inherited a house in Flekkefjord. We are thinking about moving there from NJ USA, and fixing up the house, which needs a kitchen & bath and a ton of other things including a new well. We have a 13 year old son who does not speak Norwegian and would have to attend an international school in Kristiansand, which is the nearest they have such a school. That means we would have to rent something in that town until my son graduated High School in 4 years, at the same time we’re fixing up the house.

  What I want to know is what amount of money is required to live in Norway without an immediate promise of a job? We can show a certain income from the sale of our home in the states, but want to keep the principle in the bank and live off the interest only. I don’t believe this will be enough to fix the house & get a place, but I can’t get a straight answer from the family who tells us not to worry and just do it. They want us over there so bad they make everything seem so simple- which I know it’s not.

  I read it is required for a student to have 140,000 kr, but since we are land owners, do we have to show this amount?

  I’d appreciate any information I can get.

  Takk,
  Jeannie

• 72 Rico // Mar 13, 2010 at 3:25 am

  To Thomas : thank you very much my friend for the valuable information

• 73 moni // Mar 13, 2010 at 4:03 pm

  Rico,
  Contact udi.no and the consulate in NY, visas, you need to get a number before as social security in order for you to study or work in Norway, usually takes 6 weeks, enter udi.no and find out with consulate first as having a fiancee, you can apply before you leave, without that number you can’t do anything!

• 74 moni // Mar 13, 2010 at 4:08 pm

  Thomas,
  why norwegians can do that as studying in Norway and continue in the US, because the norwegian govermment will pay for their university to study in any part of the world as India, England, even to study in the US, if you have both nationalities born in the US and your parent is Norwegian, you qualify as a norwegian citizen!!! you don’t have to prove substantial amount of money unless you are an immigrant!! the number is important as i explain to Rico in order to work or study in Norway and the process takes 6 weeks and the cost of the permit is 500 dollars, FYI!

• 75 Larry Johnson // Mar 14, 2010 at 5:06 pm

  Jeannie
  I am not an expert, but I just spent 3 months in Norway and did many months research before going…. and what these people are saying as part of their social mores and culture is that don’t look at the entire picture all at once…we from the states are great planners and and then execute those plans…and that’s how we go to the moon…BUT there, they simply take one step at a time and climb up….
  When you ASK officials like embassy, you get answers that seem insurmountable, but in reality, it is not like they say in the official statements….once you get there and begin, there is ALWAYS an alternative way around the seemingly impossible complications…
  If your husband inherited a house and it was from his parents, then you are home free…if you just inherited a house, then land owner status does make a tremendous difference…
  Typically speaking, students living alone three need the 144,000 to show support..but if parents are there, different story. The main complication is whether or not you can stay over your 90 day visa…you will work that out once you get there…getting a job, and other ways can settle that issue.
  If your husband is from there, or his parents are, then no problem…otherwise you will need to meet a couple of regulations to stay permanently. And, you will find a way once you are there…no worries. They are very cooperative once you begin the process. You may have to talk to 10 different people as the country is not computer literate as the US is…
  WE can get a decision here in the US in 5 seconds that may take 8 weeks there, but you are at least working with nice people that always consider your special position in your application process. Go and plan on staying. It will work out. I am going back this Summer….and may stay forever. Nice place. Different, but nice people and country.

• 76 Thomas // Mar 14, 2010 at 5:40 pm

  @Rico.. Of course brother! I hope the information helps.

  @Moni… Thanks for the FYI, yet I don’t follow what costs 500 dollars? To my knowlege, in order for an immigrant (me, ((and Rico I assume)) coming from the US) to apply for and obtain a number in Norway, I must have employment as a specialist in a niche field confirmed prior as well as the employer information and signature, or have already been accepted into a school or university as an international student… I do know the applications for study permit (number) are managed through the university as part of the international student application process… I am aware of an application fee, as I have applied for work visas in the past… I remember it being 700 kr or about?

• 77 moni // Mar 14, 2010 at 6:56 pm

  Thomas
  I am not sure how it works as an student but there is high demand in computers and medical field but i am moving over there, knowing the fact as you mentioned Larry, US is always planning and on agenda, i already know that everything is so slowwwwwwww over there, because there is no rush, i have been there 5 times, but visit is different than stay, we plan to stay few years for our kids to get a second language and the benefit of keeping a second nationality towards university, but it is going to be an adjustment towards the cold weather, guys if you plan to go there, i contacted someone and columbia, north face brand jackets are highly recommended, also water proof boots, get them in the US because prices over there are highly cost, also underarmor pants and tops for the cold weather is important, now as an international student i don’t know the requirements but i guess you can get into udi.no as an student and i know if you are student at the university in US and use loans or financial aid, there are universities that US will pay for your university that in Europe or other countries especifically business in Sweden and Oslo but check if you are a current university student, i know about the number is because i am processing from here now so it will take a course of 6 weeks, also i have my husband’s relatives over there, and our kids play soccer which is as club member of a team is cheaper because soccer is almost number one priority in Europe leagues for women! any questions you have Thomas, i will try to help, also New York city consulate of Norway are more diligent and answer your questions !! Larry what happened are you in the USA now?? how did you like Norway? also guys if you have your bachelors degree, masters is done in english in Norway and you can do it but rules and requirements for international student??? i am not sure. Take care!!

• 78 Jeannie // Mar 15, 2010 at 1:11 am

  Larry,
  Thanks for the info. I do Have a D number, as does my husband (who has a real D-number from since he was a child,) and my son.

  My husband inherited a share of the house from his 2 aunts, an uncle, and the other share from his mother (his dad is deceased.) Since his dad was deceased, his mom had to show she inherited that portion of the house, and then gifted it to my husband. His parents were both born in Norway, but did not meet and marry until they moved to the states. They gave up their citizenship in Norway and my husband was born in Brooklyn.

  So yes- he inherited parts of the house from his parents, but I don’t know if their giving up their citizenship makes it more difficult for us.

  I would love to open a small business if it weren’t difficult. A coffee shop like Borders in the states only smaller, where you can read a book & drink coffee and have internet access. What are your thoughts on that?

• 79 Larry Johnson // Mar 15, 2010 at 1:39 am

  Hi Jeanne
  I have been in business all my life
  First in corporate structure
  then for myself for many years
  Quite successful in all…especially marketing
  I say this to qualify what I am about to say about your wanting a business in Norway.
  The only difficult part is the fee you have to pay to open a business…quite expensive as compared to the US…but the market for ANYTHING is wide 0pen there. They do not market over 30 or 40 percent of their potential.
  The stores close a week at Christmas. They close early on Sat…
  This is good in some respects..they want family time. But as for business, you could put up a good signage, advertise just a little, open in a accessible place and the usual USA hours and become a millionaire in most any business….as for a coffee shop it would blossom and you would most certainly want several going…
  Norwegians have money and do not question price since most everything is either at our highest price or even higher and no competition…so, people just pay whatever is there…no haggling. Point being that there is no Walmart, Lowe’s Hdwe, etc…no real competition between like businesses since they all have the same structure and do the same routine. I am reminded of the island in the caribbean….go open any kind of shop and stay open past 5 pm…get rich. Tourists are out after the days activities and want to spend money. Locals dont see that. Same way in Norway…if you promoted a cheaper price, or an unusual place, they would flock to you. They love things that bring people together. Coffee Shoppe. There are some similar to this, but only in malls…and malls close early. A business like you mentioned would flourish amazingly in Norway in most any town. Digital communication is so “norm” for them, even though they are not a high tech or industrialized country. They are socializers …and digital socializing is the thing now…especially with young people. Young people are for the most part more mature than US…a few radicals with purple or green hair, but they still love internet, coffee and cake. Technically speaking, it isn’t just a matter of paying for a license…you pay a hefty fee to the local municipality but this is a great advantage for you…keeps others from opening up and reduces your competition.
  If you have numbers, you should not have any problem at all. If they tell you do, just go to the next agency and it will be okay. It is amazing.
  I am going back this summer I think…would love to open a service organization there…would be awesome. Management is the key. Normal USA management will flourish.
  Hope this helps. Feel free to ask what you will. I ask a lot of questions in that three months I was there and in the previous 6 months before I went. My best to you. My personal address is larrywarnerjohnson@yahoo.com.

• 80 Moni // Mar 15, 2010 at 3:33 pm

  Hi,
  I just read this comments, and i think is a great idea as an investor, or business to do in Norway, just wanted to give a comment that if a person becomes US citizen cannot keep the norwegian nationality due to the fact that the norwegian govermment is very picky to accept that because of their great retirement benefits, unless the parent keeps only the green card in the states and continues norwegian nationality but you cannot have both, now if you have a child who is US citizen then can obtain by a parent automatically dual citizenship because one of the parents is Norwegian and didn’t abandon the Norwegian citizenship. Children from Norwegian national gets all benefits from Norway at least residing 2 years in Norway. (rules) to obtain full citizenship even the benefits as any other norwegian, salaries are high but permits are easier if you are married to one for years or prove that it is a real marriage. Business, i will check how it goes when i will be there myself. The best of luck to you guys!!

• 81 Larry Johnson // Mar 15, 2010 at 3:47 pm

  FOR JEANNE
  Thank you Moni for that information…very helpful.
  I do remember there are two hurdles to overcome to have a business for yourself in Norway…
  First is getting permission. If you have any citizenship connections in your family, it is much easier…otherwise, you may have to get a Norwegian to open the business, with you funding and operating it. And them either a worker or figurehead…be sure you know the person.
  Norwegians are basically very honest and follow all the rules, so not too much to worry about there. The second hurdle is the hefty fee they charge to open the business…which, as I said before, can be advantageous for you since it will hinder a lot of competition joining in your particular line of business. Just go and look around…there will be a way. Thank you again Moni for your input. A lot of detail involved, but well worth it in the long run. NO TWO CASES are alike. All are considered individually

• 82 zina // Mar 16, 2010 at 10:38 am

  hi all ;
  its long time from last time , but everything walking slow with me , i am still have a hope to find chance to move to norway and get work and live there , but need someone help us

• 83 Clair // Mar 24, 2010 at 2:30 pm

  What a great site. I am planning to move to Norway in May 2010 to get married. I currently live in NYC and I have my share of fear about the big move. I have been to Norway a few times and thought it was quite beautiful but living there…
  I only speak English and am nervous about finding work there. My goal will be like Jeanne to open a coffee shop Starbucks style in Drammen Norway near the downtown train station. I know that things are very expensive but still as everyone mentioned it limits competition. Any Americans in Norway who think coffee is the way to go.

• 84 Larry Johnson // Mar 24, 2010 at 2:47 pm

  CLAIR
  They love coffee…but usually at home.
  Norwegians tend to visit friends as Americans did in the 50’s and 60’s for their dinner out or coffee and cake….BUT
  The trend is changing and especially those under the age of 65 love coffee shops with all the extras…ie: wifi, newspaper available, magazines, and possibly include a small internet cafe section. The fee does, as I mentioned before, limit competition, but the secret is in marketing…advertising…perhaps just a billboard at the station…anything at all would be helpful…most businesses there depend mostly on ‘walk-ins’…or word of mouth. I am not saying that Norwegians do not know how to market, but their techniques are just so different from ours. Part of that is found in their preference to social structure over making money in business…which has its merits also…
  With your thinking and personality, you will succeed…your observations from living here are enough education in marketing to make a go of a coffee shop. They love socialization.
  Good luck to you.

• 85 moni // Mar 24, 2010 at 3:23 pm

  Larry,
  Thanks for the information, i will be looking into that, I am also aware that they love american clothing as adidas, Nike and surf stuff jackets, they love it, it is just a matter of serching around if you have any tips, let me know. I also find out that i can get the norwegian residence for 3 consecutive years, then you get the permanent residence but you cannot have both nationalities, only those kids who are born from one norwegian parent and if they are together!!! JFYI!!! Hopes it helps!!! I am only keeping a resident card but not changing nationality, in a long run it is freezing for me, top i will be 4 to 5 years but returning to the US once a year!!! :) Good luck guys!!

• 86 Stephen // Mar 31, 2010 at 9:22 pm

  To Eric, I do hear everything you are saying and totally agree. I’m an Englishman and have lived here for almost 13 years. Belive it or not I have a successful buisness, wife, children but I’m bored out of my mind. I dont speak very good Norwegian as my job is in English, dealing with people on the phone from around the world and doesnt give me the chance to practice much. The main thing Norway lacks is a social life. I basically dont have one! It really gets me down sometimes. I go back to the UK a few times a year, which keeps me sain, but all in all I will always be an outsider to Norwegians. I know it’s mainly a language thing and my own fault, but I am now so stuborn about “not wanting to turn Norwegian” I dont think I will ever learn the language properly. Even though I have a family I feel very lonely here. I am almost a hermit, hardly ever going out. When I do socialize with Norwegians I find most of them rude and irritating, with no sense of class. Manners are not part of the culture here, so anyone wanting to come over dont expect a Norwegian to use the word “Please”. also, I am worried about how much oppertunity Norway holds for my children. I dont want them to grow up like most of the Norwegians I know. basically, it’s a tough place for a foreigner to live, period. Norway’s government is extremely controlling, to the point of ridiculous. Interesting Countries, like people have faults and issues, thats what makes them interesting. That being said, the government of Norway is trying so hard to make a perfect enviroment that they are forgetting people need some form of entertainment and things to talk about. Norway is like a glass of milk, reliable, not bad (most of the time), not very interesting and white most of the time:-).
  A foreigner trying to find work here can almost always forget it. I have seen it many many times when the lure of a better life in Norway falls far short of most peoples expectations. The UN has voted Norway the Nr 1 place in the world to live, obviously the person that decided that has never lived here. It’s true, Norway has 100% literacy, good health system, but what about the average persons quality of life. A person needs more than being able to read and being able to go to the Dr’s to enjoy life. What about entertianment, excitiment, laughing, crying, talking, interacting Norway lacks in all of these and to top it all off the Government slaps you with huge tax for the privalidge.
  I feel my time in Norway is coming to an end. I just hope I can convince my wife we will have a better quality of life somewhere else, which will be difficult as my wife is Norwegian and like most Norwegians, stuck in their ways and not really open to other ideas and suggestions.
  If you are looking for a quiet life with your own company to rely on, Norway is the place for you. But, if you are looking to be treated like a Norwegian, accepted, have fun, live life to the full then you will be bitterly disappointed.
  To the Norwegians reading this all I can say is find some emotion and passion, your lives will be enhanced so much more when you become passionate about somthing other that Grandiosa pizza and hot dogs with rubber skin on!

• 87 Kristie // Mar 31, 2010 at 10:22 pm

  I totally agree with this statement: “A foreigner trying to find work here can almost always forget it. I have seen it many many times when the lure of a better life in Norway falls far short of most peoples expectations.” - while I was in Norway, all of my friends were foreigners…and this is exactly what everyone that lived there.

  I also love this statement…”The UN has voted Norway the Nr 1 place in the world to live, obviously the person that decided that has never lived here.” That is a very very true statement…and just putting it simple and clearly. I do agree that everyone who says that Norway is the best place to live, best quality of life, blah blah blah, have never actually lived there. I am certain of it!

  And I could not have said this any better myself - “But, if you are looking to be treated like a Norwegian, accepted, have fun, live life to the full then you will be bitterly disappointed.” It is sad, but very very very true.

  People who dream of a better life in Norway are always very disappointed, and what you said, my friend, is the truth. Spoken by someone who actually has truly lived in Norway!

• 88 Larry Johnson // Mar 31, 2010 at 10:31 pm

  To Stephen
  In my opinion, you are mostly right…no typical classical manners, no socialization factors, no courtesy..not friendly…. BUT having said that, I would add that I have close friends that are really nice to me and they abide by my courtesy rules…I insist. We do have to accept the idea that their social mores are different and that makes Norway what it is…
  It has those advantages you mentioned, but they are lacking a well rounded life…mostly a very narrow view with nowhere to go…
  Just different. I do understand your feelings but do not have a solution if you stay in Norway.
  Strange place…nice, clean, healthy, but strange.

• 89 Larry Johnson // Mar 31, 2010 at 10:32 pm

  To Stephen Again
  By the way, congratulations on your successful business in Norway…you must be a great business person…
  There are a lot of opportunity in Norway, especially in marketing.
  Congrats again.

• 90 Larry Johnson // Mar 31, 2010 at 10:43 pm

  To Stephen again…Sorry I missed something in your original post
  IF you will learn the language, it will help you tremendously to be able to live there more comfortably….part of it still may be toleration, but you will fit in better and relax a bit. So, not knowing the language or trying to learn it, does hold you back some….although I understand you not being so interested in the language…they dont have as many words to express themselves and socializaton is much more difficult than when you use English. Our language is like a paint brush…any color, any stroke, any method still works. Our words are very entertaining….ie: comedians.
  Learning the language would help you some…you may consider it toleration,but still you would be less irritated.
  My best to you Stephen.

• 91 Stephen // Apr 6, 2010 at 11:10 am

  Dear Larry and Kritste,
  many thanks for your comments. I totally agree with you Larry that expansion of language skills here would definitely give me more tolerance. However, over the past few years I have had some Brits work for me that have been in Norway 20 years plus and it’s as if they have taken on Norwegian mannerisms. For example, they speak Norwegian and now when they revert to speaking English with a fellow Brit again the natural sense of humour, manners and general natural understanding has gone. I understand that when an individual lives in a country for a substantial amount of time he/she is bound to take on traits from that country. But, I am extremely conscious of not wanting to sound arrogant or rude to other Brits, so much so that it has made me extremely introverted when it comes to the Norwegian language. It’s unfortunate, but true. I’m a big believer in manners cost nothing.
  After the discussion with my wife about moving back to the UK we did some research about her work, as she’s a nurse, and the bizarre fact is that her salary in the UK as a general nurse is almost the same as here in Norway, yet the cost of living is so much higher in Norway. How can Norway expect to keep it’s Doctors and Nurses from working abroad when the salaries are so low here. Believe it or not a Dr can earn double or treble in the USA as to what they earn here in Norway, plus the cost of living is so much lower in the US. In the UK my wife can do her midwifery course and still get paid, here in Norway she would have to take 2 years off work to go back to school, not paid. Another example of Norwegian “Strange thinking” is a couple of years ago the Norwegian government banned smoking in all public place, great for me as I’m a non smoker and very anti smoking, but around the same time in Oslo they gave all the drug users a place to go to so they could take drugs as they didn’t want them taking drugs near the port where the cruise ships come in with tourists. How ironic, smokers banned, drug users rewarded!
  The general emphasis on common sense sometimes lets Norway down. I wouldn’t recommend any foreigner moving here with aspirations of a better life, it’s hard living here. After all my ranting though I must say Norway is not a bad place and by no means do I wish to condemn it. The fact is it’s neither good nor bad, it’s placid and dare I say it “Boring”. I have some Norwegian friends but the ones I tend to get on with the best are well travelled and educated in life outside Norway, they have external experiences which makes them interesting, polite and courteous.
  I must say, this is a very interesting blog and it’s good to hear other peoples insights to living in Norway. Please note, I do not wish to offend any Norwegian reading this, it is only my interpretation of living in Norway and yes you might say “well go back to you own country then”. This is a fair comment, but when circumstance like a Norwegian wife, children, house etc are taken into effect it’s not that easy.
  Thanks again Larry and Kristie your obviously observant intellectuals and deserve recognition.

• 92 Larry Johnson // Apr 6, 2010 at 12:42 pm

  To STEPHEN
  As you might be accustomed to hearing, you are ’spot on’. I agree with your blog entirely. You have great insight also. My friends that I do well with are in the same position as the ones you mentioned…traveled, etc. And I love manners, great conversation with humor, and people that practice them.
  Thank you for your response…quite helpful to me.
  My best to you Stephen.

• 93 Clair // Apr 8, 2010 at 4:20 pm

  My date to leave the US is approaching quickly and I am feeling quite nervous. I am constantly reading up many blogs about moving to Norway and the area I am most apprehensive about is the work situation. As most know here in NY regardless of your language, country of origin or legal status if you want to work someone will hire you. I have been holding on to that method of thinking with my plans of moving to Norway. I now see that it does not work that way there. Anyway this is what I am committed to and Norway here I come. What I ask and never seem to get an answer too is what work is available for expats. If someone was moving to NY from anywhere in the world I would tell them based on what they do what jobs the can expect to get until they become legal and or speak English. Stephen you own your own company and you do not speak Norwegian what would you suggest, or anyone suggest for someone such as me.
  Well first a little about me. I have a college degree BSM and I work in sales as a manager. I do have a bit of an IT background, AS in electronic engineering, but I never worked in that field. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

• 94 Larry Johnson // Apr 8, 2010 at 5:12 pm

  To Clair
  First of all…you will be okay…Even when they (embassy, gov, local people, naysayers here in US) say it cant be done or is difficult in Norway, the people will help you find a way. Seriously. As for sales and management in sales, I am sure you have a lot to offer anyone in business in Norway, but they are not hep on marketing, increased sales, etc, unless you find a foreign company located there. The IT would be a great place to start…they have that going strong. And you would do well as a beginner as they always have a time of low key, low pressure training for new people in all work professions. Also, you could probably find a job at the postal service since you do not speak Norwegian but obviously do speak English.
  Just know that after you get there, find someone to talk to about work…whether in an organization or an individual and start…you may go through several people and/or organizations, but you will find something to do. After a bit of acclamation to their social mores and way of doing business (will be easy for you) you will suddenly find doors opening in the direction you want.
  Keep this in mind…you can always win…always..if you will not give up. That is the nature of the human psyche. Don’t get angry, frustrated, or impatient…you will be okay. My best to you.

• 95 Paul // Apr 11, 2010 at 1:53 pm

  Hello, I am working for a shipping company in Oslo and would like to know what is a very good salary in Norway/Oslo. I am making 750,000kr per year and supporting my spouse. Is that an ok salary or should I start looking? Also what is the average salary in Norway?

• 96 Larry Johnson // Apr 12, 2010 at 8:28 pm

  Paul
  I don’t know a lot about salaries, except how my friends are doing. 400,000 is a good salary, although it needs to be more to live well. You can actually do okay with most all amenities at the 400,000 mark. The average salary for your industry in 2007 was 403,000. Your 750,000 is an excellent salary. That is why your spouse does not have to work. Most working couples do not make your salary combined. Would love to have your job, or one similar. I will be returning to Norway in a few weeks.
  My best to you.
  Larry

• 97 Hadis Nuhanovic // Apr 12, 2010 at 11:58 pm

  Hello I travel to Bergen Norway all the time. I just got engaged to a beautiful lady there. I was wondering what type of jobs could I get there with no college education. Right now I work from home in the states and make about $5,000USD a month. If anyone could help me out I would really appreciate it as I will be returning back for 4 months and want to seek some type of good paying job so I can move and live there. I’m originally from Europe and all my family lives there. Thanks, Hadis

• 98 Paul // Apr 13, 2010 at 7:25 am

  Larry,

  Thanks for the info it just seems after taxes and paying rent we barely make ends meet. I don’t seem to enjoy my salary the way I should. 150k in the US and living just outside of NYC you live well. To all that are thinking of moving to Norway for a job from the states make sure you are hired before you get here. I was fortunate that my company brought me here and all the legal stuff was taken care of. My spouse on the other hand is having a hard time finding work because of not speaking the language. Recruiting firm in Oslo said that Stavanger is where they hire people who speak english.

  I am head of external communications for a shipping company.

• 99 Clair // Apr 13, 2010 at 9:38 pm

  Hey I am now really deep into my move to Norway and my shipping company that I thought I had an agreement with is no where to be found. HELP. Can anyone recommend a shipping company that will move my things from NY to Norway.

• 100 kirst // Jun 17, 2010 at 8:43 pm

  hi all
  moved here last july from the uk,started norwegian classes in feb,and been looking for a job snice then too!
  been to all temp agencies,who said they would be in touch,havent heard anything,i look at the papers,finn.no etc,had no luck!
  any more ideas??
  trained in health and socail care,also customer services! :-)

• 101 Jon // Jun 21, 2010 at 1:46 pm

  Can I be honest what made you move here with out a job? What you need to do is meet as many friend that are Norwegian. Ask your friends if there is a job opening and take it. The job may not be what you want to do but it will get you a job. For any expat thinking of moving to any develop country get the job before hand. “The grass is not always greener on the other side. What you need to do is go to a headhunter Nav.no is a waste.

• 102 Larry // Jun 21, 2010 at 3:02 pm

  Hi Kirst
  Jon has a point, but it is very very very difficult to get a job before you move here…
  But with your qualifications, you will get a job
  You must be looking at the wrong agencies.
  I have not had to deal with Nav.no, but the local agency has been very helpful in getting work for some friends of mine. They do make an effort. Am not sure if it works the same in all towns. Where you?
  Again, agreeing with Jon, it is difficult, but also know that it can be done. He is right too in that you should take any permanent job for beginning (especially if you are working on permanent residence) and work you way to what you want later….My best to you. You will win in the end.

• 103 Nat // Jun 21, 2010 at 10:17 pm

  Good evening Dear Expats :)

  Well, was definitely very interesting to read all the comments. Thank you for the stories and the useful suggestions. Helped a lot the realization that i am not alone in similar situation - aren´t humans just terrible selfish?! :)

  Adding a bit from my side than. I have moved to Oslo in January this year because of my boyfriend (who is not Norwegian, but has been living here for about 10 years) and got a bit of a cultural shock indeed (which is very strange, considering that before i´ve been living in China for a couple of years :)). I guess, as many of us, moving here, i also had an illusion about the job market and relative easiness in job hunting. Needless to say - i have failed in every aspect. :) Ok, have got some temporary cleaning job, but it is more frustrating than anything for a person with several higher educations and international work experiences - have almost a physical desire for some intellectual challenge. I agree with some previous comments here though - just have to go with it for now and learn the language (which is hard to find a motivation for, especially during summer). However - staring to feel like going to any company and saying “please, just hire me for anything.. office decoration perhaps”. I guess the best way to get a job here (as anywhere i guess) would be through some personal recommendations, but feels ..hmm.. strange?!… to be asking around.

  Well, to sum it up.. I have decided to apply positive attitude and “The Secret” to get the job! Lets see how it goes.. Has it worked for anyone?

  Good luck to all of you with all the challenges in Norway or anywhere else!

• 104 kirst // Jun 22, 2010 at 6:47 pm

  Thanks guys,i moved here to be with my partner,we have a son whos 1 yr old,and he was born in the Uk,i had my own place,job etc so it was easier,then when he was 2 months we moved to Norway, i live in Lillestrøm.

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