Pros and cons living in Norway as a foreigner | 2024

Summary

In this video, Sarah shares her personal experience as a foreigner living in Norway for six years. She highlights several pros, such as the laid-back culture, the kindness of people, the country's stunning nature, and the strong democratic system. However, she also discusses some cons, including the challenge of integrating without speaking Norwegian, the long, isolating winters, and the social dynamics where people can feel less open. While Norway offers a peaceful environment and great opportunities for outdoor activities, the social and weather-related challenges can make it tough for some foreigners to truly feel at home.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sarah has lived in Norway for 6 years and shares her personal experiences as a foreigner living there.
• 🌍 The culture in Norway is relaxed, laid-back, and low-stress, offering a slower pace of life compared to countries like Japan.
• 😊 Norwegians are generally nice and respectful, with a more positive and polite approach to things compared to some other countries.
• 🏞 Norway's stunning nature allows for a wide range of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and river rafting.
• 🗳 Norway is a highly democratic country with a strong welfare system, and its politicians are seen as transparent and not corrupt.
• ❗ One of the biggest challenges of living in Norway is the language barrier—speaking Norwegian is crucial for job opportunities and social integration.
• 💬 Social integration can be difficult without speaking Norwegian, and foreigners may struggle to make friends or find jobs.
• 🌧 The long winters in Norway can be very isolating, especially when it's difficult to get out of the house or visit family due to bad weather.
• ❄️ Winters in Norway are long and harsh, lasting from October to April, with snowstorms and gray, slushy weather making daily life challenging.
• 🚶‍♀️ Norwegians are not very open or extroverted; the culture tends to prioritize personal space, making it harder for foreigners who are more social or outgoing.
• 📉 Despite the drawbacks, Norway is a great place for introverts who prefer a quiet, reserved environment with fewer social interactions.

Q & A

What is the general cultural vibe in Norway according to Sarah?

Sarah describes Norway's culture as laid-back, chill, and low-stress. The pace of life is slower compared to countries like Japan, and people are generally more relaxed in both work and social settings.

Why does Sarah believe Norwegians are more respectful than people in some other countries?

Sarah contrasts Norway with Denmark, using examples from TV shows like *X Factor* in Denmark, where participants are often ridiculed. In contrast, shows like *The Voice* in Norway are more supportive and respectful, reflecting the general tone of social interactions in the country.

How does Norway's nature contribute to the quality of life there?

Sarah highlights Norway’s stunning natural landscapes, which provide abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, kayaking, and snowmobiling. The country’s nature offers a dynamic lifestyle both in summer and winter.

What aspect of Norway does Sarah find particularly attractive regarding its political system?

Sarah appreciates Norway's strong democratic values, where people genuinely care about voting and participating in the democratic process. She also values the transparency and lack of corruption in the country’s politics.

What challenges does Sarah mention about living in Norway if you don’t speak Norwegian?

Sarah notes that not speaking Norwegian can be a significant obstacle, especially when applying for jobs. Many job ads require proficiency in Norwegian, making it difficult for foreigners to find work. It also hinders social integration and making local friends.

How does Sarah describe the feeling of isolation during the long Norwegian winters?

Sarah explains that the long winters can feel isolating, especially for families who are far from home. The cold and extended indoor periods, combined with fewer outdoor activities, can make people feel lonely, particularly if they don't speak the language.

What specific weather-related challenges does Sarah discuss in her video?

Sarah mentions that the long winters, with snow starting as early as October and lasting until April, can be very tough. The cold, snowstorms, and slush make everyday life challenging. She also points out that travel can be difficult due to road conditions during snowstorms.

What is Sarah’s opinion on the social culture in Norway, especially in terms of openness?

Sarah finds Norwegians to be more reserved compared to other cultures. She points out that while people are polite, they are not as open or outgoing. This reserved nature makes it harder for extroverted individuals to engage with others, which Sarah finds challenging.

Does Sarah think Norway is an ideal place for introverts or extroverts?

Sarah suggests that Norway might be perfect for introverts, as the culture is more reserved and less focused on social interactions. However, extroverts who enjoy more open and spontaneous socializing might find it difficult to adjust.

How does Sarah recommend foreigners who are struggling to thrive in Norway get help?

Sarah encourages foreigners who are struggling to settle in Norway to visit her website, Norway Newcomers, where she offers support to help people integrate, find jobs, and adjust to life in the country.