-Where were you born?
Ontario, Canada
-In which country and city are you living now?
Near Nelaug in the South of Norway
-Are you living alone or with your family?
With my German/Canadian boyfriend
-How long have you been living in Norway?
2 years
-What is your age?
49
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Norway?
We were living in Germany and employment opportunities and wages were depressing. My boyfriend found work cutting trees in Norway on a large highway expansion project. I followed and found work right away.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?
My boyfriend is an EU citizen and we had been living together long enough to be accepted as a couple.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
It is included in your taxes, so no problem.
-How do you make your living in Norway? Do you have any type of income generated?
I am employed by an agency that provides relief workers to help to look after farms in the case of sickness or injury. They also contract us out as assistants for veterinarians who need to go from farm to farm testing and inspecting for livestock diseases.
This job was suggested to me by people in my community once they got to know me a bit. www.nav.no is a good job search web site to try. There are NAV offices is most towns and they usually have very good listings as well as helpful personnel.
Word of mouth is one of the best job search tools here. Simply walking into a place you would like to work at and handing them your CV with an explanation of why you wish to work there, is another accepted (and encouraged) method. In other words: Sell Yourself.
-Do you speak Norwegian and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I am ashamed to say that after two years here I am not yet fluent in speaking the language but I understand much of it. Unfortunately my current work involves more animals and machines than people, so not much chance yet. It is so easy to get by with English that you can get lazy. Norwegians enjoy practicing their English with you but enjoy it even more if you let them know that you would like to practice your Norwegian with them. They are usually quite positive, encouraging, and patient with my efforts so when I get the chance, practicing is relativly painless.
I think it is important to learn the language. You miss so much without it. Most Nordmen have a great sense of humour so it is worthwhile just to understand the frequent jokes.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.
This has become home more than any place I have ever lived. I do miss my family but they are welcome to visit my here. Now that my health has improved, I enjoy walking the many trails in forest or up the fjells. Swimming in both the sea and inland lakes in summer, cross-country skiing in winter and photographing nature all year long.
Working at a job I love and actually getting paid well for it is a real treat.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
With my job I expect to be doing much travelling in Norway. In Canada i had a small internet based business that manufactured and sold natural soaps. I have been encouraged to begin this again here and hope to get it up and running over the next few years.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We currently rent an old 3-bedroom farm house but are looking to buy in the future. Rentals in rural areas are not easy to find but if you have handyman skills, bartering renovation work for rent reduction may be an option.
-What is the cost of living in Norway?
Most things are very expensive, but then again the wages are also very high so it generally balances out. We are able to live comfortably here working roughly half the hours we needed to work in either Canada or Germany. It is expected that you take 5 weeks vacation every year, and to work a 37.5 hour week is usually maximum.
-What do you think about the Norwegians?
The locals have shown themselves to be welcoming in a non-intrusive way. Participating in local happenings will both improve their opinion of you and enrich your existance here. Once they get to know you things go a lot smoother for learning of future work opportunities and fitting into the place. Learn the language as soon as possible.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Norway?
Positive? Too numerous to list them all. Friendly, healthy, intelligent folks. I have heard them state that children are their national treasure. I believe they show this by the healthful way they educate and the great respect for family togetherness. With short work days and many vacations, there is more free time to spend doing things together with the children. Outdoor family activities are especially encouraged and participated in.
Negative? Dark days of winter can be depressing...but the almost constant light in summer months almost compensate. I find both a little difficult to get used to.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Norway?
Embrace the culture and traditions. Enjoy the nature. Learn the language. Participate in your local community activities. ENJOY!
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Norway?
http://www.acanadianinnorway.blogspot.com/ (a funny Canadian man who gives a more urban perspective to life in Norway)
