Hey, I'm going to Norway to study in Uni for a break in my degree and I'm not sure what to expect. If you've been there, could you help fill me in on what the culture is like over there, what to bring/not bring etc. I'm staying in the South. I hear Norway is quite expensive?
2006-07-30 01:24:16 · 11 answers · asked by bebop 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Studying Abroad
By the way I'm from N.Ireland, not USA, so less expensive than the UK sounds pretty good to me!
2006-07-30 08:46:53 · update #1
Too right it is expensive. Get on a few web sites and hear the horror stories of getting a mortgage to buy a cup of coffe out.
2006-07-30 01:33:29 · answer #1 · answered by wiz 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I stayed in Oslo for business for 5 weeks oh about 6-7 years ago and loved it. It is supposed to be somewhat different out in the country but I'll at least tell you about Oslo. I am assuming you're North American.
Nearly everyone is schooled in English so there will not be much of any language barrier. It seemed safe and clean and there were interesting parks and museums to visit. The people are laid back, polite, and are wonderful hosts. They are modest and reserved though; it may seem a little unfriendly at first. The culture is more family centered than the US. Norwegian people spend more time with family and friends than they do in the States and seem happier than we are. Norwegian people also work spend less time working and love to ski. Also, they seem physically fit; I rarely ever saw any fat Norwegians.
Yes it was expensive, mainly the restaurants, but most of Europe is expensive and it seemed less expensive than the UK. As for clothing, any North American labels will be very expensive since they are imported. Some of my colleagues thought the food was bland but I disagreed. They have these huge breakfast spreads and eat a very light lunch. There are plenty of ethnic restaurants so you can get any cuisine you want, even several of the big US chains if you miss home. Also, I was there in the winter, so there was not much daylight which can be a wee depressing before you get used to it, and it can be pretty cold and snowy.
All in all though it was wonderful; it was a great memory and I'd love to go back.
2006-07-30 01:42:02 · answer #2 · answered by O'Shea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, what an opportunity. Yeah Norway is ridiculously expensive, but it was ranked by the UN as the best country to live in the world right, for a few years running? I went ages ago to Norway, Sweden and Finland, and I remember liking Norway the best.
I also remember Norwegians speaking english with the clearest, cleanest accent I've ever heard, its amazing. Swedes sounds swedish, you can always spot a Fin, but its hard to guess where Norwegians are from! Enjoy!
2006-07-30 01:39:10 · answer #3 · answered by ttomnl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Norwegian people are friendly but might seem reserved if you are from the US. Life is expensive and taxes are high but you should still be able to have a good time. There are no penguins! But rollmop herrings and other kinds of pickled fish are popular. Most Norwegians speak very good English. I really wouldn't worry I am sure you will have a wonderful time and if you do make any cultural errors people will understand.
2006-07-30 01:34:59 · answer #4 · answered by happyjumpyfrog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh wow! I'm so jealous! I've ALWAYS wanted to go to Norway! Yes its very expensive (especially if you drink alcohol). But who needs to get drunk when you can go and stare at the aurora borrealis all night! (Assuming its not summer when the sun doesn't ever go down!) Or all day for that matter if its winter as its always night time!! But then thats only in the north so try to travel north if you can. Fascinating..........!
2006-07-30 01:34:14 · answer #5 · answered by LOL0605 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cost of living is a bite lower the the USA . And folks are friendly there . Plus the love Americans . Food are diffrent . You have to try there bread MMMMMMMM miss it
2006-07-30 01:31:14 · answer #6 · answered by gabrielenebroski 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but I've heard good things from my daughter who has played soccer with a number of ladies from Norway... Yes, $$$ heard that too
2006-07-30 01:29:13 · answer #7 · answered by gamerunner2001 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take some herring for the penguins
2006-07-30 01:27:14 · answer #8 · answered by arnold 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is expensive. I have been in Bergen
2006-07-30 05:57:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont bend over there what ever you do
2006-07-30 01:28:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋