Canadian moving to Norway

Last activity 11 July 2018 by Nadkiz007

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cpaulsonMember08 July 2018 00:35:11

Hello everyone.

I have seen a lot of posts about foreign people looking for jobs in Norway and I have yet to come across any posts that are particular to my situation so I thought I would ask and get some input.

I am was born and raised in Canada. I have always had a fascination with Norway, especially because my great grandparents immigrated to Canada from there in the early 1900's.

Basically, for the next two years or so, I am going to be learning Norwegian online and saving as much money as possible because I want to move to Oslo, get a degree in Psychology from the University of Oslo, and of course find work when I graduate.

I have heard that it is quite difficult to find work there for foreigners. I seen a lot of questions from foreigners who have their own degrees and are having a hard time finding jobs.

As a Canadian who obtained a Norwegian degree and obviously speaks fluent Norwegian because the degree is taught in Norwegian, how difficult would it be to find a job? Are there any foreigners in Norway who have a degree from a Norwegian university who can talk about their experience?

I have also spoken with UDI as well as University of Oslo and I am automatically eligible for a work visa provided my grades in University stay good while I work. I am under the assumption that if my grades start slipping they may not renew my work visa.

Have any foreigners who were granted work as a student found it hard to get a job with no degree?

Also, I understand that I could take this degree and start my own business with but that would take a lot of money and that would eventually be my goal, but I think I am most worried about getting a job after.

Any input or stories would be great!

Carolyn

AnasViP09 July 2018 07:48:54

378

Hi cpaulson and welcome to https://www.expat.com,

I invite you to take a look at Work in Norway where you will find useful informations that hopefully answer your questions.

Good Luck.

Anas,
Expat.com Team

Nadkiz007Active member10 July 2018 03:53:30

Since you are from Canada it might help you a bit.here u do practical b4 u enter into full fledged job.to become fluent in norsk by learning online might not be as easy as u think unless u r very brilliant in learning languages.becoming v fluent in talking and writing is the key and you have to pass B2 level minimum but if u get a degree in norwegian then its ok.but to get admission in university to study in norsk u must get B2 level.thats my understanding.

stephy25Serial expat10 July 2018 14:14:39

408

Based on my experience it is not really hard to get a job here, provided that you are equipped with the necessary skills in language and of course qualifications for the job.

There is abundance of available jobs in the health sector, therefore if one speaks the language fluently and took the studies here(which automatically gives one license to practice) then getting a job is easy.

For example I did not study here,but being a licensed nurse from my home country allowed be to obtain authorization as general health care provider. I focused on my norwegian language studies for a year. And my first and only work application experience was I applied on a thursday, was asked to report the day after (friday) and started the monday that came. After 4 months of working I got offered a permanent position, been with them ever since for 2 years now.

On the other hand, i know several foreigners who finished their degree here and even had masteral studies here who didn't become part of the employment right away. Some of them took 6 months to a year finding a job in their field.

I think the biggest factor in getting employed here is the field of profession one chooses.

Nadkiz007Active member11 July 2018 05:59:57

I agree in most things said by Stephy, but not all things. It is not so easy to find job or break into job market. One or few exceptions don’t give a clear picture. Stephy case is an exception. I know there are people experienced and qualified people chose to do other jobs. Health sector is more stricter than other field. Some time you get preference if the institution you studied is a better and recognised one. You said u plan to study in Norway which will help. But to get admission to do a Norwegian course u need to have B2 level in writing and speaking at least. That’s the challenge. And it is not so easy to get to that level by just doing some online course.Thats the important information you should know. The key is language when it comes to health sector.

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