So, you have decided to continue your education in Norway. That is a great decision because this country has an excellent school system. Student moving from the USA to Norway, it isn’t easy like it sounds, but you could easily adapt. European education system is a little different than American, it requires a lot of dedications, but it’s the best in the world. There is no wonder why many choose European universities and colleges for continuing their studies. Bologna Process in European higher education in Norway is conducted to the details, making this country one of the leading countries regarding the conforming of the guidelines of this program. That is why student moving from the USA to Norway is so popular.

The degree system based on the Bachelor’s, Masters and Ph.D. structure has been successfully implemented, together with the ECTS credits system. There are about 70 public and private institutions of higher learning located throughout Norway, and over 12 000 foreign students. Furthermore, Norway is a great place to live in.

Before you move

Student moving from the USA to Norway requires a lot of planning. First and for most is choosing where will you continue your studies, and to have an acceptance letter from the university or college that you are applying to.

Some people go without it, thinking that they will apply to school when they get to Norway. Although is possible, it’s very risky and can create a lot of complications.

Being accepted to the university in Norway before you move you will easily get your student visa, and it will provide you safety. When you are student moving halfway across the world for studies, it is very important. Also, regarding your admission to the university or college, you can start finding the place where you will live in Norway or start applying to the student’s homes.

Basic information that  every student moving from the USA to Norway should know

• Find available scholarships and grants – Many Norwegian institutions have cooperation with foreign institutions of higher education. As an international student, you can apply for Norway national programmes for scholarships or other types of funding. There are also various scholarships available by the private and non-profit organizations.
• Transfer credits and degrees – Norwegian institution to which you are applying is normally in charge for transferring degrees and credits from a foreign institution, with the supervision of The Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT). On the base of your degree or credits together they assess what level at the European education system you fulfill.
• Student visa – to get a student visa for Norway, you must be admitted to the Norwegian college or university. There are some exceptions, but it’s the number one request. With the letter of admission, go to the closest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate, where you will get all the information about applying for a student visa and necessary documentation.
• Student residence permit –  when you get a student visa in Norway you can stay in the country for up to 90 days. If your studies are going to take longer than that, you have to get a student residence visa. You should submit your application to a Norwegian Foreign Mission. It’s usually just a formality, but they maybe call you for an interview.
• Start to learn a language – learning the Norwegian language is not a necessary requirement, but it is a very big advantage. Almost everybody in Norway speaks English, so you don’t have to learn it. But think ahead. If you learn a foreign language, you will have the advantage in the job field when you come back to America or if you decide to stay in Norway.

Living in Norway

When you are a student moving from the USA to Norway, you maybe expect some kind of cultural shock. Scandinavian countries have a reputation of the cold nations, and not too friendly people. This can be further from the truth. Norwegians are very welcoming, cultural, pleasant and cheerful folks. They are modest and appreciative of a simpler way of life in the company of family and friends. You won’t be having a problem communicating with them – almost everybody speaks perfect English. There are so many reasons to live in Norway. It is a great country with the astonishing nature that will take your breath away.

Norway is one of the most progressive parts of Europe, economically speaking.

Democracy, justice, and welfare are the foundations of this state. Norway has a high standard of living, and it may seem expensive. Prices are maybe higher, but so are the paychecks. If you work while you study in Norway, you will lead a very comfortable life. Scandinavia is the richest part of Europe, and Norway is at the very top. Norwegians have the greatest regard for equality and openness in every aspect of life. Economic, social and gender equality are important values in this country. It’s a very open-minded community, with great respect for every religion, sexual orientation, and cultural differences.

The family is a very important institution, and Norway has a paternity leave quota. That means that fathers have to take a certain number of weeks of parental leave. They can also take more time off to be with their children. This way, a person can have a successful career without sacrificing the time with family.

Nature and climate

Norway is blessed with amazing nature. You will quickly realize that nature is one of the things that Norwegians are most proud of. And they should be because it’s breathtaking.

Outdoor life is very appreciative and important in this country

Norwegians take every chance they get to enjoy hiking, skiing, or just spending vacation days surrounded by wild beauty. Mighty mountains provide beautiful views and hiking tracks through the woods, and their fjords and coastline are astonishing.

Weather

If you are coming from the south part of the USA, you will notice that the weather is quite cold.

Oslo has a mild continental climate with summer temperatures around 19-24 degrees Celsius. The hottest day in Norway was with the temperature of the 35 degrees, and that was the record for this country. Winters are cold with a lot of snow. During winter months, temperatures are around -7 to -1 ̊C. The lowest temperature in Norway was freezing -27.1 ̊C.