Expat Advice: Living in Kristiansand, Norway
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Kristiansand
How long have you lived there?
2 years
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
American Women's Club is available, but not really functioning. After trying several churches we have found a Church with an American core to be the friendliest place in town! In southern Norway, (we lived in Oslo for 10 years my husband is Norwegian), the culture is tough to break into. It is almost stereotypical small town closed.
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
Southern Norway is the bible belt of the country. But don't look for this to be evident in daily life. Breaking into this culture if you are Norwegian, as my husband is, is TOUGH. If you have a different color skin forget it - they openly exercise racial and age discrimination in the job and housing markets. The UN may have voted Norway the nicest place to live and it may be one of the richest countries in the world, but in our opinion, that is a farce. The health care is so far below standard that it is dangerous to be ill. You have to ask the doc to take your blood pressure! The schools are destitute of funds, the hospitals are closing for lack of funds, it is a prime example of mismanagement, greed and arrogance. It went from 3rd world poor to first world rich in less than 3 decades. The economy grew but the culture did not. This is the land of Jante Loven, (Jante's Law)which is don't think you are anybody and certainly not any better than me, because if you stand out or excel they will take you down! That is the national curse and it is lived out on every level and area of society. Only the greedy and the arrogant rise to the top where they judge and criticize the rest of the world - especially democratic countries, socialism is the reigning philosophy. Their hatred for Israel and America is fightening. It is openly shown in politics and journalism. Norway is no friend of the USA or Israel!
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
Fishing, forestry, factory blue collar work and some technology. There are no real opportunities here. People find jobs because they have personal connections.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Don't do it!
Moving to Norway soon?
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Comments about this Report
guestAha a very interesting phenomena. I lived in this place for a short time.What I only know is the place is very expensive and that Norway is a generous country helping refugees from third world countries and giving aid.The only problem I find is that with other European countries is because it refused to partake in EU as a member and that it criticize certain oppressive and repressive European countries.Some people tend not to like it.Generally, I like their way of life and belief of a modern socialism.
guestYou are mistaken why should Norway be a friend to Israel and America.Its their right to be friend to who ever they wish to be.You are being very narrow minded writer.
guestI live in Kristiansand and totally agree with all the comments. People are anti social and extremely rude and selfish. Do not move here
guestI'm American, 21 years old, with family in southern Norway outside of Kristiansand. Honestly, you're a very over exaggerated and dramatic person.I've been here about 7 times and can speak the language but not fluently. Norwegians do not have a problem with Americans for starters, well atleast none that I have met. Yes, it is expensive but if you work here you can afford the lifestyle since you also made a lot more money. I will confidently say the people living in America are also more shallow, narrow minded, and greedy than any Norwegian I know. The lifestyle here is a lot more traditional and family oriented compared to the American lifestlye and it is not very diverse in ethnicity but you will still come across people of different race.
guestAs a native NOrwegian livivng in Romania I only want to affirm the reality in your wiev. Reiaiodiat
guestNorway is no friend of the USA or Israel! i like norway, am no friend of world arrassers to
guestI thank you for posting bold statements but very precise and true as well. Norway still has to learn and develop alot, they are not precise people : they are not focused, does not come on time and are not extremely hard working and ambitious like the Swedish. That is why they are less developed. More need to be done.
guestSadly, I agree with almost everything in this post. I have lived in the greater Kristiansand area for four years and I am terribly disappointed. As a half-Norwegian, I have been visiting the country for more than 35 years. Now that I live here I find that, at least here in the South, all that friendliness is more or less on the surface. When it comes to problems, they bury their heads in the sand and don't you dare criticize anything. We have it so 'greit' here. Health care is appalling. Had my husband not finally given up and gone to Berlin to get help recently when he had an infection, he would probably be blind by now. You have to make your own diagnoses and then tell the doctor what you have and fight to get the proper treatment in a timely manner. This country is so rich and yet they save their money for a rainy day instead of improving infrastructure. The ONLY things I am impressed with are parental leave and inexpensive and good daycare.
