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Norway: Book about living in Stavanger:
I am in the process of writing a book about living in Stavanger. The book is a compendium of people's impressions, views about all aspects of living in Stavanger (or Norway).
I would love to hear any stories anyone might have. The stories or thoughts can be short ('My overall impression of Norway is that it's wet.') or long. Comments that have come up have covered the weather, people, culture, prices, drivers, neighbours....but really I am looking for any general impressions you might have. No names will be attached to individual comments, although it would be nice to include names of contributors on the thank you page. I would like, however, to have people's nationalities - I think it would be interesting to see how various nationalities find living in Stavanger or Norway.
The purpose of the book is to be a help to newcomer expats coming to Stavanger or Norway, and also to be a nice memory keepsake for those who have lived in Norway.
You can find more information on the webpage:
http://www.stavanger-resources.no/stavanger-expat.htm
Thanking contributors in advance!
Wendy
Norway: Finding work in Norway:
I live in Stavanger and I can only say that at least in Stavanger it is very very very difficult to find work without speaking Norwegian to a high standard and having qualifications that people want.
I am in touch with highly qualified people such as PhD grads, MBA grads, Satellite mappers, Sedimentologists, professional PA's and a whole slew of computer related qualified personnel - it is extremely difficult to get a job here (and I can't, actually, stress this enough).
If you are considering moving here to make some money I would imagine you would end up being very disappointed. Sorry.
United Kingdom: Yanky Marrying an EU Citizen:
Congratulations Carolyn!
I am not sure if this will be helpful, but I will have a go. I am American and married my British husband some 8 years ago. We lived in North Wales. This is the procedure we had to go through in answer to your questions. Keep in mind that I was told it was easier with American and British nationals because of their 'special relationship'.
I am not entitled to dual citizenship. Our children are, but I am not. I do, however, have a semi-permanent work visa in the UK provided I am not away for more than 2 years at a time. We had to go IN PERSON to the office in Croyden (6 hours away from where we lived) with several OFFICIAL copies of our wedding certificate, my passport, pictures, proof of our long term relationship (we had 5 years of matching country entries in our passports), I think my husband's birth certificate, my birth certificate.
We were then interviewed and informed about 6 weeks later that I was entitled to a 1 year trial work and stay visa. I then had to re-apply after the 1 year for my permanent one. I don't think that one was in person.
You will also get the English version of the social security number which entitles you to use of the health care system and the ability to get a job.
I remember the process as tedious. get their EARLY. Certainly ring before you go to ask what to bring, but our experience was that you were bound to have someone inexperienced give you wrong information if you did ring. best to bring everything you possibly can think of.
Regarding getting a job, I had little difficulty where we lived. However, I do remember endless amusement at my expense in the London area with accent, politics (I certainly didnt want to discuss this), funny habits of americans, classlessness of americans, stupidity of americans...I basically hated London. However, I greatly enjoyed North Wales where we lived and miss it terribly.
I hope some of this helps and congratulations again!
Netherlands: help with general information please?:
We are a family looking into the possibility of a job opportunity in The Hague. We have 2 small children aged 6 and 3.
Before considering a move here, I would love to hear anyone's impressions of this area or the surrounds as a place to raise children, quality of life, difficulty in finding employment, schooling for children or anything you think might be relevant to a family moving here!
My thanks in advance!
Norway: Finding a Job In Stavanger!:
Hi Richard. I live in stavanger and have done for the last 4 years. Couple of suggestions: check out www.pwc-stavanger.com and www.spin.no These are expa
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