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A reader commented on the Expat Report Culture Shock in Stavanger, Norway

Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?

I think it is important to realize that things will be different and not what you are use to. You can not change the culture - you can only change yourself. If you want to be happy, don't sweat the small stuff. If you are an expat, you will only be here for a limited time. Do the fun things, travel someplace else over Christmas and shop outside the country whenever you get the chance. (Continue)

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A reader replied most recently with:

Wow, sounds really rough! You were in the irritation stage for more than a couple of years? I was afraid that I may be in the irritation-anger stage for a year or more. So far, it's only been a year of that and I feel I'm in the adjustment stage now. I do hear from other expats that the adjustment phase lasts a few years. I hope things go better for you and that you can enjoy your time there. I think learning the language is a major key to success.

A reader commented on the Expat Report Dating and Marriage in Stavanger, Norway

What is it like in your country of residence for someone with your relationship status (married/divorced/dating)? If you're single, how do you meet other people? Do English-speaking people tend to gravitate to certain parts of your city?

As a single female career-driven expat it is very difficult to establish a meaningful or casual relationship. The locals are not inclusive. You will never be part of their social circle. That leaves the expat community, which is dominated by the American wives club. There is no support for single female expats. As a foreign career women, you are also seen as a threat and an oddity in the workplace. Children are big here and if you don't have any by the time you are in your mid 30s then there must be something badly wrong with you! In short, it is very difficult to make any social connections. (Continue)

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A reader replied most recently with:

Have you had any improvement since this answers come out? I will probably be transferred to Norway and I am in my early 30s seeing those comments is not really encouraging to move over there.

A reader replied recently with:

OOOh!! it makes me think twice about living there! I'm mexican and had dated a few norwegians, it seems like they really find attractive the dark-skinned women, they're funny people and love to party... that's why I consider easy to hang out with them... the problem is that they seem to never get into the relationship (a serious one).. so you may end with the broken heart and them.... well... partying for sure.. But the problem is.. I recently spend through the same story with a mexican handsome guy... is it a global problem with men? do they truly go away while having a committed relationship?.. I wonder...

A reader commented on the Expat Report Having a Baby in Stavanger, Norway

Describe your experience giving birth there. What type of facility did you go to? What (if any) type of pain management did you use? How long did you stay in the hospital? Was it a positive experience? Etc...

I hear that if you have a normal delivery without any problems this can be a great place to give birth. However, any hick-ups and you will wish you were somewhere else. Too many bad stories to tell, but my own was a simple c-section. I had 2 previously in the USA and they were a breeze. I seriously don't think the surgeon knew what she was doing. She doubled the size of my incision and the baby was less than 8 lbs - the smallest baby I have had. My recovery was 2 or 3 days in the USA but it was more like 2 or 3 months here. I am glad this was our last child because if it had been the first then it would have been our only. Oh, and I had to have a spinal. It took the man 2 tries to be successful and then I developed a spinal headache that took the nurses 3 days to resolve. Sadly it was a horrible experience for me, but luckily our baby was just great! (Continue)

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A reader replied most recently with:

thank you so much,I'm due to have a baby in stavanger in october. i am hearing horror storries here. I think i'll try to go back to Germany for the birth of my baby as my first one was a c sectio.

Expat Report Review of International School of Stavanger in Stavanger, Norway was published

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Facilities are probably the best thing this school has going for it. They are adding on to the existing building and it is a very large school. (Continue)

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Expat Report Info about Stavanger Expats in Stavanger, Norway was published

Describe your group.

Stavanger Expats is a site to assist new and seasoned expats living in Stavanger. The site is divided into two main categories: Coming to Norway & Living in Norway. Within each of these Expats can learn things such as where to find a hair salon or how to immigration works. There is a interactive forum and relevant monthly blog posts. (Continue)

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Expat Report Review of The International School of Stavanger in Stavanger, Norway was published

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Facilities are great, and building projects are on the drawing board for expansion of the school. There are many extra-curricular activities available through the school year, including many sports, theatre productions, and other clubs. (Continue)

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Expat Report Review of The International School of Stavanger in Stavanger, Norway was published

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

very good facilities. There is a cafeteria, outdoor playground, 2 libraries, theatre, and gymnasium. Many extra-curricular activities are offered throughout the year. Wonderful theatrical and musical productions. (Continue)

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Expat Report Review of The Children's House in Stavanger, Norway was published

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

The facilites are brand new. They were in a smaller building previously (described as shabby in a another review). The school today is architect drawn with parent and teacher input and open, spaceous, bright, and clean, and has a very large outdoor area with new play equipment for the children to play in/on.

The children take walks with their teachers in the local woods, go to a lovely local farm/ petting zoo twice a year (at Christmas they have a Santa Claus that gives them a goodie bag, they eat traditional porridge, and get a feel for Norwegian Christmas).

They have "Santa's Breakfast" and a Spring Fair. They celebrate international holidays and for Thanksgiving they actually make a Turkey dinner.

The school has extra curricular activities such as art club, Norwegian club, and English Continuation Class for children that have left the school and are attending Norwegian schools. (Continue)

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Expat Report Review of The British International School of Stavanger in Stavanger, Norway was published

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Excellent facilities. The administration is keen to have the most up-to-date facilities in keeping with their aim of providing top academics. There is a selection of 2 rather impressive libraries for younger and older children, a new computer room with 24 hour internet access where children from age 6 begin learning the fundamentals of computers and begin playing with computer design. A choice of adventure playfrounds, a music room, an assembly hall where they also put on plays and beautiful wooded surround.

There are almost too may extra-curricular activities to choose from! Swimming, bible class, chess club, dance, music, sports club (children learn and do different sports every 3-4 weeks), tae kwon do, judo, drama.....the list is rather long. (Continue)

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Expat Report Review of The International Pre-School in Stavanger, Norway was published

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

The facilities are excellent! The building is newer, has a fabulous indoor gym facility, a range of classrooms for different activities, beautiful wooded surround where children often go on nature walks and have picnics, several adventure playgrounds and an assortment of bikes, scooters, balls, sand toys. The parent association puts together family, children and parent activities about once a month. There are also a number of clubs for children to join. Most recent examples include: a thai dinner and dance, a train trip and picnic for children, a large (and rather famous)used things sale. (Continue)

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Expat Report Review of The Children's House in Stavanger, Norway was published

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Excellent. They have excellent outdoor play equipment, sandpits, slides, swings, bicycles, etc. Music classes once a week for all children. Gym classes for the 4 years and up. (Continue)

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