Jena Conti
@MamaPanda
American expat in Norway
Forum posts
70
Contacts
10
About me
American
Lives in Bergen
Speaks English, Norwegian, Spanish
Registration: 15 November 2010
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
Prem2012: I am so sorry. Even though I speak Norwegian and have a PhD it took me 8 years to get a permanent position. People who come on a job seekers visa don't understand this, even though we try to tell them. Thanks for sharing your experiences ... Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
It's a bit sad to see that you think other cultures "trash up" a society. I'm not in agreement with you there. No country - not even Norway's - has a 'pure' culture. Norway wouldn't be what it is today if it weren't for the influence of Germans, ... Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
Tillukka - regarding Indians wanting to come here, I'm afraid there is a great scam going on (I've actually written UDI about it). There are companies working in India (I'm not allowed to give names here, but send a personal message if you want to ... Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
Dzekins - I think you have missed the point. Sure, perhaps lots of people do come to Norway to live with a partner, or maybe are really pretending to do so just to come to Norway, I don't know. But to do that in other countries is A LOT easier than ... Read More
Information for Job Seekers to Norway by MamaPanda
Many people have been asking about coming to Norway on a job seekers visa, so I am writing to give you my experiences. I have lived as an immigrant in Norway now for 7 1/2 years and these views are based on my experiences as well as the ...
Maybe the difference is after taxes? (at the usual 36% tax rate) Read More
job seeker visa for Norway by narendra_deep123
Dear all Friends I am Narendra Patel from India and I am planning for apply as a job sicker visa for Norway and i have other information like direct possible for PR . what is actual roots pl z suggest to me so i will plan as a right path. I am ...
GB_ROCK, I am sorry you are having such a tough time, but I am glad that you are letting people know the reality of the job situation here. I keep trying to do this but no one listens to me! Everyone thinks, "oh I can do it! I have all of this ... Read More
i am looking for an opportunity to practice nursing in norway by megayaya
i am a graduate of associate degree in nursing.i am looking for nursing jobs in Norway.please kindly help in anyway possible.
There is an American woman who moved to Norway a few years ago. She is a registered and trained nurse and was praciticing in America before she moved here. But Norway will not let her practice here. She has even been in the local newspaper. Here is ... Read More
i am looking for an opportunity to practice nursing in norway by megayaya
i am a graduate of associate degree in nursing.i am looking for nursing jobs in Norway.please kindly help in anyway possible.
Hi, you will unfortunately have to do your training again in Norway to be able to pass their exams before you can work as a nurse here. Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
I am from the US -- I have a PhD and speak English ahnd Norwegian (just to say that I am an educated person but it is still hard to get a permanent job!) you are right about staying positive, but it is also a bit depressing to live in a country ... Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
Thrasher07 - thanks for sharing your experiences, which I think are very typical. I don't think people realize how long it takes to get a job in Norway - how hard it is. I have been here for 7 years and speak Norwegian fluently and still am only ... Read More
Information for Job Seekers to Norway by MamaPanda
Many people have been asking about coming to Norway on a job seekers visa, so I am writing to give you my experiences. I have lived as an immigrant in Norway now for 7 1/2 years and these views are based on my experiences as well as the ...
Thanks for posting this, Nimit. I am always trying to explain to people how much money they need to live in Norway -- and it is a lot! Some people spend the money on an airline ticket to fly to Norway and are immediately sent back because they ... Read More
Information for Job Seekers to Norway by MamaPanda
Many people have been asking about coming to Norway on a job seekers visa, so I am writing to give you my experiences. I have lived as an immigrant in Norway now for 7 1/2 years and these views are based on my experiences as well as the ...
I'm sorry I don't know. But you can contact UDI directly and ask them: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Contact-UDI/ I have sent them emails before with questions and they do get back to you within a week. Read More
Information for Job Seekers to Norway by MamaPanda
Many people have been asking about coming to Norway on a job seekers visa, so I am writing to give you my experiences. I have lived as an immigrant in Norway now for 7 1/2 years and these views are based on my experiences as well as the ...
@Nimit Gajjar I know it is in English, but it is more clear what "entitle" means in part 1 in the Norwegian version -- which is why I gave my own translation. Read More
Information for Job Seekers to Norway by MamaPanda
Many people have been asking about coming to Norway on a job seekers visa, so I am writing to give you my experiences. I have lived as an immigrant in Norway now for 7 1/2 years and these views are based on my experiences as well as the ...
@nimit.gajjar I don't know about this -- I mean, if you are working in Oslo it is probably easier. But English is not an official language in Norway. Yes, people may know and understand English, but by and large people are speaking Norwegian at ... Read More
Information for Job Seekers to Norway by MamaPanda
Many people have been asking about coming to Norway on a job seekers visa, so I am writing to give you my experiences. I have lived as an immigrant in Norway now for 7 1/2 years and these views are based on my experiences as well as the ...
Wow! you are right -- I didn't realize the job seeker visa didn't grant you a right to work. I'm really surprised by this and hope people realize this before they come, because that means it will be even more difficult to get a job. Because a ... Read More
Information for Job Seekers to Norway by MamaPanda
Many people have been asking about coming to Norway on a job seekers visa, so I am writing to give you my experiences. I have lived as an immigrant in Norway now for 7 1/2 years and these views are based on my experiences as well as the ...
These days Norway are working hard on getting people out of the contry. So good luck getting in. Also, I cant express this enough, Yes Norway is a rich contry, BUT every this is overly EXPENCIVE!!! So really, you dont have much money.Yes - this is ... Read More
Information for Job Seekers to Norway by MamaPanda
Many people have been asking about coming to Norway on a job seekers visa, so I am writing to give you my experiences. I have lived as an immigrant in Norway now for 7 1/2 years and these views are based on my experiences as well as the ...
1. Yes, you are allowed to work anywhere, but the problem is that Norwegians are very hesitant to hire foreigners. The majority don't feel comfortable with foreigners -- not that they are racist, but that they just don't feel comfortable. I have ... Read More
Work Visas: Apply only through Norwegian government by MamaPanda
I have posted before on some scams - fraudulent companies - that are trying to sell work visas to Norway. I asked UDI (Department of Immigration) in Norway about this and here is their response: "It is unfortunate that genuine persons wishing to ...
I don't know anything about the job market for shipbuilding, but as a general rule, it is very difficult to get a job in Norway. It takes a lot of time and a lot of patience to work your way into the job market here. What did you find confusing ... Read More
Looking For Norway Job Seeker Visa from India......Help me.. by PrasadVelpula
Hi Friends, I am From India with 5 Years Experience in IT Industry(unique Technology), I am Looking For Norway Job Seeker VIsa from India is there any Person Can Help or give Guidelines, is it good decision to look like that. or I am doing Wrong ...
I have written a post for the forum on getting jobs in Norway. It has a lot of important information: /forum/viewtopic.php?id=146043 Make sure you apply for this work visa through the Norwegian government and not through a ... Read More
How to make friends in Norway by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals and other expats) when you're living in Norway :top: [b]Which are your best tips ...
This is especially noticeable at the grocery store where personal space goes out the window and being first one out of the store is PRIORITY number 1.LOL! So true about the grocery store! Read More
Work Visas: Apply only through Norwegian government
I have posted before on some scams - fraudulent companies - that are trying to sell work visas to Norway. I asked UDI (Department of Immigration) in Norway about this and here is their response: "It is unfortunate that genuine persons wishing to ... Read More
Find a job in Norway by expat.com
Hi, You are an expat living in Norway? Please share your experience! [b]What is the best way to find a job in Norway?[/b] [u]The Internet?[/u] Please tell us which are the most useful / effective websites for job seekers in ...
I agree with AuNordDuMonde and disagree with sctld. Education in Norway DOES matter. It might not be fair but it is most certainly the way things are, and I have been told this as well -- that had I done my undergrad in Norway I would have a much ... Read More
Anybody fancy a coffee?
Hi Sophie! Would you be interesting in coming to our international women's reading group in Bergen? It's a fun group of women. You can read more about it on Yahoo Groups: groups.yahoo.com/group/BookedinBergen/ (The group is called "Booked in ... Read More
Basic Salary in Norway. by Gayatrimehta
How much Basic Salary Person get in Norway Wages in Norway Can you guide me thanks
I found figures from 2009: The average salary for all jobs is 35,200 kr/month. But keep in mind that you will probably be taxed at 36%, or even 50% depending on your situation and how much you are making. On top of that, the cost of living is very ... Read More
norway visa purpose
For more information, pls read my recent post on the Expat Forum: /forum/viewtopic.php?id=146043 Read More
norway visa purpose
No, unless you have a job to keep you here. Read More
Information for Job Seekers to Norway
Many people have been asking about coming to Norway on a job seekers visa, so I am writing to give you my experiences. I have lived as an immigrant in Norway now for 7 1/2 years and these views are based on my experiences as well as the ... Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
Dr. Shail - Norwegians have strict rules about this and don't allow doctors or nurses to work here unless they have passed certain courses in Norway. You will have to take college or university courses and get the Norwegian degree first, even if you ... Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
Y-axis has been involved in a lot of scams -- pretending they are selling visas to other countries and then not giving the money back. Please be careful, everyone. Contact the Norwegian government directly to find out what THEIR rules are -- do not ... Read More
Moving to Norway by a_i928
I have to chose to live in any one of the following city. WHihc city should i chose and why? I am Ali and from Pakistan. A.Bergen/Straume B. Stavanger C. Trondheim D. Fredrikstad
I have found it very difficult to get a job in Norway, even though I live here, speak Norwegian, and have a high degree of education. Are there any Norwegians in any city sympathetic to hiring foreigners? If so, please tell me! I have found that ... Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
Hi, Bergen has lots and lots of travelers every summer who come to see the fjords and hike the mountains, so hotels are a big business here. But, as I have advised everyone, you should definitely get a job BEFORE you come, because jobs are not easy ... Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
Somraj, did you say you worked at HSBC? Ask the places you have worked if they have any connections in Scandinavia. Maybe a partner bank? As AuNordDuMonde suggested, it is easiest if you can rely on connections. The best places to look for jobs in ... Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
@AuNordduMonde: "Lots of things work through networking and most job offers are filled with people who are known to the person hiring rather than by total strangers." Yes - this is exactly right. I have watched this happen again and again. Norway ... Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
I am sorry you think I am being cynical. I am only trying to help people because I feel very sorry for the hundreds who have been given visas and move here thinking they can find work and have enough money to live. The newspapers are full of stories ... Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
It doesn't matter how much experience you have, if you are not Norwegian you will have a very hard time getting a job in Norway. The newspaper Aftenposten has been doing stories on the fact that immigrants do not even get interviews even though they ... Read More
Planning to move to Bergen may be next month????
You will have to bring a lot of money - because just breathing is expensive here, and you will need a lot of rain gear (Gore-tex). Read More
Jobs on Job seeker visa Pls help!!!! by jiteshjain24
Hi there all, Hope you all are doing good. I currently residing in india and have applied for Job seeker visa via Y-axis consultancy for Norway. I am having 5 yrs of strong telecom domain exp. in GSM/GPRS network,can anypone pls pls guide me about ...
I have said this a lot lately, and will say it again: It is very difficult to get a job in Norway if you are a foreigner. The government says there are lots of jobs in Norway, but foreigners have a hard time getting them - even if you have a good ... Read More
Plannig to move NORWAY by arvind.pindoriya19
Hi, everyone... Hi i am planning to move Norway so tell me current chances are getting job for computer hardware and network engineer or Computer Technical support. Please Reply me i am eagerly waiting for your reply. Thank you.
It is very difficult to get a job in Norway if you are a foreigner. The government says there are lots of jobs in Norway, but foreigners have a hard time getting them - even if you have a good education, it will be very difficult. And while you are ... Read More
Moving to Norway by a_i928
I have to chose to live in any one of the following city. WHihc city should i chose and why? I am Ali and from Pakistan. A.Bergen/Straume B. Stavanger C. Trondheim D. Fredrikstad
Choose the city that has a job for you! It doesn't matter where you live if you don't have a job. Read More
Find a job FIRST - then move to Norway by MamaPanda
Hi to everyone. I thought it was very important to let everyone know that it is very, very difficult to find work in Norway now. Many people from countries with difficult economic situations (like Greece and Spain) have moved here to look for work ...
Here is a link to the article: bt.no/nyheter/lokalt/Lokket-til-Norge_-lever-i-fattigdom-2643513.html#.TyobYyMf_Jg There have been many articles like this recently. This article says: "We were told that Norway had plenty of jobs and good ... Read More
Find a job FIRST - then move to Norway
Hi to everyone. I thought it was very important to let everyone know that it is very, very difficult to find work in Norway now. Many people from countries with difficult economic situations (like Greece and Spain) have moved here to look for work ... Read More
Where to live in Bergen
Hi Camilla, many families - and especially immigrants - live in Fyllingsdalen. It has a lots of nice spaces for walking, a shopping mall with lots of grocery stores, schools and preschools and is only 5 min. to town by bus. Read More
Rent a flat or a house in Bergen by Christine
Finding a place to live is a priority when settling in Bergen. Your experience will be of a great help for the members who want to settle in Bergen. Therefore, we have prepared some questions for you: Is it hard to find a flat or a house for ...
Is it hard to find a flat or a house for rent in Bergen? No. There is always a lot on the market here. How to find a home in Bergen: classifieds, real estate portals, real estate agencies? Search www.finn.no How much is the rental for a house, an ... Read More
90 days tourist visit by feder_8
Hi, I'm planning to visit Norway by November. I have a visa exception because I come from a country with one of those country agreements. The purpose of the trip is to take a research visit, and I am planning to stay for about 80-90days. So, ...
... and I wouldn't try a shorter visa and then an extension b/c that takes AGES and will be a huge hassle. Read More
90 days tourist visit by feder_8
Hi, I'm planning to visit Norway by November. I have a visa exception because I come from a country with one of those country agreements. The purpose of the trip is to take a research visit, and I am planning to stay for about 80-90days. So, ...
I would ask your host institute to submit a letter detailing your funding and that accommodation is paid for. I don't think you have to have the funds with you when you are here, but rather that you need to have proof that you will have money while ... Read More
2 jobs...
If you make under 150,000 kr per year you pay 17%. Anything over that is 36%. They tax by total yearly income, not job percentage. Read More
container shipping
We used Adams Express in Oslo for our international shipping and were very, very pleased. Our rep was Ernst Sem-Jacobsen and his info is: Tel: +47 23 01 14 57 Fax: +47 23 01 14 51 esj@adamsexpress.no adamsexpress.no/ Although we were shipping TO ... Read More
looking for canadians who live in bergen
... would you settle for an American who lived in Toronto for 6 years and would gladly go back? I know it's not the same, but I loved Canada! :) Have you been to any of the International Women's Club meetings? There was one Canadian woman at the ... Read More
Moving to Norway :) Some questions... by BRS
Hi everyone, I came across this very forum and would appreciate any information, advice, insights any one can give me! Me and my Norwegian husband, baby, and two dogs are moving to Norway August 2012. We are moving to North of Oslo. Here are my ...
Zeast -- do you mean you paid $15,000 in taxes to ship a car that was 2 years old? (I am asking because that seems so outrageous ... and then, not so outrageous considering that it is Norway.) Read More
Pet boarding in Bergen? by stefans
First things first. Hello denizens of Bergen! I am moving my family from the U.S. to your wonderful town in late July. Just to make things interesting we (well, my wife really) had a child about a month ago. Just to make things even more interesting ...
Hi Stefans, We need to board our cat in July and I have phoned every boarding place in Bergen and they are already full! (Almost all Norwegians take their vacations in July). You might have some luck in August. Here is a list of places in Bergen ... Read More
Expences for a family of four by b39
Hi everyone, I'm new here and for the beginning I have just one question that's quite important to me. I'm offered a job in Oslo for a salary that i understand is good, 650 000 NOK. When I estimate the taxes on that salary, deduct a monthly rent ...
So sorry for my previous incorrect info and thanks for pointing it out, Reviss. I hate when people read too fast and miss the details like I did! (Thus deleted my comment). 650,000 NOK per year for a family of four is enough to live on! ... more ... Read More
Creating a database of our skills and networking by auswegian
After a particularly nasty experience last week where I was told that I wasn't suitable for a job as I was not Norwegian, an idea popped into my head about creating a database of us foreigners' skills in regards to work. I have heard from many ...
GRRRRRRRRRR to VG article! Incredible. I really dislike that it is OK (I mean, generally acceptable!) for officials to make these kind of statements in the press. And without providing any sort of statistics! As I commented in my blog, I'd be very ... Read More
Creating a database of our skills and networking by auswegian
After a particularly nasty experience last week where I was told that I wasn't suitable for a job as I was not Norwegian, an idea popped into my head about creating a database of us foreigners' skills in regards to work. I have heard from many ...
I differed from you in my last post (on education!) but completely agree with you here. I think this is a really good idea. Are your hopes, then, that we could find work for each other, or that those who are looking for employees might find us? I ... Read More
Moving to Norway by StephanieR
Hello to all! My family and I currently live in Southern California. I am American and my husband is Norwegian/Japanese, from Norway. His family is in Norway (Oslo & Oppdal areas). We want to raise our children in a more wholesome place where ...
Just wanted to add to the discussion that my experiences have been completely different than those of Auswegian. My husband and I are both PhDs teaching at the university, so we clearly place a lot of importance on a good education. We chose to put ... Read More
English-speaking playgroup? by Hvit
Hi!! Anyone know of an English-speaking playgroup, other than international kindergarten? Looking to find some English-learning companions for my 10-month old son. He will go to Norwegian kindergarten this summer but would like him to have some ...
Cool Zombie Tron! My kids are older so I don't join in on the playgroup, but the women I have met from the larger group are very nice. Read More
English-speaking playgroup? by Hvit
Hi!! Anyone know of an English-speaking playgroup, other than international kindergarten? Looking to find some English-learning companions for my 10-month old son. He will go to Norwegian kindergarten this summer but would like him to have some ...
Wow! I'm pretty shocked someone deleted my response to this as off topic! It wasn't! So here it is again: the Bergen International Women's group holds a Mom & Tots playgroup - this means English speaking moms with English speaking babies and ... Read More
You know you've been in Norway too long if.. by arjam
*You think there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing *You associate warm rice porridge with Saturday and Xmas eve *It seems nice to spend a week in a small wooden cottage up in the mountains, with no running water and no ...
LOL! Especially the one about "or" being a question!! Yes, I have definitely been in Norway too long! Read More
Coming to Bergen with Family
Hi Peter! I'm afraid I can't help on the accommodation, but the city of Bergen organizes daily events for school-aged kids in the month of July when school is out (trips to a soda factory, chocolate factory, movies, pizza, daily swimming, etc.) ... Read More
kindergaten
Hi! We live in Bergen and my 4 yr old is in a Norwegian kindergarden, but all kindergartens in Bergen must charge the same price per month, whether public or private. Right now current fees are 2500 kr/ month, but we also pay an additional 275 kr / ... Read More
Moving to Norway by StephanieR
Hello to all! My family and I currently live in Southern California. I am American and my husband is Norwegian/Japanese, from Norway. His family is in Norway (Oslo & Oppdal areas). We want to raise our children in a more wholesome place where ...
Hi again, Steph - I DO miss the conveniences (esp. Target and Whole Foods!) but I try to think of everything about Norway as a trade off: okay, we don't have Target, Whole Foods or Starbucks, but I do have the mountains literally at my back door and ... Read More
Moving to Norway by StephanieR
Hello to all! My family and I currently live in Southern California. I am American and my husband is Norwegian/Japanese, from Norway. His family is in Norway (Oslo & Oppdal areas). We want to raise our children in a more wholesome place where ...
Hi Stephanie! Which city are you moving to? My husband and I are Americans and have lived in Bergen, Norway for 6 years with our 2 kids (ages 4 and 9). We made the decision to send them to a regular Norwegian school so that they would be better ... Read More
plumber/pipefiiter seeking work in bergen
Hi Paul - are you interested in doing "odd jobs"? We are looking for someone who can install a wash basin in our laundry room. We have pipes and a tap and a drain in the floor, but not sure how it all goes together with a sink... Thanks! Read More