Doing your engineering school internship in Norway: the great Nordic adventure.
Are you looking for a factory internship or an engineering internship that’s a bit out of the ordinary? Do you want to combine professional experience, human adventure, and a big breath of fresh air? Then hold on tight, because we’re going to Norway together. You’ll see that this little corner of Scandinavia can become an ideal playground for your next internship. Come on, let’s go!
Why choose Norway for your engineering school internship?
Let’s be honest: when we think of Norway, the first images that come to mind are often majestic fjords, the Northern Lights, and trolls (no, not the Twitter kind). However, Norway is much more than that. For engineering school students, the country offers internship opportunities as varied as they are exciting. And frankly, it’s still more exotic than your local industrial park, right?
First of all, know that the Norwegian economic system is super dynamic and very focused on technology and innovation. You can easily find your niche in cutting-edge sectors there:
Home automation: Norwegians love optimizing their smart homes (when it’s dark 20 hours a day in winter, you understand why).
Aeronautics: specialized companies there develop ultra-advanced solutions, often in partnership with the rest of Europe.
IT (Information Technology): artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science… Norway is at the forefront.
Renewable energies: offshore wind, hydroelectric, green hydrogen: here, the energy transition is taken seriously.
Marine and oil engineering: Due to the country’s history, many engineers go into these sectors, with a focus on high-tech and maximum safety.
Basically, whatever your engineering school specialization, you’ll definitely find a field that matches your profile.
Factory internship in Norway: working without hierarchical pressure.
You probably already know this, but your school often requires you to complete a factory internship before moving on to the serious stuff. The idea is to discover the “basic” working world, understand the realities on the ground, and observe processes and organizations.
And here’s some great news: Norway is perfect for that, because Scandinavian management is very particular. Here, there’s no boss yelling or giving you dirty looks. The hierarchy is much flatter than in our countries. Even as an intern, you’re part of the team. Your opinion can be heard, and you’ll quickly be given responsibilities (reasonable ones, of course).
Daily, everyone works hand-in-hand, and there’s a real collective responsibility. It’s cultural: the group takes precedence over the individual. You’re expected to be rigorous, punctual, disciplined, but also kind and respectful. It’s an excellent way to discover a management style very different from what we often experience in France.
And the climate in all that?
Alright, we’re not going to lie: Norway is special when it comes to the weather. But that’s exactly what makes it charming.
In summer, especially if you go a bit north (Tromsø, Bodø, Lofoten…), you can experience the midnight sun. Imagine: 24 hours of daylight, with very pleasant temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees. No need for self-tanning lotion.
In winter, on the other hand, the days are very short (sometimes less than 4 hours of daylight). As for temperatures, they do drop, but rarely below -10°. However, if you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, this is the time.
This constant shift in daylight is a real adaptation challenge. Some love it, others find it harder. But in any case, it’s a unique life experience. And don’t worry: Norwegians are incredibly well-equipped to handle climate changes. Everything is planned for: top-notch heating, reliable transport even in the snow, and a cozy atmosphere everywhere.
Life on site: Nordic quality of life.
Norway is also a country where life is genuinely good. Even for a student on a limited budget, it’s possible to manage smartly.
The currency and payments.
First of all, there are no euros here: the currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). And a small trap to avoid: there are very few exchange offices in the city. So remember to exchange some cash before you leave or at the airport upon your arrival (forget the idea of looking for currency exchange in the city, you’ll quickly go in circles).
But honestly, you can pay for almost everything by card, even a simple coffee. Norwegians are very advanced when it comes to cashless payments. Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit cards: everything works. Some small shops don’t even accept cash anymore.
The transportation
Norwegian public transport is a real success. Buses, trains, ferries, and the metro in Oslo: everything is clean, on time, well organized, and efficient. And most importantly, it allows you to easily visit the country during your weekends or days off.
Pro tip: Get a student subscription (rabatt ungdomsbillett) which will allow you to travel affordably throughout your region.
Accommodation
Be warned, we’re touching on the crux of the matter here: housing. Norway is an expensive country, and real estate is no exception. As an intern, it’s often advisable to aim for:
Student residences (if your company has partnerships with local universities).
Colocation (very common).
or small rooms in private homes (often the most economical and most human).
Make sure to take your time searching and book early, especially in Oslo and Bergen where demand is high.
Social integration: a small challenge to overcome.
Here’s a point we can’t hide: making friends in Norway isn’t always easy at first. Norwegians are very polite, respectful, and smiling, but also very discreet and reserved. They won’t necessarily come to you naturally.
But don’t worry: once the ice is broken, they become loyal and very warm friends. The key? Participate in group activities (sports, hikes, student parties, language clubs), and most importantly, don’t be offended if the first interactions are a bit cold. Nordic culture heavily relies on respecting private space.
At work, however, the atmosphere is often relaxed and cordial. Colleagues will be curious about your background and happy to share a coffee during the famous “kaffe pause,” those sacred coffee breaks in Norway where everyone unwinds.
Culture shock: get ready
Before you go, it’s good to know a few small things to avoid awkward situations:
Punctuality is a religion: 9 AM means 9 AM, not 9:03 AM.
We strictly separate private and professional life. Avoid asking overly personal questions right away.
Ecology is everywhere: sort your waste, save energy, prioritize clean transportation.
Gender equality is very advanced. Sexist behaviors are very poorly regarded.
Meals are often eaten early: lunch around 11:30 AM, dinner around 5:30-6:00 PM.
In short, there are some small habits to pick up, but they make for a truly enriching human experience.
The Little Bonus: Norway’s Adventurous Side
Doing your internship in Norway also means enjoying an incredible adventure in the great outdoors. During your free time, you will be able to:
Hike in Breathtaking Landscapes (Preikestolen, Trolltunga, the Fjords…)
Observe the Northern Lights in Winter
Go Kayaking Among the Lofoten Islands
Fish, Camp, Ski, and Go Dog Sledding
Discover Postcard-Perfect Fishing Villages
It’s simple: Norway is a huge outdoor playground for nature lovers.
Finding an Internship in Norway: Where to Begin?
Now that you’re convinced, it’s time to find that internship. Here are a few helpful leads to get you started:
go through your school: many engineering schools have partnerships with Norwegian universities or companies.
Specialized platforms: NTNU (University of Trondheim), Finn.no (Norwegian job site), or LinkedIn.
personal and professional network: dare to activate your network, talk around you, even in France.
specialized agencies (hello us): international horizons can help you find an internship suited to your profile and your desires.
Just a heads-up though: many offers require a good level of English (B2 minimum), and in some sectors, Norwegian can be a real asset. But for an initial factory internship or a typical engineering internship, English is more than enough in 90% of cases.
On the Administrative Side: Visa and Formalities
Good news: As a European Union citizen, you don’t need a visa for an internship in Norway lasting less than 90 days. Beyond that, you’ll simply need to register with the local authorities (udi.no).
You will, however, need to:
Have a valid internship agreement (your school and the Norwegian company must sign it).
Get international health insurance.
Open a local bank account if your internship is paid (possible after 3 months).
None of this is insurmountable, but start these procedures as soon as you have your internship agreement.
To Summarize
Doing an engineering internship in Norway is much more than just a line on your CV. It’s a true life experience where you’ll:
Work in an innovative and human professional environment.
Discover a magnificent country.
Learn a new management style.
Experience a truly stimulating cultural shock.
Open doors for your future career.
And most importantly, you’ll come back with your head full of memories and anecdotes that will make everyone at the next integration party dream.