Doing your internship in Norway: a real blast, but we need to talk seriously about it
Dreaming of doing your internship abroad? Honestly, great idea. It’s probably one of the best experiences you’ll have as a student. But Norway… that’s on another level. With insane fjords, mountains dropping into the sea, northern lights that make you look up at night, and a super chill Scandinavian vibe, you’re in for something truly epic.
Alright, before you zip up your suitcase and book your plane ticket, we need to have a little chat. Because Norway isn’t just pretty photos on Instagram. It’s beautiful, safe, clean, but you’ve got to be ready. And that’s exactly why we’re here at International Horizons: to make sure you’re well prepared and truly enjoy your internship.
Why Norway, seriously?
First, let’s be clear: it’s stunning. It’s even one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. When you arrive, you’ll be amazed. Mountains everywhere, breathtaking lakes, endless forests, little red cabins by the water… It’s like a movie set. And in summer? The sun barely sets. Like, really. The midnight sun is not a myth.
I still remember a student we sent to Tromsø. He wrote to me the first week: “dude, it’s daylight at 2 a.m. I don’t know when to sleep anymore.” Don’t worry, after a few days, your brain adapts. You’ll be hiking at midnight, no problem.
But beyond the postcard, Norway is also a super modern, highly advanced country. Everything here is clean, organized, and very safe. People are chill, nature is respected like nowhere else, and everyone speaks English. You’ll have zero language problems. And you’ll quickly see that even at work, it’s not the same vibe as in France or Italy. It’s relaxed, everyone uses first names, and the bosses are approachable. In short, you work in a good but serious atmosphere.
Ok, but now we need to talk money
Alright, let’s not beat around the bush. Yes, Norway is amazing. But it’s also super expensive. Like, really. It might even be the most expensive country in Europe, by far.
If you want to stay in Oslo, be ready to spend between 700 and 900 euros just for a room in a shared apartment. And we’re talking about a simple room, not a penthouse with a rooftop jacuzzi. If you go to a smaller city like Bergen or Trondheim, you might save about 100 euros, but it’s still pricey.
Eating is the same. Even if you cook at home, you’ll quickly spend 80 to 100 euros per week on groceries. And that’s without going overboard. Want to treat yourself to a burger sometimes? Easily 20 euros. A beer at the bar? A chill 10 euros. Yeah, it stings.
I even know students who became the kings of pasta with tomato sauce during their internship in Norway. It’s simple, cheap, and effective. And you’ll see, even at Lidl, prices are much higher than what we’re used to back home.
As for transport, at least you’re set: it’s super efficient. Buses, trams, trains — everything runs smoothly, on time, and without strikes. But your monthly pass will still cost you around 80-90 euros.
And if you want to treat yourself to little pleasures like cinema, concerts, or exhibitions, well… you gotta pay up. A movie ticket that costs you 8-10 euros back home can easily go up to 15-18 euros here.
In short, if you want to enjoy your stay without stressing over every expense, we recommend budgeting at least 1200 euros per month. Less than that is doable, but you’ll have to really tighten your budget. And trust me, we’ve seen quite a few who regretted not listening to this advice.
But honestly: it’s totally worth it
Now that we’ve talked about the annoying stuff, let’s get back to the fun. Because even on a tight budget, what you’ll experience there happens only once in a lifetime.
Nature is just crazy. You’ve got fjords right in front of you, mountains to climb on weekends, kayaking in summer, and northern lights in winter. You’ll do cross-country skiing, epic hikes, swim in icy but crystal-clear lakes, have barbecues under the midnight sun… In short, it’s just magical.
And what about Norwegians? Honestly, they’re pretty cool. At first, they’re a bit reserved, but once they see you’re friendly, they open up quickly. Plus, they love sports, nature, and chill evenings with friends. You’ll quickly get into the Scandinavian lifestyle. It’s relaxed, peaceful, and really refreshing.
One of our former interns even told me: “In Norway, I learned to slow down.” And honestly, in our lives where everything moves at 200 miles per hour, that’s a real relief.
Is there work for you over there?
Regarding internships, good news: there are real opportunities. If you’re into ecology, renewable energy, marine biology, or anything environmental, it’s a jackpot. Norway is really at the forefront in these fields.
Tourism is also booming, especially in summer. If you’re into hospitality, hotel work, or organizing outdoor activities, you can find some really cool internships. Travel agencies, hotels, fjord cruises — they’re busy and love motivated foreign students.
And if you’re more into education, there are also spots available. International schools, bilingual daycares, and innovative educational centers sometimes look for interns. You’ll see from the inside how things work there, and it’s often a model worth observing.
On the other hand, we have to be honest: paid internships are rare. Very rare. That’s why we put together your Erasmus+ application, so you can get a grant that will really help fund your stay. At International Horizons, it’s kind of our specialty: we support you from A to Z to maximize your chances of getting funding. You won’t go in unprepared, we do it properly.
Before you go: prepare your CV
Okay, another super important thing before you fly out: your CV. You can’t just throw your French or Italian CV and cross your fingers. Norwegian companies have their habits, and your CV needs to be flawless, in English, and well-structured.
That’s why we ask you to send it to us from the start. Even if it’s not perfect, don’t worry: we’ll work on it with you. We’ll adapt it, boost it, highlight skills you might have even forgotten about. Your summer job at the campsite, your volunteering, your student projects, your languages: everything counts, and that’s what will set you apart.
Once your CV is polished, we start the internship hunt together. Thanks to our local network, we know where to look, how to present your profile, and most importantly, we’re here to coach you before your interviews. You’ll go prepared.
And a little tip: Norwegians love it when you show your autonomy, open-mindedness, and talk about your hobbies. Don’t hesitate to mention that you play sports, enjoy hiking, or are passionate about nature. It fits perfectly with their culture.
And once you’re there?
That’s when the real adventure begins. You’ll discover new ways of working, a different pace, new colleagues, and sometimes very different methods. You’ll improve your English, maybe even learn a few Norwegian words, but most importantly: you’ll gain confidence and experience.
Obviously, there will be tougher days. Homesickness, little troubles, sometimes surprising cultural differences. But that’s also what makes the experience so rich. And we’re always here for you, even once you’re there. If you have a problem, call us — we’ll never let you struggle alone.
And you’ll see: many tell us the same thing when they come back — that they would have gladly stayed a few months longer.
Honestly, go for it!
Going to Norway for your internship isn’t just ticking a box on your CV. It’s living an experience that will change you. You’ll come back with amazing memories, a huge open mind, friends from all over, and a real highlight that will make your professional profile shine.
So if you’re ready to go for it, if Norway is calling you, and if you want us to build your project together in a solid way, give us a call. We’re here for that. And trust us: this kind of adventure leaves a mark on your life.