Are you looking for where to do your internship abroad? Come on, let’s talk about Norway a bit seriously (but always with a smile).
Okay. You’re deep into your search for your next internship abroad, and you’ve got to admit it’s a bit of a jungle. You’ve got so many options in front of you that you don’t even know where to start: Southern Europe, Canada, Asia… but have you thought about looking a bit toward the Far North?
Because today, let me tell you about Norway. Not just in the “oh, the fjords are so pretty” way (even though, yes, they’re insanely beautiful). No. We’re going to take a proper little tour of Norwegian customs and quirks, so you really know what to expect once you get there. And who knows, by the end of this text, you might already have pulled your suitcase out of the closet.
Alright, let’s go. Buckle up, we’re taking you into everyday Norwegian life.
A clean country (like, seriously clean)
Let’s start with something really nice, and that you notice immediately when you arrive there: cleanliness.
In Norway, the streets are spotless. No cigarette butts lying around, no greasy wrappers on the sidewalks, no plastic bags floating in the wind. Even in big cities like Oslo, you can walk around without stepping into a sticky puddle of soda. And out in nature? Same thing. The forests, the lakes, the fjords… everything is protected.
Why is it so clean? Simply because Norwegians are super respectful of their environment. It’s ingrained in their culture. Here, throwing trash on the ground is almost seen as a crime. And you’ll quickly catch on too: sorting your waste, respecting nature, leaving nothing behind on a hike… it’s basically the foundation of daily life there.
Landscapes that change completely depending on where you are.
Often, when you think of Norway, you immediately picture the fjords of the southwest. But in reality, the country is vast and the diversity of its landscapes is mind-blowing.
In the south, you’ll find gentle coasts, beaches (yes, beaches, with fine sand), small seaside towns, and a relatively mild summer climate. Some days in July, you might even think you’re almost on the Mediterranean… well, without the cicadas and about 10 degrees cooler, of course, but still.
As you head north, the scenery totally changes. The mountains become omnipresent, the fjords carve deep into the land, the forests grow denser, and at some point… there’s snow, even in the middle of summer on the peaks. The roads wind through absolutely stunning panoramas.
Even further north, beyond the Arctic Circle, it’s like a completely different world. Welcome to Norwegian Lapland, where reindeer cross the road like pigeons cross the town square back home. And depending on the season, you either live through endless days under the midnight sun or spend several weeks in almost total night.
The land of camper vans and road trips.
In Norway, camper vans are practically a way of life. Entire families spend their summer holidays crisscrossing the roads in their converted vans. And honestly, it’s the perfect way to explore the country.
The roads are stunning, often flanked by lakes and mountains. Camper-van parking areas are plentiful and well-equipped. And above all, there’s the famous “right of access to nature” (allemannsretten): in short, as long as you respect the environment and private property, you can pitch your tent almost anywhere for the night.
During your internship, you’ll quickly come across hundreds of vans and caravans on the roads. Some of your free weekends might even look like this: rent a van and set off on a road trip among the fjords. Trust me, you’re going to love it.
Ski nation: Norwegians are born on skis.
In Norway, skiing is a bit like how we ride a bike: from early childhood. Cross-country skiing in particular is THE national sport. You’ll see 4-year-olds gliding through the forest as if it’s nothing.
But there are also beautiful alpine ski resorts, especially in Trysil, Hemsedal, and Hafjell. And even if you’re not a great skier, you’ll likely pick it up quickly given the friendly atmosphere on the slopes.
Norwegians even say that “we’re born with skis on our feet.” You’ll quickly understand why.
The Norwegians themselves: calm, polite, and not very tactile.
When it comes to social interactions, Norway has its own codes. People are generally very respectful, but also quite discreet. You won’t see loud outbursts in the street, and nobody shouting to someone across the sidewalk. Here, speaking loudly is often seen as a sign of disrespect.
And above all, no kisses to say hello. Handshakes are more than enough. First encounters may seem a bit cold at first, but once the ice is broken (pun intended), Norwegians are very warm and loyal in friendship.
Alcohol in Norway: a true national sport (but regulated)
Ah, the famous question about alcohol in Norway. Let’s be honest: if you like beer and haven’t budgeted for it, it can really sting.
First, beers over 4.7% ABV aren’t sold in supermarkets but in state-run stores called Vinmonopolet. And watch out for the opening hours:
On weekdays: beer sales are permitted until 8 PM.
On Saturdays: until 6 PM.
On Sundays and election days: nothing, no sales.
Yes, it’s surprising at first. But it’s a system put in place to limit alcohol overconsumption, and booze is expensive no matter what. The good news is you’ll discover lots of great local microbreweries that produce original beers with sometimes surprising flavors (with berries, spices, floral notes, and more…).
A simple but tasty local cuisine.
Here, people mainly eat what Norwegian nature provides. Lots of fresh, local, and seasonal products. The dishes are often simple but very flavorful.
Fish: omnipresent, of course. Cod, salmon, halibut, herring… smoked, in soup, in gratin.
Game: moose, reindeer, deer… served with richly flavored red berry sauces.
The famous brunost: that brown cheese made from caramelized whey with a caramel-like taste. A breakfast staple.
Rakfisk: fermented trout, for the more adventurous.
Mølje: cod served with liver and eggs.
And of course, there’s always room for potatoes, which are present at almost every meal.
Coffee: a true national religion.
If you’re addicted to coffee, you’ll feel right at home. Norway is the second-largest consumer of coffee per capita in the world. Here, people drink coffee from morning to night, often black and without sugar.
“Kaffepause” (coffee breaks) are sacred, both at the office and at home. Get ready to discover the joy of a thermos always full during a hike, or a coffee break staring at a fjord in the rain.
A quality of life that makes you want to stay
Beyond all these little peculiarities, what truly stands out when living in Norway is the overall quality of life. Everything works well, transportation is reliable, nature is ever-present and respected, and the pace of life is calm.
Even during your internship, you’ll quickly notice there’s less pressure at work than elsewhere. Work-life balance is highly valued, schedules are clear, and people rarely stay late. Norwegians spend their evenings and weekends outside—catching up with loved ones, hiking, skiing, or simply sipping coffee by a lake.
Your weekends during the internship: mini-adventures within easy reach.
In Norway, even if you stay within the country, you’ve got dozens of micro-adventure options during your days off:
Go explore the Lofoten Islands and their breathtaking landscapes.
Go on a road trip along the famous Trolls’ Road.
Spend a night in a traditional mountain cabin.
Explore the fjords by kayak.
Watch whales off the coast of Tromsø.
In short, every weekend can turn into an incredible little trip without even leaving the country.
In summary: Norway is much more than an internship; it’s a true life journey.
So, here we are. Are you starting to feel that little crush for Norway coming on? And honestly, we don’t blame you.
A clean, safe, respectful country with postcard-worthy landscapes, simple yet exotic cuisine, and a highly balanced lifestyle. All that during your internship abroad—pretty good deal, right?
At International Horizons, we’re here to help you build this project, find the company that suits you, prepare your Erasmus+ application, and above all give you all the keys to succeed in your experience. Whether it’s your first big trip or just the next step in your international journey, Norway can truly mark a before and after.
“So, ready to sip your first coffee overlooking the fjords and eat brunost for breakfast? Get in touch—we’re already excited to organize your departure!”