Tips for doing your internship in Norway

Doing your internship in Norway: what you REALLY need to know before you go

So, is Norway on your wishlist? Can you already picture the fjords, the northern lights, and long hikes through breathtaking landscapes? Honestly, if you’re looking for a standout experience for your Erasmus internship, Norway is a golden choice. But before you dive in headfirst, let me explain a few things… Because heading to Norway isn’t exactly like going to Barcelona for a weekend, trust me. So, sit back and relax — let’s break it all down together.

1. The Norwegian climate: it’s not the tropics, but almost (sometimes)

Honestly, the weather in Norway is kind of a lottery, depending on the season and where you drop your bags.

If you’re going in summer — jackpot. Especially if you head up north, towards Tromsø or the North Cape: you’ll experience the famous midnight sun. In other words: the sun doesn’t set. Ever. 24 hours of daylight, non-stop. At first, it’s completely surreal — you kind of lose track of time, like going out for a drink at 11 p.m. and it’s still as bright as 3 p.m. Pretty handy for late-night drinks and hikes that go on forever. As for the temperatures, forget the cliché “Norway = cold”: it can hit 25, even 30°C in the south during summer. Yep, you read that right. T-shirt, shorts, and sunglasses approved.

If you’re going in winter, get ready to step into another dimension: very little daylight, lots of cold… but also lots of magic. In Oslo, you might see the sun for 6 or 7 hours a day (if you’re lucky). The further north you go, the less sun you’ll get — in some areas, it’s literally night 24/7 for several weeks. But — and that’s a BIG but — it’s northern lights season. And trust me, seeing those green veils dancing in the sky is something that will stay with you forever. As for the temperatures? It bites: expect -5 to -10°C, easy. Bring a proper winter coat and solid waterproof boots.

Spring and autumn are more mellow. You get longer (or shorter) days and some stunning scenery — especially in autumn when the forests turn all red and orange. Just make sure to pack a good rain jacket: rain is pretty much a year-round guest.

In Norway, every season has its own unique charm: from summer hikes under the midnight sun to winter evenings spent watching the northern lights, every moment feels magical.

2. Getting around in Norway: time to get organized!

So, Norway is beautiful, but it’s definitely not small. To get from point A to point B, you’ve got a few options:

The bus is the go-to option. They’re everywhere — even in the most remote little towns. Super reliable, ultra punctual (this isn’t the French railway, trust me), but it can get pricey for long distances.

The train is even better if you want to enjoy the journey. Like Oslo to Bergen — it feels like you’re in a movie, it’s that stunning. Mountains, lakes, forests, snow… all from your little window seat. It’s a bit more expensive than the bus, but honestly, for the experience, it’s worth every cent.

The plane is practical for long distances. Norway is stretched out lengthwise, so if you want to travel from south to north, you don’t have much choice. There are plenty of domestic flights, but they’re not cheap — so make sure to book early.

The bike is ideal in summer if you want to go green and stay active. Cities are super bike-friendly, with cycle paths everywhere.

The car is great if you want to really explore on weekends. But heads up: gas = expensive, tolls = expensive, parking = expensive… so yeah, use it in moderation.

3. Alcohol in Norway: yes, but… not really

So, just a little heads-up: alcohol in Norway is a serious topic.

• Under 18? Forget it.
  

• Between 18 and 20? You can buy beer and wine (up to 4.7% alcohol).
  

• 20 and over? Welcome to the world of hard liquor.
  

And careful — for rum, vodka, and anything stronger, you’ll have to go to a special store: the Vinmonopolet. It’s a state-run monopoly with super limited hours (closes early and it’s shut on Sundays). So if you’re planning a night out, plan ahead — otherwise, it’s orange juice and sparkling water for you.

One last thing: even if you’re 25 with a three-day beard, they’ll ask for your ID almost every time. Norwegians are super strict about it. No ID = no alcohol. Don’t try to be clever.

4. Money matters: goodbye euro, hello Norwegian krone

Here, the euro doesn’t exist. In Norway, it’s all about the Norwegian krone (NOK). And just so you know, €1 = around 11–12 NOK (but double-check before you go, rates can change).

Heads up — unlike in some touristy countries, you’ll find very few currency exchange offices on the streets of Oslo. Norwegians prefer using cards — even for a €2 coffee. So:

• Either you withdraw cash directly from ATMs (watch out for bank fees).
  

• Or you just use your card everywhere.

Quick tip: let your bank know you’re going to Norway — just to avoid having your card blocked after your first salmon sandwich purchase.

And if you really want to exchange euros, there are a few currency exchange spots: Ria, Money Exchange, or at the airport and some hotels. But honestly, you’ll be living on your card.

5. Cost of living: buckle up

Norway isn’t cheap. Get your wallet mentally prepared.

Here are a few numbers to give you an idea:

• The cost of living is about 35% higher than in France.
  

• A public transport pass = €73 per month (compared to €50 in France).
  

• A casual restaurant meal = at least €40 for a simple dish. Yes, even without wine or dessert.
  

Grocery shopping stings too. A pack of pasta can cost €3, a beer at the supermarket around €3–4, and fruits and veggies are often pricey (especially out of season). Quick tip: do your shopping at chains like Rema 1000, Kiwi, or Coop, and look out for local products on sale.

Housing is where it really gets tough budget-wise. In Oslo, expect to pay at least €700 to €1000 a month for a decent room. A bit less if you’re sharing a flat. And even then, you’ll have to be quick — demand is huge.

Good news though: with an Erasmus internship, you can get a decent grant. It won’t cover everything, but it definitely helps you survive between two €5 coffees.

6. Daily life in Norway: user manual

Norwegians might seem a bit cold at first. But it’s just that they’re not super outgoing. Once you break the ice (yes, pun intended), they’re kind, welcoming, and love a good chat — especially over a coffee (a “kaffe” — it’s practically sacred over there).

Work life isn’t like in France: punctuality is spot-on, hours are respected (generally 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and there’s a strong focus on work-life balance. If you stay late at the office to look like you’re “working hard,” people will definitely give you weird looks.

Speaking English? No problem at all. Most Norwegians speak fluent English — honestly, often better than we do. So if your Norwegian stops at “Skål!” (cheers!), don’t stress.

And finally, safety — nothing to worry about. Norway is super peaceful. The cities are clean, calm, and you can walk home alone at night without freaking out every few minutes. It’s really comforting.

7. And outside the internship: what to do in Norway?

Honestly, Norway is like one giant playground:

• Fjords: Geiranger, Sognefjord, Hardanger… landscapes so stunning they’ll blow your mind.
  

• Cool cities: Oslo for its super modern and laid-back vibe, Bergen for its postcard-perfect charm, Tromsø for catching the northern lights.
  

• Legendary hikes: Trolltunga, Preikestolen, the Lofoten Islands… mind-blowing views guaranteed.
  

• Outdoor activities: kayaking, fishing, skiing, trekking, whale watching — the list is endless.
  

In short: is it worth it?

YES. A million times yes. An internship in Norway isn’t just about working abroad. It’s about living a real experience, discovering a different way of working, learning to appreciate silence and wide open spaces, and most of all, coming back with absolutely unforgettable memories.

Of course, you’ll need to plan your budget and be ready to face a bit of rain (and a few shocks to your bank account). But the experience is worth every krone spent.

And if you need a hand finding your internship in Norway or getting everything organized, well… we’re here, simple as that. Come on, let’s talk!