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MOVING TO NORWAY

How to make friends with other parents in Norway

Many newcomers to Norway dream of building friendships with fellow parents who understand the experiences and trials of parenthood. We've put together a roadmap to make the process easier.

Published: 11 March 2024 13:51 CET

Building friendships with other parents in Norway provides invaluable support, advice, and resources as families acclimate to their new surroundings. Photo by Matt Heaton on Unsplash

Whether relocating for work opportunities, education, or personal reasons, the transition to a new environment brings a number of challenges and adjustments – from a foreign language and different cultural and social norms to a specific job market and (often) harsh climate.

This is particularly true for parents, who, upon moving, are tasked with navigating unfamiliar territories (such as the Norwegian education system) while ensuring the well-being of their children.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that many newcomers to Norway desire to establish connections and find a support network with fellow parents in their adopted homeland.

Building friendships with other parents not only fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie but also provides invaluable support, advice, and resources as families acclimate to their new surroundings.

Additionally, developing friendships with local parents opens doors to opportunities for social engagement, cultural exchange, and mutual support.

One of the key things is to know where to look.

After-school activities and hobbies

Norwegian society encourages parental involvement in extracurricular activities to a much higher degree than many other European countries.

While this might be somewhat exhausting (and expensive) at times, it provides parents with an excellent opportunity to meet other parents with similar interests and values.

Whether cheering on your child at a soccer match, attending a school concert together, or participating in school or club flea markets, these experiences create opportunities for bonding.

The atmosphere at such events is usually brimming with positive energy, and you’ll often find that the people you meet there will be much more open and communicative than your regular Norwegian (or at least the stereotype of your regular Norwegian), so use the opportunity to strike up conversations.

Local get-together sessions

There are a number of regular get-together sessions in most Norwegian towns and cities where parents with young children gather for playtime and social interaction.

These sessions often include activities like singing – for example, in the Austevoll Municipality in Vestland County, new parents gather to sing traditional Norwegian songs to their young children, while multiple parish churches in Bergen offer similar gatherings in a more religious but still laidback setting – as well as storytelling, and arts and crafts.

All of these activities provide international parents opportunities to connect with other parents in a relaxed local setting.

Class

Parenting classes offer insights into the various stages of parenthood, covering topics from pregnancy to postpartum care – and more. Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

Parenting classes

In some regions of Norway, municipalities offer parenting classes and seminars for expecting and new parents.

Note that this is not the case in all parts of Norway, and you might need to go private (which means you’ll need to pay for courses) if you want to prepare for parenthood, especially in the prenatal segment of your parenthood journey (at the time of writing, a 2-hour class for expecting parents was priced at 1900 kroner in Bergen, western Norway).

Depending on the workshop, you’ll learn more about what to expect before, during, and after birth and receive valuable tips on enhancing parent-child communication and strengthening family relationships.

At these programs, you’ll meet like-minded parents who are in a similar situation to yours. This will make it easier to build connections, as you’ll share both concerns and interests.

Join online groups

There are a number of social media groups where parents connect with other parents in their area to exchange advice, recommendations, and local parenting resources.

The “Foreldre for foreldre” and “Foreldre & Barn” Facebook groups are both great examples of this.

Just make sure to find a municipality-specific group if possible (you can often find the right fit by Googling or searching “foreldre” along with the name of your municipality on Facebook or Google).

Through online platforms like this, you’ll be able to connect with other parents, arrange playdates, and stay updated on community events and initiatives that will help you socialize with others.

Hiking forest

Expand your social network and immerse yourself in the community by becoming part of a local family hiking group, which are quite big in Norway. Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash

Engage in classic Norwegian recreational activities

If you want to broaden your social circle and integrate into the local community, joining a local hiking group for families, where parents and children explore scenic trails and enjoy outdoor adventures together, is a great option.

These outings not only promote physical activity and nature appreciation but also provide opportunities for parents to connect with others who share a passion for outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities – which many Norwegians do, to a borderline obsessive extent.

So, prepare the necessary hiking apparel for your family and be ready to strike up a conversation with another parent.

Stick with the hobbies you know

While doing new things is often fun and exciting, sticking to your year-long hobbies will also give you many opportunities to meet new parents in Norway.

Whether you’re into Sci-Fi, board games, soccer, or martial arts, if you join a local group or club after moving to Norway, sooner or later, you’ll meet a parent who shares your interests.

After a while, you’ll likely start hanging out even outside of your hobby (just remember to show initiative and ask for that coffee meet-up or dinner after your training session – being proactive tends to pay off).

As long as you’re approachable, listen attentively, and express genuine interest in getting to know others, the chosen avenue for meeting people won’t matter that much, as you’ll put yourself in a great position for friendships can flourish organically regardless of whether you take part in activities, parenting workshops, or online platforms.

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The private and international school options in Bergen

For international parents moving to Bergen in western Norway, figuring out schooling options for their kids is a big deal.

Some lean towards private or international schools to keep things consistent, especially if they’re used to a particular teaching style or curriculum, in the hope of providing a familiar environment for their children amidst the changes.

Others appreciate the idea of private and international schools because they’re melting pots of cultures.

The International School of Bergen

The International School of Bergen (ISB) is located in the residential area of Sandsli, approximately 15 kilometres from Bergen’s city centre.

Established in 1975 to cater to the needs of international families, the school’s modernised and renovated building, completed in 2019, serves as a hub for learning and community building.

In addition to traditional classrooms, the school boasts facilities including a library, art rooms, a well-equipped science laboratory, and a gymnasium.

Beyond the school gates, ISB students have access to amenities, including a swimming pool, ice rink, and various sports facilities, which complement the school’s educational programs.

Regular field trips to local science discovery centres, museums, art galleries, and historical sites enrich students’ learning experiences, while Bergen’s countryside serves as an extended classroom for outdoor exploration.

You can find more information on tuition and fees for the school year 2024-2025 on the school’s website.

Møllebakken Private School

Møllebakken School caters to students across the region, from Åsane in the north to Os in the south and from Sotra in the west to Arna in the east.

With its doors open to learners from diverse backgrounds, the school prides itself on fostering a vibrant and inclusive educational environment.

In the academic year 2023 – 2024, Møllebakken School had an enrollment of approximately 73 students.

Beyond academics, Møllebakken School cultivates a sense of community through several annual school events – such as fundraising for humanitarian causes and ski camps – that bring together students, parents, and educators.

School and parental after-school fees are payable for 11 months each year. When it comes to pricing, for children in levels 1st to 6th grade, the general school fee amounts to 1,250 kroner per month.

For youth in levels 7th to 10th grade, the price is set at 1,650 kroner per month. A separate fee, referred to as “capital costs,” is allocated for maintaining the school. This amounts to 1,000 kroner per year per pupil.

The Montessori School in Bergen

The Montessori School in Bergen offers primary education from the 1st to 10th grades, guided by the principles of Montessori pedagogy.

As Bergen’s oldest and largest Montessori institution, it prides itself on providing a nurturing and empowering educational environment.

As a private school, the Montessori School offers an alternative to traditional public education. The teachers act as guides and facilitators, encouraging students to explore, experiment, and learn through trial and error.

Central to its approach is the belief in fostering independence, self-reliance, and a sense of contribution in each child.

The school ensures that Montessori pedagogy remains at the forefront of its teaching practices while aligning with key Norwegian competency goals.

You can learn more about the application process on the school’s website.

Metis Private School

Metis Private School is centrally located at Lars Hilles gate 17, between Grieg Hall and Bergen’s main bus station.

The school prides itself on having a 99 percent graduation rate among its upper secondary school students.

It charges a standard cost for all pupils, totalling 18,400 per year (as per 2023/2024 prices), which is invoiced at a rate of 1,840 kroner per month for ten months.

The second part of the school fees is flexible and varies based on the specific educational activities in a student’s program.

Metis also offers additional benefits to its students, which include a MacBook with Office and Adobe Suite, a school bag, and a school jumper, all provided without extra charges.

St. Paul’s Catholic School

Since its establishment in 1873, St. Paul’s Catholic School has been a cornerstone of Catholic primary and lower secondary education in Bergen.

The school welcomes approximately 340 students annually, spanning from 1st to 10th grade.

The school is a member of the Association of Christian Free Schools (KFF) and operates under public supervision by the Norwegian Directorate of Education.

Public grants, in accordance with the Private Schools Act, cover a significant portion of operating expenses, though tuition is generally considered quite expensive (the school does have a reputation of being among Bergen’s best, after all).

The school’s students often rank among the top Bergen schools when it comes to national-level performance in subjects such as English, reflecting its dedication to educational excellence.

You can find out more about St. Paul’s admission rules and tuition on the school’s website.

Rudolf Steiner School

In 1929, Bergen became home to one of Norway’s earliest Rudolf Steiner Schools, marking the city’s introduction to Steiner education.

At the heart of the Steiner pedagogy lies a commitment to nurturing the whole person, encompassing intellectual, emotional, and practical development.

In Steiner schools, subjects such as art and practical skills are equally important alongside traditional academic disciplines, fostering an engaging learning environment.

The school combines state funding (85 percent) with parental contributions (15 percent) to sustain its operations. At the time of writing, the parental contribution rates were as follows:

For a single child in grades 1 to 4: 34,000 kroner per year, divided into ten semesters.
For a single child in grades 5 to 7: 35,000 kroner per year, divided into ten semesters.
For a single child in grades 8 to 10: 36,160 kroner per year, divided into ten semesters.

Parents have the option to apply for reduced parental payments. To do so, they must submit their application by July 1st for the following school year.

Bergen Private Gymnasium

Situated at Lars Hilles gate 15, Bergen Private Gymnasium (BPG) offers state-supported upper secondary schooling for up to 525 students.

Conveniently located just a short stroll from the central bus station, the school enjoys easy access from all directions, making it a convenient choice for students across Bergen.

BPG recently renovated its premises, and its classrooms are equipped with adjacent group rooms that facilitate both independent study and collaborative projects.

The school also features designated zones for socialising, and its auditorium provides a space for hosting lectures, concerts, and other events.

For the school year 2023/2024, Bergen Private Gymnasium has outlined a two-part fee structure.

The first part of the school fees is uniform for all students and amounts to 18,400 kroner per year.

The second part of the school fees varies depending on the specific educational activities a student participates in.

These activities can include theatre visits, cinema outings, skiing days, activity days, field trips, and study trips abroad.

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