Teach English in Norway: Requirements, Salary, Jobs (2024)

Teach English in Norway

There are several reasons why someone might consider teaching English in Norway:

High demand for English language skills: English is widely spoken and used in business, academia, and international relations in Norway, so there is a high demand for English language teachers.
Good pay and working conditions: Teachers in Norway generally earn good salaries and have good working conditions, including a high level of job security and support from school administration.
Quality of life: Norway consistently ranks highly in international measures of quality of life, with a strong social welfare system, low crime rates, and a high standard of living.
Beautiful country: Norway is known for its stunning natural beauty, with fjords, mountains, forests, and lakes that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Cultural experiences: Teaching English in Norway is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn about Norwegian history and traditions, and make connections with locals and other expats.

Overall, teaching English in Norway can be a rewarding and enriching experience for those interested in living and working abroad.

What are the requirements to teach English in Norway?

To teach English in Norway, you will typically need to meet the following requirements:

A bachelor's degree: Most teaching positions in Norway require a bachelor's degree in any subject. However, a degree in education or a related field may be preferred.
A teaching qualification: Most schools in Norway require teachers to have a recognized teaching qualification, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate or a master's degree in education.
Language proficiency: To teach English in Norway, you will need to be proficient in both English and Norwegian. While some schools may be willing to hire native English speakers with little or no Norwegian language skills, it is generally expected that teachers will be able to speak, read, and write Norwegian at a high level.
Work permit: If you are not a citizen of Norway or an EU/EEA country, you will need to obtain a work permit in order to teach in Norway. This process can be complex and may require you to have a job offer from a Norwegian school before you can apply for a work permit.

Overall, the requirements for teaching English in Norway may vary depending on the specific school or organization you are working for. It is a good idea to do thorough research and to contact potential employers directly to find out their specific requirements.

What salary can you earn as an English teacher in Norway?

As an English teacher in Norway, you can expect to earn a competitive salary, which will depend on factors such as your level of education, experience, and the type of school you are working for. According to data from the Norwegian Directorate of Education, the average salary for a teacher in Norway is around NOK 500,000 (about $60,000) per year. However, this can vary widely depending on your location and the specific school you are working for.

In general, teachers in Norway are paid according to a national salary scale, which is based on their level of education and experience. Entry-level teachers with a bachelor's degree and a teaching qualification can expect to earn around NOK 400,000 (about $48,000) per year, while those with a master's degree and several years of experience can earn up to NOK 700,000 (about $84,000) per year.

It is worth noting that the cost of living in Norway is relatively high, so it is important to consider this when evaluating salary offers. However, many teachers in Norway find that the high salaries and good working conditions more than offset the higher cost of living.

What is the cost of living in Norway?

The cost of living in Norway is generally high compared to many other countries. According to data from Numbeo, the overall cost of living in Norway is about 30% higher than the average cost of living in the United States.

Some of the main factors that contribute to the high cost of living in Norway include:

Housing costs: Rent in Norway is generally high, especially in larger cities like Oslo and Bergen. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Oslo is around NOK 10,000 (about $1,200), while the average monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment is around NOK 18,000 (about $2,160).
Grocery costs: Food costs in Norway are also relatively high, with prices for basic grocery items like bread, milk, and eggs being higher than in many other countries.
Transportation costs: Public transportation in Norway is generally reliable and efficient, but can be expensive. A monthly pass for a bus or train in a major city can cost around NOK 1,000 (about $120).
Taxes: Norway has relatively high taxes, which can significantly increase the overall cost of living. The country has a value-added tax (VAT) of 25%, which is applied to most goods and services.

Despite the high cost of living, many people find that the high salaries and good working conditions in Norway more than offset the higher expenses. The country also has a strong social welfare system, which provides a safety net for those who need it.

The best places to teach English In Norway

There are many good places to teach English in Norway, as the country has a high demand for English language teachers and a strong education system. Some of the best places to consider include:

Oslo: As the capital and largest city in Norway, Oslo is a diverse and vibrant place to live and work. The city is home to a number of international schools and language centers, as well as universities and colleges that offer English language courses.
Bergen: Located on the west coast of Norway, Bergen is the second-largest city in the country and is known for its beautiful fjords, mountains, and cultural attractions. The city is home to a number of language schools and international schools, as well as universities and colleges that offer English language courses.
Trondheim: Located in central Norway, Trondheim is a smaller city with a strong student population and a thriving cultural scene. The city is home to a number of language schools and international schools, as well as a university that offers English language courses.
Tromsø: Located in the far north of Norway, Tromsø is a small city known for its stunning natural surroundings and its location above the Arctic Circle. The city is home to a university and a number of language schools and international schools that offer English language courses.

Overall, the best place to teach English in Norway will depend on your personal preferences and goals. It is a good idea to research different locations and to consider factors such as the cost of living, job opportunities, and the quality of life.

Living in Norway

Norway is a beautiful and culturally rich country known for its high standard of living and strong social welfare system. Some things to consider if you are thinking about living in Norway include:

Cost of living: As mentioned earlier, the cost of living in Norway is relatively high compared to many other countries. This is due to factors such as high housing costs, expensive food, and high taxes.
Climate: Norway has a varied climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The country is located north of the Arctic Circle, so some parts of the country experience long periods of darkness in the winter and long periods of daylight in the summer.
Language: While many Norwegians speak English, it is a good idea to learn some Norwegian if you are planning to live in the country for an extended period of time. Norwegian is a unique and complex language, but there are many resources available for learning it.
Culture: Norwegian culture is deeply rooted in the country's long history and close connection to the natural world. Norwegians place a strong emphasis on equality, community, and environmental responsibility.
Outdoor recreation: Norway is known for its stunning natural beauty, and outdoor recreation is a popular activity in the country. There are many opportunities for activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing, and boating, and the country is home to many national parks and protected areas.

Overall, living in Norway can be a rewarding and enriching experience for those who are interested in immersing themselves in a new culture and taking advantage of the country's many natural and cultural attractions.

Some facts About Norway

Here are some facts about Norway:

Norway is a country located in Northern Europe, on the western and northern coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is bordered by Sweden to the east, Finland to the southeast, and Russia to the east.
The official language of Norway is Norwegian.
The population of Norway is about 5.4 million people. The majority of the population is Norwegian, but there are also significant minority groups of Swedes, Danes, Finns, and Sami.
The capital and largest city of Norway is Oslo.
The currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone.
Norway has a mixed economy that includes elements of both a market economy and a welfare state. The country is known for its strong petroleum, natural gas, and hydropower sectors, as well as its fishing and forestry industries.
Norway is a parliamentary democracy, with a king as the ceremonial head of state and a prime minister as the head of government.
Norway is a member of the United Nations, the European Union, and the NATO.
Norway has a rich cultural history, with influences from its Viking, Celtic, and Scandinavian past. The country is known for its literature, music, and traditional handicrafts.
Norway is home to a number of natural attractions, including the Lofoten Islands, the Geirangerfjord, and the Jotunheimen National Park. The country is also known for its Northern Lights, which can be seen in the winter months in the northern parts of the country.