Norway is a country in Scandinavia that borders Finland and Sweden. When you host an au pair from Norway, you and your children will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about a culture and place in the world that is different from your own. Just as importantly, your au pair will have the same opportunity! Norway has a rich history and your au pair will have a wonderful time sharing about it while she is a part of your family.

General Facts About Norway

Your Norweigan au pair will teach you many things that you might not know about Norway, such as:

• Norway's population is over 5.2 million.
• The country is home to the most fjords as part of its landscape than any other country.
• Norwegian is the official language, but almost every citizen also speaks English because it is taught as a second language in school.
• The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway's capital, and the recipients are chosen by a panel of native Norwegians.

Your au pair will tell you fascinating facts just like these and many more when you welcome her into your family.

Family Life and Children in Norway

The family is very important to the people of Norway. In fact, parental leave is a national institution. It allows parents to recover and bond with their children after their birth. Typically, Norwegians do not have more than two children. But even with a relatively small family unit on average, familial bonds are strong in Norway. Your Norwegian au pair will proudly demonstrate this dedication to family while caring for your children.

Driving Skills

You can't get a driver's license in Norway until you turn 18. And you have to get through a process before you're given your license. First, you have to take a four-day class about basic driving concepts, first aid, and how to react after an accident. Next, you have to pass a theory exam and then a practical exam. Even after you receive your license, you have to get through a two-year trial period where you could potentially lose your license and have to start the process again.

Education

School is mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 16 in Norway. From 6 to 13, children are in elementary school and then move to lower secondary school from 13 to 16. After finishing lower secondary, children can continue on to upper secondary school for more general education and vocational courses. After two years in upper secondary, they go on to enter apprenticeships and learn new skills onsite.

Communication and Language Skills

The official language of Norway is Norwegian, but Bokmal, Nynorsk and Saami are also recognized. Many people in Norway also speak English and even another language, like German, French or Spanish.

Religion

The majority religion in Norway is Christianity, which makes up around 75% of the population. The next most common affiliation is those who are not affiliated with any specific faith, making up about 16% of the population.

Diet

Similar to many families in the United States, Norwegians eat three or four main meals during the day, with a hot meal with family at dinnertime being the main one. Traditional dishes include krumkake, lutefisk and farikal.

Hosting a Norwegian Au Pair

If you're considering hosting an au pair from Norway, EurAupair is here to help find the perfect match for you and your family. We will be there through every step, from looking through profiles to conducting interviews. Please contact us today to start your journey with your new au pair!