Teaching English in Norway – Baerum

Published: 02 February, 2015  |  Last updated: 02 February, 2015

Teaching English in Baerum, Norway

 

 Baerum, Norway

Report submitted on 02 February, 2015 by Sarah.

Teaching English in Baerum, Norway:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Baerum, Norway?
It is really not very easy to teach English as a foreigner in Norway since most Norwegians speak the language quite well. There are many very qualified Norwegians teaching English. I have Norwegian citizenship so it is not a problem for me to live and work here, but not so easy for people without specific work agreements or residency permit.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Teaching at state schools, teaching at private international schools, teaching at colleges / universities

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Most school require a teaching degree, but I know of a few people who do not but then work part-time only.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
If you want a good full-time position you need to have a degree in teaching.

What are the levels of payment?
Quite high – around $20/hour

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
17 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Teachers have all the school holidays off – Easter, winter break, fall break, Christmas, then in May there are a lot of state holidays so many days off.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Baerum, Norway to teach English?
Hard to teach ESL here since the regulations are tough and most people speak decent English, but I am sure there are ways especially on a university level.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Baerum, Norway?
I love it. People love English here and it is fun to teach kids. Lots of holidays and good pay.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Baerum, Norway?
Winters are looooong and people are difficult to get to know and it is expensive.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Just getting permission to work here – other than that there are plenty of substitute positions that are a good way to get into a school.

 

Living in Baerum, Norway:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Norway?
Yes, I am not sure of the specific details but I do know that unfortunately it is not easy to get permission to work here if you do not have a pre-arranged agreement with a company.

What is the cost of living like in Norway?
Expensive – Norway is one of the most expensive places in the world, but the pay is high.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
There are plenty of small apartments in houses that are for rent – website: www.finn.no.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Baerum, Norway?
It is beautiful, every day I am amazed at the beauty of this country! Oslo is a great city, super fun and cool.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Baerum, Norway?
People can be cold and sometimes unfriendly.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Baerum, Norway?
Try it maybe you could find a way to make it work!

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Friendly conversation between strangers and helpful people.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Baerum, Norway?
I don’t plan on leaving – I have kids and a Norwegian husband. But I would miss the beauty and how the society runs – focus on children and old people – all aspects of a person’s life is valued here, not just the phase of life where you make money.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
money 🙂

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Sarah

Nationality: American

Students I’ve taught in Norway: Elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), adults, business

Where I teach: Lesterud skole in Lommedalen. Working here for 2 years.

How I found my current jobs: A job ad online.

My school facilities: Very good – A well maintained building, relatively clean, good range of English books in library, good teacher work space, not a great amount of computers – just one computer room with about 30 computers for the whole school.

Teacher support at my school: Training / workshops.

Links: sarahhannevik.com

 

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