As a Filipino, you may have dreamed of living and working abroad to provide a better life for yourself and your family. While traditional destinations like the United States, Canada, or Australia may come to mind, there are other lesser-known countries that can offer you equally if not more rewarding opportunities. Norway, in particular, has become an increasingly popular destination for immigrants from all over the world, including Filipinos.
In this article, we’ll explore the top advantages of living in Norway as a Filipino, including its excellent healthcare system, strong social welfare programs, and high standard of living. We’ll also discuss the country’s vibrant culture and stunning natural scenery. So if you’re considering a new adventure abroad, whether working as a nurse or any other profession, read on to discover why Norway may just be the perfect destination for you.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
The Best Reasons for Filipinos to Make the Move to Norway
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube video from an OFW living in Norway. The YouTube channel’s name is Fatrina Raine. In this video, the vlogger talks about why she chose to live in Norway, citing ten pros or advantages. The video is quite convincing, and if you’re interested to learn more about it, then click on the link below:
Norway, a Nordic country situated in Northern Europe, is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, stunning fjords, and bustling cities. But what makes Norway truly stand out is its high standard of living, excellent healthcare system, and strong social welfare programs that provide a safety net for its citizens and residents.
In recent years, Norway has been consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, with a high quality of life and a focus on work-life balance. The country’s social democratic system ensures that everyone has access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and public transportation, regardless of their income or social status.
For Filipinos seeking a new adventure and a better quality of life, Norway offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive destination. From its well-paying jobs and generous benefits to its welcoming and inclusive society, Norway has a lot to offer those who are willing to make the move.
Getting to Norway
In around 2018, the vlogger was invited by her friend to come to Norway as a host family was looking for an au pair. Despite not knowing anything about the country, she decided to take the leap and move to Norway. Upon arrival, the vlogger was immediately struck by the cleanliness of the country. With very little pollution or garbage on the streets, Norway felt fresh and pristine. As she settled into her new life as an au pair, the vlogger began to appreciate other aspects of Norwegian culture, such as the emphasis on work-life balance and the high standard of living.
She also found the people to be friendly and welcoming, making her feel at home in a new country. Over time, the vlogger has fallen in love with Norway and now considers it her second home. From the breathtaking natural scenery to the thriving food and arts scenes, there are plenty of reasons why the vlogger has grown to love this Nordic country.
Despite the challenges of moving to a new country, the vlogger’s experience in Norway has been overwhelmingly positive and she encourages others to consider Norway as a destination for work, study, or travel.
Why Live in Norway
Here is a summary of the list of reasons cited by the vlogger as to why it’s a great idea to live in Norway:
- Norway offers an outdoor lifestyle
- Norway is naturally beautiful
- Norway has a low crime rate
- Norway offers free education
- Norway provides free health care
- Norway provides high salary and good work-life balance
- You get 5 weeks paid vacation which you can use at any time during the year
- One year maternity or paternity leave with pay
- Children receive monetary support from the government until they turn eighteen years old
- Lots of Asian restaurants which you can got to when you miss home.
Norway Offers an Outdoor Lifestyle
Norway is known for its stunning natural beauty and offers a unique outdoor lifestyle that many Filipinos find attractive. The country is home to breathtaking mountains, vast stretches of nature, and scenic views that are truly awe-inspiring. When Filipinos have the opportunity to take a vacation in Norway, they often take the chance to explore the country’s natural wonders. Whether it’s hiking, camping, climbing mountains, or going for a jog, there are endless outdoor activities to enjoy in Norway.
Here are some other facts about Norway’s outdoor lifestyle:
- Norway’s infrastructure and culture are also conducive to an active outdoor lifestyle.
- Norway has well-maintained parks and trails, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to easily access Norway’s natural wonders.
- The country also has a strong culture of environmentalism, which means that efforts are made to preserve and protect the natural landscapes
- The country’s mild weather conditions make it possible to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year.
- During the summer months, the sun shines for almost 24 hours a day, providing ample opportunity for outdoor exploration. Meanwhile, during the winter months, snow blankets the country, offering opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Norway is Naturally Beautiful
Another reason why Norway is a great place to live is its natural beauty. The country boasts an incredible array of stunning landscapes and breathtaking vistas that are truly awe-inspiring. The vlogger, who has traveled extensively throughout Norway, has seen firsthand the incredible beauty of the country. She has visited numerous cities, each of which offers its own unique charm and beauty.
During her travels, the vlogger has taken many photos of Norway’s stunning natural scenery. These include:
- Soaring mountains
- Sparkling fjords
- Pristine lakes
- Charming villages and country sides
- Diverse natural landscape
- Lush forests and rolling hills
In her video, the vlogger shares some of the photos she has taken during her travels, and they are all truly stunning. Whether you’re exploring the countryside or strolling through a charming village, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to enjoy in Norway.
Norway has a Low Crime Rate
Another compelling reason to consider living in Norway is the country’s low crime rate. In Norway, safety and security are top priorities, and residents enjoy a relatively crime-free environment. Whether you’re walking home late at night or heading out in the early hours of the morning, you can rest assured that you’re in a safe and secure environment.
Here are some facts about safety in Norway:
- Norway offers peace of mind, especially to those starting a family and raising children
- Norway is committed to children growing up in a safe and secure environment
- Norway values community and social responsibility
- Norway encourages its residents to take an active role in promoting safety and security
Norway has Free Education
Norway is one of the few countries in the world where education is truly free, meaning that students can attend public schools and universities without having to pay tuition fees. This is an incredibly valuable resource for both Norwegians and international students alike.
The vlogger is a perfect example of someone who has benefited from Norway’s free education system. Despite not being a citizen of Norway and not having lived in the country for a long time, she was still able to take advantage of the country’s free education policy. She was thrilled to be able to study in Norway without having to worry about the financial burden of tuition fees.
Norway has Free Healthcare System
In Norway, everyone has access to free healthcare services, including doctor’s appointments, hospitalization, and medical treatments. This means that when you visit a doctor or receive medical treatment, you only need to pay up to a certain amount, typically around 2000 kroner, before the rest of your healthcare costs are covered by the government.
The vlogger has experienced firsthand the benefits of Norway’s free healthcare system. She was amazed by the ease and accessibility of healthcare services in Norway, and was relieved to know that she wouldn’t have to worry about expensive medical bills if she ever needed treatment.
Norway’s Salary is High
In Norway, workers are paid some of the highest wages in the world, thanks to the country’s robust economy and strong labor laws. The vlogger has experienced this firsthand, as she noted that even with a relatively short work week of 7 to 8 hours a day, she was still able to earn a high salary.
Moreover, Norwegian employers prioritize work-life balance, which means that workers have ample time to spend with their families and pursue their personal interests. This approach to work is rooted in Norwegian culture, which values quality of life and a healthy work-life balance. As a result, many Norwegians enjoy a comfortable lifestyle that allows them to enjoy both their work and their leisure time.
Five Weeks of Vacation with Pay
Another advantage of living in Norway is that workers are entitled to a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation each year. This generous vacation policy provides ample time for employees to relax, recharge, and pursue their personal interests.
The vlogger highlighted this benefit, noting that the ability to take five weeks of paid vacation each year allowed her to explore Norway and other parts of the world. With so much time off, she was able to travel extensively, visit her home country, and even explore other destinations across Europe.
One Year Maternity or Paternity Leave
In addition to its strong work-life balance, Norway also offers generous maternity and paternity leave policies. New parents are entitled to up to one year of leave with pay, which allows them to spend valuable time with their newborn child while still receiving financial support.
The vlogger mentioned this benefit, noting that she was impressed by the Norwegian government’s commitment to supporting families. This policy not only allows parents to bond with their child, but also provides important support for their physical and emotional well-being during the early months of parenthood.
Monetary Support for Children Below 18 Years Old
The ninth reason to love living in Norway is that children receive money until they turn 18 years old. It’s called the “barnetrygd” or child benefit, and it’s a monthly allowance given to parents for each child they have. The amount increases as the child gets older and can be a significant help in providing for the child’s needs.
As the vlogger mentioned, life in Norway can be relaxing as it offers a perfect balance between work and nature. In Norway, there’s a strong emphasis on work-life balance, and employees are encouraged to prioritize their families and personal time. This is reflected in the country’s generous maternity and paternity leave policies, where parents can take up to one year of leave with pay to care for their newborn child.
A Taste of Asia
The tenth reason why the vlogger loves living in Norway is that she can still enjoy the taste of Asia even though she is living in Europe. She was surprised to find a lot of Asian stores that offer different kinds of Asian food, such as Filipino cuisine and Thai restaurants. This made her feel at home even though she is away from her home country. Norway’s diverse culture and the availability of international cuisine make it an even more attractive destination for expats.
In conclusion, Norway offers numerous advantages and benefits to its residents, including an outdoor lifestyle with breathtaking natural landscapes, a low crime rate, free education and healthcare, high salary, generous vacation and parental leave policies, financial support for children, and a diverse range of international cuisine.
These reasons, along with many others, are why the vlogger has fallen in love with Norway and why more and more people are considering it as a great place to live. If you’re looking for a new place to call home, Norway is definitely worth considering.