Volunteer Programs in Norway

Set goals

As you prepare for your time in Norway and one of their volunteer programs, it’s not a bad idea to set a few goals. Having a handful (professional or personal) can help you get the most out of your time there! A few basics are:

• Gauge and keep note of what you like best about the experience and see how you can incorporate that into your personal or professional life post-travel.
• Decide what skills or tools you’d like to specifically refine, learn, or continue to explore. Take the extra time to work with what you’d like to work on.
• Note a larger more substantial gain you’d like to make while in Norway to aid in your life. Find a specific part of the program that’s a bit more complicated and volunteer to help if allowed, connect with people you align with, and foster a relationship that goes beyond the time you’re there together, etc.

Understand the benefits

With the country being volunteer-minded, there are plenty of cool things to learn about and from. A few highlights are:

• Work experience. Yes, even if the volunteer experience doesn’t directly correlate with your intended career path, you’re still gaining professional experience. The basics of showing up, being a constructive part of a team, and specific hard and soft skills are all used regularly in any program.
• Great relationships. Meeting, working, and just socializing with anyone in or out of the volunteer program can lead to wonderful international friendships! They are special unforgettable ones at that, too.
• Personal Growth. Between meeting new people and working there’s plenty of material there to make you grow personally. On top of all that, coordinating how to get there and travel within a different country also builds great personal resilience and mindset. It can be intimidating but it’s incredibly rewarding and not much else is like it.

Things to know

Regardless of where you are within Norway's borders, there are plenty of basics to know and consider before landing. Here are a few major things to consider.

• Visa and paperwork requirements - You can volunteer in Norway for up to 90 days without a visa, but it’s essential to verify the latest regulations with your consulate to ensure compliance with your specific program. Make sure to have all necessary documents, such as background checks or certificates, ready as required.
• Housing and money - Many volunteer programs in Norway offer accommodation, typically shared with other volunteers, in exchange for work. If housing isn’t provided, you can arrange your own, though hotels are expensive. Consider youth hostels as a budget-friendly alternative, and plan a budget to manage costs in Norway’s high-cost economy.
• Cultural sensitivity - In Norway, it's common to greet others with a handshake, even on hiking trails, where a friendly "hi" is also customary. As one of the happiest countries, Norwegians value getting to know people, so take the time to appreciate their culture and friendliness.