I love to interview amazing immigrants like Jaqueline Olsen. She is Brazilian and is chair for ALBA Rogaland, a non profitable association for Portuguese speaking immigrants in Rogaland state. ALBA has hosted events like Brazilian Carnival for children, Independence Day with typical Brazilian and Portuguese food, Children’s Day and Christmas party, among many others. I think her work is fantastic as it allows our children to taste a little bit of our homeland, our culture, music and food. Not so many immigrants can afford to visit their original countries often and take their kids with them. ALBA also allows Norwegians to know more of our culture, as some events are open to everybody.
Why did you move to Norway?
I had been dating a Norwegian man for two years. It was a long distance relationship, so we decided that I should move here. We got married in 2006, in Norway.
What were your biggest challenges?
The weather, the language, the food. I couldn’t cook when I moved here. Today I can manage alright. I have learned the Norwegian practicality. And I missed my family very much, specially the Sunday gatherings when we used to have lunch together.
What is the best side of living in Norway?
Well, there are many positive aspects. First of all: security. Living in Norway means to get rid of a burden that we, Brazilians carry: fear of being robbed, kidnaped and other kinds of violence.
Secondly: good quality public education. It’s a dream for Brazilians to get good quality education at schools and universities for free. It is a fact in Norway, as the government spends 6.6% of its GDP in education. All these reasons make Norway seem like the dream place to live, but to live that dream, you must make sacrifices.
Gender equality. Even if it’s not 100% yet, Norway works to implement gender equality in all sectors of workforce. Women represent 45% of our government employees. Besides, household chores are equally shared, specially if you have children. You see many fathers pushing baby strollers on the streets.
Work. Norway is one of the best European countries to work, when it comes to maternity leave and gender equality. To work in Norway, you must speak English fluently and be willing to learn Norwegian, as many companies demand that. I would like to point out that getting a job in Norway has become more difficult recently, due to big migration rates.
Amazing landscape. Living in Norway is like living in a mythological fairy tale place. When you travel by car or by train, the landscape is breathtaking.
This is also a good place to raise your children and there’s less social difference.
How do you make Norway your home?
I adapt to Norway every day. At work, in the society, with my friends. You need to love Norway in order to make it your home.
Church as social integration tool. Sometimes, going to some social gatherings at church helps us feel at home and even improve our language. It’s a good piece of advice to the newcomers. You can find good support at church, regardless of which religion.
Learning Norwegian culture is very important to get access to the Norwegian society.
You can also participate in groups or associations like ALBA or many others you find on Facebook and even at the local library.