Seasonal or short term international work can not only help to fund an incredible adventure, it can make your resume/CV much more impressive. It is also a wonderful way to live and work in a country without having to make a permanent commitment.

Common short term work in Norway includes seasonal agriculture work, fruit picking, tourist and hospitality work. Summer camps in Norway also hire staff year round, as do holiday resorts.

Agricultural Work

Agriculture requires many labourers and these jobs may include picking fruits or selling door-to-door (Jordboer Tilsalgs meaning strawberries for sale). Work can sometimes be found directly on the farms from July to September, by making personal enquiries at the beginning of the season, or by checking local notice boards and advertisements. Different cities have different harvests with Lier specializing in strawberry picking, Andebu for raspberries, and Loen for potatoes. Wages depend on your employer, the amount that you can collect, its worth at market, and how long it takes you.

Tourist Attractions / Resorts

There are many large events that take place throughout the year and need short term workers to help put them events on. Big attractions like the GladMat festival or the Volley Ball Tournament in Stavanger often need part-time workers to serve food. Kongeparken also offers temporary staff positions during the summer. E-mail the park directly at info@kongeparken.no.

Winter resorts in Gausdal, Voss, and Lillehammer, for example, may provide job opportunities in hotels, bars, and restaurants in a variety of roles. Pay ranges from NOK 8000 per month to NOK 8500. Employers may supply accommodation and food, but deduct the cost directly from pay at about NOK 1000.

Teaching English

Teaching English is possible either freelance, or through a company.
If you prefer to work freelance, this method requires greater organization and self-promotion. By advertising, posting signs around your neighborhood, and networking, private teaching can be a successful work path.
If you prefer a school, it increases your chances if you are a native English speaker with a CELTA, or TEFOL qualification. A undergraduate degree can also help you gain employment.

English Language Schools in Norway
• AAC Global www.aacglobal.com
• Berlitz Norway www.berlitznordic.com
• British Council Norway www.britishcouncil.org/norway.htm
• Inlingua Norway

For more information on teaching abroad and TEFL, click here.

Au Pair

Becoming an Au Pair is an attractive option for short term work. Au pairs in Norway can expect to earn 70-100/week for a 30 hour week, plus room and board.

You can find more information in our Au Pair article.

Work Abroad Programs

There are also Work Abroad Programs that can arrange a work opportunity.

InterExchange has been offering students and young adults a variety of short-term summer work abroad programs for over 40 years. Summer Camp Jobs, Teaching English and Seasonal Worker Programs and more are available.
Cost: Varies
Dates: Year-Round
Contact: Interexchange, Inc., 161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013, USA. Tel. 212-924-0446; fax: 212-924-0575.
Email: info@interexchange.org

Atlantis Youth Exchange is another option. This is a "working guest" program available for the summer. Arranges positions on farms for 2-3 months.
Contact: Atlantis Youth Exchange, Rafadhusgt 4, 0151, Oslo, Norway, Tel. 011-47-22-47-71-70; fax. 011-47-22-47-71-79
E-mail atlantis@atlantis.no

Other opportunities can be found at:

• www.aplus-summerjobs.com
• www.aave.com/leaders.php
• www.jobmonkey.com

Working Guest in Norway

Working in Norway on a short term basis can be accomplished through a working guest permit. This is available for EU (or Swiss, Australia and New Zealand) citizens. In return for working approximately 35 hours per week, accommodation and food and about 890 Norwegian Krona is provided for.

A work permit for a seasonal worker may be granted for up to six months. To re-new the permit, the applicant must go abroad for six months. Prior to applying for a seasonal work permit, the applicant must have a concrete job offer of employment and job contract.

Applicants should be able to meet these requirements
• Age: 18-30 years
• Not be accompanied by dependent children
• Have a valid passport
• Have a return travel ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket
• Have good health and a sound background
• Duration: 2-6 months
• Language: Good knowledge of English
• Starting Dates: Year round
• Nationality: EU or Swiss citizenship

To apply, applicants need to supply an application, passport photograph, copy of passport, and standard contract of employment (from an approved agency).

WAVA can help you get started as a working guest in Norway.

The Student Employment Contract

An employment contract is standard for any working environment and in the case of student or short-term work, a student employment contract may be used. This usually imposes a time-limit between a student and an employer, with the student getting a salary for his/her work. Making a formal student work contract is not mandatory (it is possible to sign a standard employee contract instead), but may have additional benefits for a student position.

Discount Cards

ISE Card(International Student Exchange Card) - An internationally recognized identification card with thousands of discounts in over 80 countries, it is valid for one year from date of issue. Students of ANY age are eligible, as well as faculty members and children to young adults from 12-25. The price is $25 and you can purchase it online at www.isecard.com/products/index.html.

SIC (International Student Identity Card) - Full-time students 12 years and older offers discounts on travel rates, accommodations, shopping, entertainment, basic sickness and travel insurance, and inexpensive international phone calls. A passport sized photo is required and the card costs about $25 and is good through December 31st of each year. It can be purchased at www.isic.org/student-card/buy-an-isic.aspx.

IYTC (International Youth Travel Card) - A discount card for travellers under 26 who aren't enrolled in school, this card offers a smaller range of youth travel discounts. The card costs $22 card.

The Student Advantage Card - Provides student travel, retail and entertainment discounts for an annual $20 membership fee. Hostelworld booking fee waived. Purchase on the main website.

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