u/Fragrant-Republic605

We’re considering moving to Oslo and I’m really torn between putting our kids into the Norwegian school system or an international school, particularly Oslo International School.

Our kids are half Norwegian and half Canadian. I went to Munich International School myself, so I know the international-school world pretty well, but I’m wondering if the experience in Oslo is quite different.

I’d really love to hear from parents who have actually had their kids in one or both systems. What is the day-to-day experience like? How are the friendships and social life? Do kids at international schools still end up feeling very Norwegian and having lots of Norwegian friends, or does it become more of an international bubble?

On the other hand, if your kids went through the Norwegian system, how did you find the experience for children from a more international/dual-national family? Did they feel completely integrated and Norwegian? And how did their English develop compared with their Norwegian?

I’m also curious about differences in teaching style, academic expectations, homework, independence, etc., but mostly I’m interested in what the experience is actually like as a child rather than what the schools say on their websites.
If you’ve had your kids in both systems, I’d especially love to hear what made you prefer one over the other and whether you’d make the same choice again.

We’re not necessarily thinking of Oslo as a short-term expat move, so I’m trying to figure out whether I want their childhood to feel more like “Norwegian kids with an international family” or “international kids who happen to live in Norway.”
Would really appreciate honest experiences, including the downsides!

As a proud Norwegian who’s lived most of my life abroad (Munich, Madrid, London, US), I’ve always felt strongly connected to Norway. I speak the language, both my parents are Norwegian, I have the passports, follow the culture etc. Honestly, randomly meeting another Norwegian abroad usually excites me instantly.

But lately, I’ve had surprisingly negative experiences with fellow Norwegians abroad. Most recently in Marbella, but also in London and NYC. In all three situations alcohol was involved, but instead of that “hey, another Norwegian!” vibe, I ended up feeling judged, antagonized, and in one case even got slapped.

What confuses me is that I genuinely go into these interactions with good energy. I’m not confrontational and have no history of violence or provoking people. I would’ve expected some kind of unspoken bond from meeting someone from such a small country far from home, but lately it’s felt like the opposite.

Has anyone else experienced this with Norwegians abroad? Or am I just incredibly unlucky?

I’m genuinely curious what people think causes this dynamic.