American expat Audrey Camp talks about the differences in childcare between the USA and Norway, and the challenges of having a baby in a foreign country.
Audrey Camp is a freelance writer and American expat living in Oslo, Norway with her husband and daughter. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University and her MA in British and American Literature from the University of Oslo.
Her work has appeared in a variety of magazines, literary journals, and anthologies, and she is the co-author of Startup Guide Oslo and Startup Guide Vienna.
In March 2017, she was elected Chair of Democrats Abroad Norway, giving her a chance to stretch her progressive political muscles. Today, she teaches seminars in American Literature at the University of Oslo.
As I've never had a child in either the UK or Norway, I invited Audrey on the show to talk about the process of pregnancy, childcare, and raising a child in Norway.
I learned so much from this episode, and I just know you're going to do the same!
Listen to the show here:
In this episode you'll learn:
- What support a pregnant woman can expect in Norway
- The incredible young age at which children start kindergarten
- Why inner city Oslo is a great place to raise a child
- The differences in parental leave between the USA and Norway
- Audrey's favourite hangouts in the Norwegian capital
Moon Norway:This episode of the Life in Norway Show is proudly sponsored by the Moon Norway travel guidebook. Grab your copy now to help plan your ideal trip to Norway.
Useful links from the show:
- Audrey's website: http://audreycamp.com
- Mathallen food hall: https://mathallenoslo.no/en/
- Hendrix Ibsen coffee shop: http://hendrixibsen.rocks
- Follow Audrey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/audreycamp
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Hi David (and Audrey). Another American living here in Norway, almost 12 years now! I live about 45 min. north of Bergen in Nordhordaland.
Just want to say thanks for sharing Audrey’s story. I can relate so much to what she says, though I do have a bit different situation as I am married to a Norwegian. So my child is (and has the right to) dual citizenship and has two passports. It was actually a very easy process obtaining both for her.
Also I have my husband’s family nearby who are always willing to help- especially the weeks my husband is away working. He works in the North Sea on a 3 week on – 3 week off rotation.
We have a 3 yr old, well she will be in a few days :-), and I just have to say my experience with pregnancy, birth, post natal, early years and Barnehage have also been mostly positive. I wish my family and friends back in the states (I’m from Seattle) could have the same benefits as us here.
In addition, as a full time working mom I also have the right to only work 80% with a child under 10 yrs old, without being penalized. This has been very beneficial- I take one day off a week for house work, etc., which allows more free time in the weekends to be with family and friends.
Just as Audrey mentioned with the school system , I too have heard negative things compared to US standards, but have not started with the system yet so I am unable to share any personal experiences… However, with a child under 6, Norway is a GREAT place to be.
Side note, I took a master’s program at the University in Bergen several years ago and received the same benefits as Audrey since I was in the system, with a personal number, etc.
With that said, I too am all for paying a ‘higher’ tax as I see where my tax money goes and have personally benefited from it. Also, without the worry of ‘what if’ as so many Americans live with.
Again thanks for sharing, it’s always nice to here others’ experiences here in Norway.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m a new mom (and moved to Oslo about 5 yrs ago) and loved hearing her story.