Norway

Norwegians are given a lot of independence from a young age and are encouraged to share their opinions and participate in discussions.

In Norway, many rules are regarded more as guidelines, and most are up for discussion. Norwegian parents listen to their children when they disagree and consider what they have to say. This does not mean that Norwegian children always get their way, but they are allowed to reason with their parents to come to agreeable conclusions.

Norwegians are direct when communicating and value honest and straightforward approaches to communication. Discuss any issues with your student rather than beating around the bush, and do not take offense if your student seems blunt with you.

Consequences are not common in Norway. It wouldn’t be likely for a Norwegian teenager to be punished for breaking a rule or for neglecting to complete chores.

For instance, a Norwegian teen who regularly breaks curfew might end up with a stricter, earlier curfew in the future.

By the time they reach high school, Norwegians are basically considered to be adults, and they are expected to be responsible for themselves. Schools are structured more like a university, with students taking their own initiative to reach end-of-semester expectations rather than receiving regular assignments. Most teenagers in Norway also begin learning to manage their money with a debit card and either a weekly allowance or a part-time job.

Overall, Norwegians are generally casual and laid-back. They don’t like to be rushed, but they value punctuality.

Fun Fact: One of the most popular cheeses in Norway is brown.