The Struggles of an Expat in Norway
Maftuna, a Ukrainian chemist who has lived in Norway for over four years, describes the harsh realities of life there. She says the country's steep cost of living makes saving money impossible. Her entire salary goes toward covering essential expenses:
- rent
- bills
- car and dog insurance
- groceries
- toll roads
“I have no savings because my salary is consumed by living here: rent, bills, car insurance, dog insurance, food, and toll roads. A take-home pay of $5,000 isn't just my dream—it's a dream for many locals as well.” - Maftuna
Social Life and Language Adaptation
Her social life in Norway is equally challenging. Maftuna has no friends among Norwegians or Ukrainians in the country, which makes it hard to integrate. “I see how people here form their circles back in school, and breaking into those circles is nearly impossible. It's probably because locals are reserved and our mentalities differ,” she explains.
As for her Norwegian language skills, Maftuna admits she is at an A2 level. When she first moved, she relied on English at work and saw little need to learn Norwegian. “It's partly my fault, but from the start I worked in my field using English. No one asked me to speak Norwegian. I tried to learn and adapt on the job because I had no experience, but studying a language after an emotionally draining day felt like an impossible task,” she says.
Now, Maftuna is seriously considering returning to Ukraine—either after the war ends or even before. “I miss home, and I'm seriously thinking about going back to Ukraine when the war is over. Or maybe even sooner. I long for what's familiar, what's native to me—something I barely have here,” she emphasizes.
Her experience highlights the difficulties expats face when trying to adjust to a new country. It shows just how crucial social integration and language learning are for those who relocate abroad. High living costs and a lack of social connections can make the transition even harder, sometimes fueling a desire to return home.
Maftuna's story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many expats. Similarly, another Ukrainian woman has shared her experiences of rebuilding her life in the Czech Republic, navigating cultural differences and the quest for community. Discover her journey and the resilience required to adapt in a foreign land in this insightful piece about starting anew in the Czech Republic.