Norwegian Courses, as it stands 2015.

Since people seem to be still visiting this blog, despite its horrible treatment by its author (cough), I decided to post something useful to those not in the know.

Anyone whose moved abroad will tell you the native language is everything.  I've been here over 5 years and though I've done well for an English speaking person, many who have come after me have excelled.  Yes that's jealousy, and respect! Some people find language easier than others, but the will to try is everything.

Now that I am again without work, I've had lots of time to see where I am and what I want or need to do next.  One of those things is of course, improving my Norwegian.

Now if you have tried and struggled, take heart, there is always a reason as to why it ain't working as intended.  Always a reason and always a solution. For many it's a matter of getting over that "instant gratification" complex we have grown up with.  A second language takes time, be proud of the progress and recognise it, no matter how small it may seem.

Never stop trying, or trying something new.  Everyone works differently, but basically the one rule that works for all is immersion.  Force yourself into that world and dare to embarrass yourself trying. You'd be surprised how effective the human brain is at adapting under duress. Virtually everyone I've ever talked to about this has stated that the biggest challenge was overcoming their fears of sounding stupid.

If you are already in Norway, you may notice a series of private firms taking advantage of the governments draw back on free Norwegian lessons.  When you get married for example, you can only qualify for free or discounted Norwegian lessons if you have only been in the country for under 2 years. So even under the best circumstances, don't rely on the state for help.

Luckily, as the market has progressed, competitive pricing has started to tick in.  (Yay capitalism!). Meaning if you shop smart you can save thousands of Kr.

Nearly all courses focus their work around 3 sets of books which have both Textbook (Tekstbok), Workbook (Arbeidbok) and word book (Ordbok). Note: The workbook comes with related audio CD): -
*In order of difficulty from easiest to hardest.

• På Vei
• Stein På Stein
• Her på Bergen

All books are difficult to acquire outside of Norway but it is possible.  You will need to get these books in addition to paying course fees, but so long as you treat them well and write in the work book (Arbeidbok) in pencil, they can be sold on.  In fact, ask in the Facebook immigrant pages (E.g. Brits in Oslo) to see if anyone is selling.  There are also the teachers CD's which are very expensive (mine cost over 1000kr), but allows for self teaching at home.  That said, you pay for the services of the teacher, not the voice on the CD.



Here is a selection of courses I've found so far: -

Language Champ
http://www.languagechamp.com/ 
A newcomer to the world of Norwegian courses, it currently only focuses on beginners level courses, using the 1st book mentioned above: På Vei. At the time of writing, they are offering a 50% course discount when you invite friends on the same course.  Something more than worth taking advantage of if you are doing this with friends (Hint: Split the savings!).
Cost per course: 2990 Kr for a 6 week intensive course. 3 levels, covering particular chapters from both På Vei and Stein på Stein.

Alfa Skolen. 
http://www.alfaskolen.no/en/
These guys really exploded onto the scene some years ago being advertised in all of the subways (T-bane) since then they have gone from strength to strength, adopting the official CEFR system of separating courses.  Arguably more expensive than one would like, they do offer one of the most comprehensive courses ot there, laying things out clearly, again using books like På Vei, but also offering Bergentest courses.  The Bergen test is the most popular certificate one can aspire to get, certifying their level of Norwegian.  It's demanded by all of the higher level education courses and for citizenship.
Cost per course: varies, 3990 for the very first level.  36 horse over 12 sessions.

Folkuniversitetet.
http://www.folkeuniversitetet.no/About four years ago, I took a level (nivå) 2 course with these guys.  Not my best investment, but times may have changed. Folkuniversitetet have been at this longer than the other two to my knowledge, though they also cover a variety of other subjects. The average course gives 48 hours spread over 3 weeks, once again, using the books listed above as their curriculum (pensum) material.
Based in many places, including Oslo, Folkuniversitetet do offer a shorter path to the almighty Bergens test (see Alfa Skolen), though prices are much higher than the other two, higher than when I took the course by 1100kr!
Cost per course: average 5500 kr for 48 hours.


Hopefully this info will help you, or someone you know make their own decision regarding Norwegian courses.  It is completely possible to simply buy the books and teach yourself, though as I mentioned before: Immersion is necessary.  Practice, make mistakes, look stupid, learn and progress.

The types of people around you at this time is a subject of its own, one I think I will need to take up in another post.  But in brief:  Practice with people who can correct you in the way that benefits you, both in learning and motivation.  Not with people who make you feel inferior or needlessly stupid. Laughing at you and with you are very different!

Have you taken a course with any of these three schools?  What was your feelings?  Was it worth it? Did it help?  Do you have any tips for others to learn the lingo?  Cadbury chocolate or Freia?

Thanks for reading!
Rick