Norwegian Society Orientation Course - A revised curriculum of sorts - Part 1

In order to apply for a Norwegian residence permit or citizenship one is required to complete 250 hours of Norwegian language training and 50 hours of Norwegian Society/Social Orientation.

The 50 hour course is divided into 7 topics:

• Immigrants in Norway
  
• Democracy, welfare and values
  
• Health
  
• School, education and qualifications
  
• Work, employment and the labour market
  
• Children and family
  
• Population structure and nature 

Prior to actually receiving the formal course outline, we at Whiteout were most intrigued at what a course on Norwegian Social Orientation might involve. We endeavored to devise our own list of necessary topics that we believed would be of help to newcomers integrating into Norwegian society. What follows will be part of an ongoing blog "series". The topics will not be in any particular order.  

Part 1 - The Grocery Store: 

The shopping methodology in a Norwegian grocery store is generally quite similar to shopping in a Canadian grocery store. There are aisles with shelves of products, coolers located on the perimeters and fresh produce in one area. There are however, a few key differences that should be pointed out. These differences occur at the point of purchase.  Upon arrival at the grocery till, the cashier will always without fail, mumble something quickly and incomprehensible to you, and wait.... This can be a potentially stressful moment for the new norwegian who is still unfamiliar with the language. All eyes seem to fall suddenly on you. Do not panic. Breath deeply. 

Key point #1 - In Norway grocery bags are not free You are asked if you would like bags and how many. 

Give them a number and they will pull give you bags. Each bag costs 1 kroner  (approx. 15 cents). The bags are freakishly strong and much more durable than the Canadian version. 

After having managed to secure bags one might be inclined to relax a little. You may at this point however, notice that your cashier is tossing your groceries to the far end of the conveyor belt....and they are simply piling up there. There is no one bagging your groceries. 

Key point # 2 - In Norway one must bag their own groceries. 

Run to the end and start filling the bags you just bought. You realize very quickly that bagging is a skill. In the midst of your bagging frenzy the cashier will then mumble something else to you. It usually sounds like grrr-something-erring....

Key point #3 - In Norway you are asked if you would like the receipt. 

Just say "ja" or "nei" followed by "takk". Resume packing your bags as quickly and efficiently as you can and go. If you are not out of your aisle fast enough the cashier starts hurling the next person in line's groceries down the belt at you.

Congratulations. You have just bought groceries!