How is life in Svalbard?

Life in Svalbard is an extreme,,, remote, and breathtaking arctic experience in Norway, defined by 24-hour darkness (polar night) in winter and constant daylight (midnight sun) in summer. Residents live in a highly regulated, safe community, with Longyearbyen offering modern amenities, but requiring firearms for polar bear protection outside town.

Is Svalbard expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Svalbard is approximately the same as in the rest of Norway. Stipulated costs for accommodation and food is approximately NOK 10 000 per month. All travel expenses to and from Longyearbyen must be paid by the student.

Can Brits move to Svalbard?

Regulations regarding entry to Svalbard

This means that citizens of all countries that are signatories to the treaty have the same right of access to and residence on Svalbard. Svalbard is not part of the Schengen co-operation, and foreigners need neither a visa nor a work or residence permit to stay on Svalbard.

What is the 23-5 rule in Norway?

Norway's 23/5 rule is a pathway to university admission for adults (aged 23+) without standard qualifications, requiring them to have 5 years of combined education/work experience and pass specific core subjects (Norwegian, English, Math, Science, History, Social Studies) to gain general university admissions certification. This rule provides a "second chance" for vocational students or those who didn't complete general upper secondary education, allowing them to qualify for higher education by demonstrating maturity and foundational subject knowledge. 

What are the main jobs in Svalbard?

The economy of Svalbard is dominated by coal mining, tourism and research.

The remote archipelago of Svalbard | DW Documentary

Does Svalbard have a school?

The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) is the world's northernmost institution of higher education, located in Longyearbyen at 78º N. UNIS offers high quality research based courses at bachelor, master, and PhD level in Arctic Biology, Arctic Geology, Arctic Geophysics and Arctic Technology.

Which is better to live, the UK or Norway?

Norway consistently ranks highly for work-life balance. Although the standard working week is legally on par with the UK, at 40 hours, many workplaces offer a 37.5 working week. Typically, business offer flexible hours and full time employees are entitled to a minimum of five weeks' annual leave.

Can you fly from the UK to Svalbard?

By booking early you may find some of the best deals for Svalbard flights from the UK, including Svalbard direct flights. You can usually find affordable and cheap flights to Svalbard, whether one-way from £53 or round-trip from £96, with Expedia if you book your trip far enough in advance.

Can I buy a house in Svalbard?

If you are selling or buying housing, cabins, appartements, boathouses, storage units etc. on Svalbard, you need the consent of the Norwegian government, i.e. the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, as the state owns the land on which the building sits.

What money do they use in Svalbard?

What currency is used in Svalbard? The currency in Svalbard is Norwegian kroner (NOK). The shops in Longyearbyen prefer the use of cards rather than cash for payments.

Do they have police in Svalbard?

Svalbard is its own police district. The Governor has the same authority as a chief of police on the Norwegian mainland. This includes prosecuting authority in Svalbard. The police in Svalbard have the same responsibilities as the Norwegian Police Service on the mainland.

How do people in Svalbard make money?

Mineral extraction in Svalbard

Unfortunately, due to the remoteness of Svalbard, coal mining is vital for economic development - it is actually the main economic activity, employing over 300 people in the coal mines and in a range of other supporting roles.

How do I move to Svalbard from the UK?

Technically, it's easy to move to Svalbard. That's because the archipelago is an entirely visa-free zone and you do not need a residence permit to live on Svalbard.

Is there a hospital on Svalbard?

When traveling to Svalbard, please be informed that there is limited health care capacity available to visitors. Longyearbyen Hospital is a small hospital, dimensioned to serve a limited number of people, primarily the local inhabitants. The hospital is only equipped and manned to take care of emergencies.

Can British retire to Norway?

To retire in Norway, you'll need a residence permit. Consider the Family Immigration Permit (if you have family ties), Self-Sufficiency Permit (sufficient funds and private health insurance), or Work Permit (leading to residency).

How long is a normal school day in Norway?

Students usually have seven periods a day, and go to school 5 days a week in Norway. Most of the schools start around 8 or 9 am and end about 3 pm, depending on the breaks during the day. There is normally a break of 10 minutes between each period, as well as a longer lunch break around noon.

Can I survive in Norway with only English?

Can you get by with only English in Oslo? Yes, to a certain extent. Most Norwegians have a reasonable level of English, and Oslo is also a quite international city with many foreigners also speaking English and their own mother tongues.