What is difficult for a foreigner living in Norway?

Some of our participants who are out working twice a week as part of their Norwegian studies, have discussed several questions about what they think is difficult for them living in Norway. We split the group in two; one with 4 women and the other with 4 men. To my big surprise, their answers were quite different - but maybe our men set a more long term focus on the problem than the women did. So, this is some of their answers:

The men claimed that the following were difficult in Norway:
- to get the first job
- to get your previous education and practice accepted by the Government
- to find Norwegian friends
- to get the driving license (expencive and difficult language)
- to learn Norwegian in general
- to live so far from family and friends

The woman said it was difficult to:
- order food from cafeterias and restaurants
- walk in the snow and on icy roads (especially with high heels)
- live here in wintertime
- rent a house or a flat which is affordable
- find friends

As you might guess, we had some good laughs while the lists were read loudly to all. But our conclusion were that finding jobs and native friends are challenging in a new country.