How to get Norwegian friends?

Hi

I can understand that you feel sad because its war in Ukraine and that you miss your home town. The good thing is that you are safe here in Norway.

So nice that you are familiar with Ung and write to us about what you are wondering.

Many children and young people who come to Norway as Ukrainian refugees will probably recognize what you are saying here.

I can understand that you miss friends, but I believe that this will work out. You have only lived in Norway for two months and everything is new to you. You have a good command of English, which is good as Norwegians are generally quite good at English. It is often the case that many people refuse to speak English because they don't dare, and then it is often easy to pull away.

There are many young people of your age who generally find social life at school challenging, but who nevertheless do not dare to talk about it. The first step to getting better is that you dare to tell me about it. Thanks.

Have you talked to your teacher about the fact that you find it difficult to make friends at school? It could be that the teacher has seen that you are lonely? But am unsure if that is correct. If it is difficult to contact your teacher, the health nurse can help you get in touch. Together you can explain what your school day is like. There are several opportunities for teachers to help. When you are going in groups, it can be nice if your teacher knows who you want to get to know. Then he can manage the group composition in the class.

It is not always so easy to know what to talk about. Make follow-up questions and comments during a conversation. It shows that you are interested in what others are saying. It can often be a good idea to talk about something you have in common or that you are interested in. Then the conversation goes more easily. Example: “Hello! Did you watch the football match yesterday?” you can also try to remember non-verbal communication. Smiling, nodding and making eye contact in a conversation. In this way, you show that you are present and that you are interested in what is being said.

Your parents can also contact your teacher and explain the situation to him/her. The school is responsible for ensuring that all students have a good learning environment. The rector is the top leader there.

What interests and leisure activities did you used to pursue in Ukraine? Through such familiar activities, and in organized communities where you meet other young people with the same interest, this will be able to create security in an otherwise unfamiliar and difficult situation far from home.

Feel free to take a look at the attached articles and use google translate. In the one article there are ten tips you can get to make new friends. I would recommend you to talk to the health nurse at your school. She is used to answering questions from young people. You can also take a trip to the health center for young people. Here you will also meet a health nurse in addition to a doctor and other professionals. Here you can talk about, for example, friends, the body's development, falling in love, eating disorders, depression, grief, loneliness, difficult family relationships, drugs, violence, abuse and bullying and more.

I wish you all the best and take good care of yourself :-)

Med vennlig hilsen helsesykepleier ung.no