Moving to another country often starts with a sense of curiosity or adventure. For Jan Seemann, that impulse led him from northern Germany to the Southwest of Norway, almost twenty years ago.
Originally from Bremen, Seemann was working in the eye department of a German hospital when he started to feel that it was time for a change. “I have always had an adventurous side,” he explains. “After two years in the hospital I felt it was time to move, both to see something new but also to be closer to the mountains.”
He faced a choice between heading south to the Alps or travelling in the opposite direction. “I decided to move north. And have never regretted that decision.”
Jan is the head of the ophthalmology department at Helse Fonna in Haugesund.
Jan enjoying the Norwegian mountains
Settling into Norwegian life
Arriving in a new country often brings challenges, but Seemann’s first year in Norway turned out to be relatively smooth. “People were really helpful, and coming from Germany, learning the language was not difficult.”
Unlike many newcomers today, he says there was little formal support available at the time. Instead, his colleagues played an important role in helping him settle in.
Openness and respect help build social connections
Over time, Seemann built strong connections in the region, both socially and professionally. According to him, integrating into Norwegian society requires openness and respect.
“The most important thing is to be open-minded and to respect the culture.” He also stresses that learning Norwegian is essential. “Without learning the language it is much harder to make real friends and you will not integrate properly,” he says.
He also believes that newcomers benefit from seeking friendships with Norwegians rather than staying only within international circles. “You have to aim for Norwegian friends. If you only spend time with other foreigners, you will never really feel at home.”
For Seemann, the feeling of being at home in Norway came sooner than he expected. “After a few months I already felt it,” he says, although he acknowledges that it could take longer for other people.
Connection to nature
One of the biggest differences Seemann noticed after moving was the balance between work and personal life. “There is a better work-life balance here, fewer people and less stress” he says. “And very important for me: nice mountains to live and play in.”
That connection to nature remains one of the aspects he values most about life in Southwest Norway.
Over the years he has also adopted many local habits, perhaps even more than he realises himself, according to friends. “Many of my friends say I have become more Norwegian than they are,” he says with a smile.
Advice for future newcomers: just do it!
For anyone considering making a similar move, Seemann offers simple advice. “Learn the language, be humble and respectful and just do it.”
In this video, you can hear more about Jan’s story:
Learn more about the Haugesund region.