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2 minute read
Helena was born in Paris and raised in Montpellier, but her path eventually led north. With a job opportunity at Subsea 7 and a growing interest in living in northern Europe, she made the move to Stavanger — a city that’s turned out to be a good fit in more ways than one.
“I came to Norway for work,” she says, “but also because I wanted to live in northern Europe.” Today, she works as a project engineer, specialising in offshore installation of flexible pipelines. “What I enjoy the most is the diversity in tasks and the offshore part of my job,” Helena shares.
Settling into life in Norway was relatively smooth. “I’m European, so the basics of the culture are similar,” she says, though she admits there are differences between north and south. “I think settling in Stavanger specifically is easier because of the number of foreigners — you definitely don’t feel alone.” She also highlights Subsea 7’s graduate programme, which helps newcomers meet others early on, and notes that Norwegians’ strong English skills make integration much easier.
Her first impression of Stavanger? “It felt small,” she laughs. But that quickly changed. “The more I discover it, the more I appreciate the size of the city — and especially the proximity to nature. Forest, beach, mountains, fjords. Lysefjord is absolutely stunning, and there are so many great camping options.”
Community life has played an important role in feeling at home. Helena trains regularly at a local CrossFit box, where she’s found both motivation and friends. “The CrossFit community here is amazing. I’ve met great people and feel like I’m part of a big family.” Outside the gym, she’s drawn to nature and staying active — with plans to try wingsurfing and triathlon this year.
Evenings tend to be calm, with early starts at work and quiet weeknights, but weekends are often spent hiking, exploring the region or heading to a cabin near the fjords or in Sirdal. “If the weather’s good, I’ll go car camping from time to time,” she says.
When asked what she values most about life in Norway, Helena points to safety and trust. “Here, you feel safe — and you trust others. I don’t worry about leaving my car unlocked anymore or walking home alone at night.”
But not everything has been effortless. Like many newcomers, she found the dark winter months difficult. “There’s not much you can do about the darkness,” she admits. “But having a home you enjoy and friends to spend cosy evenings with really helps keep your mood up from November to March.”
Her advice for others thinking about moving to Norway for work? “It’s a great place to live. If you’re ready to face winter and love doing outdoor activities, it’s a great place to be.”
