worldbook 560x236 Learning Norwegian in Stavanger: Johannes Læringssenter

Many expats who have moved here are curious about the Norwegian language lessons offered. Here is an account of my experience with Johannes Læringssenter.

Johannes Læringssenter (Storhaug)
Haugesund Gate 27
4014 Stavanger
51 50 66 00

First Impression

When I first tried to call the school to register myself, I was put on hold for more than 20 mins at a time without any response. I tried calling them many times over a few days but STILL got the same non-response. So, I decided to go to the school to register myself. However, when I got there, a sign on the office window stated that I can only register during these times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 1000 – 1400, Tuesday 1000 – 1700. They are closed on Fridays (this information was, by the way, not stated on their website!) Even though there was someone sitting behind the desk, they would not register me. I was not impressed and went away in a huff.

A Second Chance (for them)

I next went to the school during the stated registration hours and got to speak with one of the teachers. I can’t remember his name now but he was short, had a friendly face and silver hair. He was friendly, approachable and efficient. He found my name from the register and then had an ‘interview’ with me where he ascertained my level of Norwegian. After doing that, he assigned me to a Beginner 2 class.

There is a long waiting list to take the Norwegian course at Johannes however, if you are married to a Norwegian or if you have a duty to take these classes, you are escalated right to the top of the line. So for those who do not want to wait, the Folkeuniversitet is a much faster option (usually). They also have more intensive classes.

When you register yourself at Johannes, do not forget your passport/residence permit.

You might also need to get a tuberculosis vaccine and show documental proof of it before you start school. See if your country falls under this category.

Start of School

I was put in a class and had Berit Grov as my teacher. She was good and very patient with all the students in the class. In addition, she was attentive to those of us who had more knowledge of Norwegian. Almost immediately, she decided to send us off to her colleague who was teaching a more advanced class. However I decided to stay on in her class for one semester as I wanted a good foundation in grammer.

One of the disadvantages of studying Norwegian in Johannes was that not everyone was there because of their own will. Quite a few people were there just because they had to fulfill their 250 hours of Norwegian lessons. As such, learning was slow and in some of the classes, I had to really fight to keep myself awake.

Course Progression

The next semester, I was put in Martin’s class (can’t remember his last name now). He was a strict teacher and very very good. I learned a lot from him. He never wasted time and and pushed his students to do better and better. His favourite expressions were ‘listen now’ and ‘come on, time is money’! I discovered that as the Norwegian course progressed, the ‘just-had-to-be-theres’ were weeded out and people were more serious about learning. The classes then became more interesting as people were participating and not just watching the clock tick.

Timings of Classes

Johannes has morning, afternoon and evening classes. You can opt to attend classes 4 or 2 times a week.

Books Used

Beginner classes : Ny i Norge and På Vei are used. (Either book is used, not both. Depends on the teacher.)
Intermediate classes: Stein På Stein (they might even use Nøkler til Norge but this I’m not sure)
Advanced classes: Her På Berget

Books can be bought at Norli or Ark Berge or borrowed from the library. There are websites where you can do online Norwegian exercises as well:

På Vei, Stein På Stein, Her På Berget and Norwegian Grammer.

Exams

You will sit for several tests during the course of your study in Johannes. Your teacher will also give you written feedback (a report card!) on your performance throughout the course.

Norwegian Test 1 (norskprøve 1) is taken in the school.

Norwegian Test 2 and 3 (norskprøve 2 og 3) are taken externally. Once you have passed Norwegian Test 3, you are considered to have fulfilled your 300 hours of compulsory Norwegian education.

Social Studies Classes

All those who are obligated to take the 300 hours of Norwegian education (250 hours of Norwegian language classes and 50 hours of social studies) have to go for the social studies classes. This class, taught in English or your mother tongue (if it’s available), basically teaches you about culture in Norway and gives you practical information about living in Norway. I went for 2 classes and stopped as soon as I found out that once you pass the Norwegian Test 2 or 3, you are exempt from attending the social studies classes. It was way too much for me, having to spend 3 evenings a week at Johannes.

Also, if you have a Norwegian partner, you will probably not find the social studies classes useful as you would already know almost everything from your partner.

Cost

Norwegian language lessons are free for those who are married to Norwegians and for some of those who are obligated to take these lessons. You are also most likely able to claim the course fees from your company (ask, ask, ask! )

Otherwise the lessons cost around 3500 NOK for each semester.

Hope this information helps. Do feel free to share your experiences as well!

Learning Norwegian in Stavanger: Johannes Læringssenter

About Cynthia Myrnes

Cynthia is a Singaporean who has been living in Stavanger since Feb 2008 with her Norwegian husband. She works as a physiotherapist here and also owns her own petsitting service, Stavanger Petsitter, for the residents of Stavanger. In addition, she manages the Stavanger International Moms group. She loves hanging out with friends, spending time with animals, travelling and watersports such as scuba diving and wake boarding. Most of all, she is enjoying the experience of being a first time mom!