Life and Work of Filipinos in Stord, Norway

 

When you walk through the quiet streets of Stord, you might be surprised to find a little piece of the Philippines thriving on this small island in western Norway. Despite the distance from home, many Filipinos have built beautiful lives in this part of the world — working hard, raising families, and sharing their warmth with the local community.

Life in Stord for Filipinos

Living in Stord is a big change for many Filipinos, especially those who come from the busy cities of the Philippines. Stord is peaceful, slow-paced, and closely connected to nature. Life here means clean air, stunning views of the fjords, and quiet nights — a contrast to the lively streets of Manila or Cebu.

Most Filipinos quickly adjust to this new lifestyle, appreciating the safety, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life that Norway offers. Homes are cozy, neighborhoods are friendly, and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing become new hobbies for many kababayans.

Even simple moments — like watching the northern lights dance in the winter sky or picking wild berries in summer — become unforgettable memories.

Where Filipinos Work in Stord

1. Shipbuilding and Engineering

A lot of Filipinos work at Aker Solutions, one of the largest employers on the island. They are involved in:

• Welding

• Fitting and pipe installation

• Engineering and project planning

• Administration and office work

Their skills and hard work are highly valued, and many have built strong careers in the industry, some even working in Stord for more than a decade.

2. Healthcare

Some Filipinos work as:

• Nurses

• Healthcare assistants

• Caregivers in nursing homes

Their compassionate nature and dedication are greatly appreciated by the Norwegian healthcare system, especially in taking care of the elderly.

3. Education and Childcare

A growing number of Filipinos are working in:

• Schools (as teaching assistants)

• Kindergartens (barnehage assistants)

• Special needs support

Their patience, friendliness, and positive energy fit well in environments where nurturing young minds is essential.

4. Hospitality and Service

Some are employed in:

• Hotels

• Restaurants and cafes

• Cleaning services

Their excellent customer service skills and hardworking attitude make a strong impression in these fields.

5. Other Professions

You’ll also find Filipinos working as:

• Drivers

• IT support staff

• Small business owners

Some even run Filipino food businesses on the side — offering lumpia, pancit, and adobo to both Filipinos and curious Norwegians!

Community Life

Despite being far from home, Filipinos in Stord stick together. It’s common to hear about weekend gatherings, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations like:

• Christmas (complete with karaoke and potluck meals)

• Independence Day events

• Religious activities like Simbang Gabi or small prayer meetings

The Filipino community in Stord is close-knit. Newcomers are warmly welcomed, given advice about settling in, finding work, and even dealing with homesickness.

Challenges

Of course, life abroad is not always easy. Filipinos in Stord face challenges like:

• The language barrier (learning Norwegian, especially Nynorsk, can be tough)

• Adjusting to the cold, dark winters

• Missing family back home

But with strong community support, determination, and the typical Filipino resilience, they continue to thrive.

Final Thoughts

Filipinos in Stord show that no matter where life takes you, the spirit of hard work, warmth, and hope shines through. They have found ways to build a good life — balancing the opportunities of a new home while proudly carrying the heart of the Philippines wherever they go.

From the shipyards to the schools, from the hospitals to the small gatherings around kitchen tables, Filipinos are quietly making a beautiful difference in Stord — one smile, one song, and one hard day’s work at a time.