Depending on what part of the world you are moving from, Norway could be culturally and climatically very far removed from what you are used to. If you are moving from Northern Europe, the change will less dramatic than if you are moving from Central America or East Asia. The chances are that you have already visited and spent some time in Norway, if you have decided that you want to make the move over there.  If you haven't actually been there, it's sensible to try to book yourself a holiday and spent a couple of weeks travelling around the country. Talk to people and try to get a feel for the culture and sensibilities of Norwegian people. One of the biggest adjustments and potential barriers to living in a new country can be the language. If you don't speak Norwegian, you might have a tough time finding work and dealing with the administrative and bureaucratic processes of finding a place to live and register as a resident. Although English is widely spoken in Norway, it's a good idea to try to learn some basic Norwegian before you go.  Once you are there be sure to commit enough time to learning the language. Your experiences, relationships and opportunities will likely stay reasonably narrow if you can't operate in the local language. One of the biggest shocks to new arrivals in Norway might be the weather. Parts of Norway are in the Arctic circle, so you should expect plenty of cold, wind and rain. The weather does vary depending on weather you live close to the coast or more inland. As a general rule, the coastal areas will have milder winters, but will experience more wind and rain throughout the year.  The average winter temperature of Oslo is around -4 degrees Celsius, or 23 degree Fahrenheit. Winter snow and frosts can occur from October, all the way to April. In the summer months you can expect milder temperatures, and even the occasional heat wave. Norway has very long days in summer that can cause problems to people who have not experienced this before. In the winter, however, the long days are replaced by long nights. The impact of this will depend where you are moving from, but it can cause problems.  In the summer in Oslo, it will generally not get any darker than twilight. The further north you go, the longer the days. If you go far enough north you will reach a point where the sun doesn't set. In winter, the daylight in Oslo can be as brief as six hours. In Tromsø, above the Arctic circle, the sun does not rise for six weeks. One of the potential problems with living in Norway, is the relatively high cost of living. Housing costs and eating out can be expensive, and there are relatively high levels of taxation. Be sure to spend some time thinking about housing and other essential costs, as well as how much money you can expect to earn.
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One-sentence summary -- Visit first. Research the language and culture. Be prepared for the weather. Consider the length of days and night. Understand the cost of living.


Even though this measurement is taken across the front of your body, making it easier for you to handle the tape measure yourself, your shoulders and arms should still hang as naturally as possible during this process. As a result, asking someone else to take the measurement for you is advised.  Note that if you are only asked for "shoulder width" and not specifically for "front shoulder width," you should use your measurement for "back shoulder width." Back shoulder width is the standard measurement, while front shoulder width is much less common. Your front shoulder width will usually be close to or the same as your back shoulder width, but there can be slight differences based on age and weight. Certain conditions, like scoliosis and osteoporosis, can yield more dramatic differences. For a front shoulder width measurement, look for a tailored shirt that has a wide neckline or consider wearing a shirt with straps. This measurement deals with the supporting points of your shoulders rather than their truth width. As such, a shirt that illustrates how far these supporting points are is better than a snug shirt with a standard or high neckline. Ask your helper to lay the end of a tape measure flat against one shoulder point. Your helper should then extend the tape measure across the front of your body, following the natural curve of your shoulders, until it reaches the opposite shoulder point. The tape measure will not be horizontal or parallel to the floor. Instead, it must bend subtly along with the natural bend of your shoulders. This is your front shoulder width measurement. Write it down and save it for future reference.  Front shoulder width can technically be used for both men's and women's attire, but it is most commonly used when designing or tailoring women's attire. This measurement is typically used when designing or tailoring necklines. Your front shoulder width is the maximum width a neckline can be without falling off your shoulder. This measurement also makes it easier to space straps on bodices in a way that will prevent them from slipping off your shoulders.
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One-sentence summary --
Ask for help. Wear the right sort of shirt. Measure across the front of your body. Write down the measurement.