I like the sound of Scandinavian language and wanted to live in a country that believes in freedom and democracy

Associate Professor and teacher at UiS (University of Stavanger), Damiano Rotondo, has left Francavilla Fontana in the south of Italy – because he loves the sound of the Norwegians. And quite a few other things, too. Now, he lives the perfect life in Stavanger – in an international environment with friendly colleagues, and a society built on mutual respect.

The Italian who fell in love with the Norwegian language

He loves the musical sound of the Norwegian language. Based on this, he decided many years ago that he was going North. Damiano Rotondo is an Italian who came to Norway for the freedom and democracy, the tolerant way of living, and the culture of equality.

- As a scientist and teacher, I experience a much closer relationship between students and teachers, and between leaders and employees, than I’ve seen anywhere else, says Damiano.

He left Italy, and now works as an Associate professor at the University of Stavanger.

When Damiano had finished his PhD in Spain, he went to Trondheim and then back to Spain to work as a researcher. Here, Rotondo met his wife, who is from Panama. But Damiano couldn´t forget about Norway. So, he came back, and brought his wife with him.

- We live 100 meters from the beautiful surroundings at Mosvannet, and close to the city of Stavanger. We use public transport or bikes every day, and rent a car if we need it. Yes, from time to time there are too many clouds, and heavy rain, but the temperature is mild, and the summers are lovely. We have definitely come to stay!

Marijin and Arjan Van den Akker – The Netherlands

Marijn, to the left, and Arjan van den Akker moved to Norway from The Netherlands in 2021, after being hired by EXPO Fair in Amsterdam. The Norwegian work-life balance made them decide to stay.

10 Reasons

Jie Gao – China

Jie Gao (35) has been in Norway for almost three years working in the battery cell industry at the company Beyonder. He worked in the same industry in China, and has experience in electricity, battery production and energy storage systems. “The work in Norway is much more relaxed than it is in China”, Jie says.

10 Reasons

Craig Noerman – Australia

At a small, beautiful place called Jelsa, Craig and his wife Trude are enjoying a long weekend. Normally, they run a restaurant “The Garden” in the city of Stavanger.

10 Reasons

Pablo Alberto Lopez Barrera

I started as a CEO six months ago and dove into several challenges such as the power crisis and the fear of a lower energy supply. The power prices are at an all-time high, and Norwegians have experienced electricity challenges for the first time in a very long time. On the positive side, Norwegians are more aware of their electricity consumption.