Life in Norway – Tiffany Tang ’97
- MH European Alum Council
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 24
We are delighted to share our latest Global Lives feature, for a light and fun exploration of living and working in different cultures and countries. To get us started, we are heading to northern Europe!
Let's visit Oslo, Norway, with Tiffany Tang class of 1997 as our guide:
Mount Holyoke alum Tiffany Tang shares her experience living in Oslo, Norway, where she teaches theatre at an arts college and has rekindled her connection to her heritage...
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a California girl with an artistic heart. After college, my love of writing and theatre took me from New York to Los Angeles and now to Oslo, Norway, where I teach theatre at an arts college.
What first brought you to Norway— and what made you stay?
Fate, a job offer and rekindling a long lost connection to my Norwegian heritage brought me here…finding a place where I now feel the most myself has made me stay.
How did your MHC experience help shape your life or dreams?
MHC taught me about my own power, and I have continually seen that modelled throughout my life - from the close MHC friends I still have, to the new connections I am meeting all of the time through the alum networks, to the alums making waves in the world - I feel that no matter what I do or what hard decision or transition I am making, there is an army of strong women behind me, around me and in front of me. Also, having professors who believed in me and my gifts continues to be a meaningful touchstone throughout my life.
What’s something surprising or special about living in Norway that people might not expect?
Even though it is dark so much of the year, it is a very magical time. Norwegians make the winter months very, very “koselig” - cozy! - with candles and outdoor bonfires and twinkle lights. Bonus magic if the aurora is dancing.
Favorite local tradition, food, or custom you love?
Taking a sauna has become a favorite activity - often with a small group of people and sometimes on a “sauna boat” that cruises out into the fjord where we can take dips in the freezing water in between sauna sessions. The normalcy of doing this for fun and to regulate the body throughout the year feels so Norwegian to me.
What’s a “typical day” like for you — and what part of it feels extra Norwegian?
I am a professor at a private college that has a conservatory theatre program, so my day starts early. When the weather is nice, I like to walk to work along the river, which takes about 45 minutes. I teach the fundamentals of Method Acting to musical theatre and acting students, so each day starts with a meditative and imaginative class in Sensory Work, followed by various scene study and character projects. The campus is right next to the royal palace, so I use the palace gardens from time to time to hold class outside. Public access to these gardens - and all of nature in Norway - is prioritized as a cultural value called “friluftsliv,” which literally translates to “free air life.” When I finish in the late afternoon, I usually have a glass of something with my work colleagues, friends (including a few MHC alums!) or Norwegian cousins, followed sometimes by seeing theatre or opera in the city.
What’s one small thing about daily life there that you truly appreciate?
It isn’t small, but I appreciate the general safety I enjoy here, especially as a woman often navigating the city alone after late nights at the theatre. There is a beautiful care that the community in Norway takes of each other, another cultural value that is deeply felt in this sense of safety and well-being I experience. But also, I love that the bathrooms have heating in the floors.
What are your top 3 reasons for staying in Norway?
The prioritization of access to nature, the close connection to intriguing places on this side of the world and the ever-deepening relationship with my Norwegian cousins, many of whom still live on the family farm in the west where my great-grandfather was born in 1885.
Do you miss anything from your home country?
Mexican food.
Do you have a special tip for alums who wish to visit Norway?
Go west. Oslo is great, but the beauty of Norway is truly in the majestic western coastline. Also, the long summers are utterly glorious, so it is a lovely time to visit and take advantage of the many hours of light to explore the country. And don’t be afraid to visit if you don’t speak Norwegian - English is very commonly used here. But “takk” (“thanks!”) and “ha det bra” (basically “see ya!”) go a long way.
Answers collated and edited by Delia Youssef ’15 & Silvia Maulini '80
Please get in touch if you would like to share your country, or would like to suggest a feature!
