In Tromsø, more than 100 nationalities are represented. However, getting a job for someone with no special skills or no knowledge of Norwegian is difficult. Hotel housekeeping and cleaning, along with fish processing are often the only options. Health workers are much in demand, though.
Most locals will be happy to teach you a few Norwegian words and phrases over a few beers at one of the many pubs and bars. Use them with care down below the Arctic Circle, as the local lingo is peppered with colourful profanities.
The University (http://www.uit.no) offers several Master programs in English, including the Peace Studies, Visual Anthropology, the International course of linguistics, Indigenous studies etc. Check if your university has some kind of co-operation with or recognition of the University of Tromsø.
Norwegian classes are hard to come by. Immigrants receive basic education at Voksenopplæringen i Tromsø kommune. The University organizes classes for its international staff. Foreigners who just want a quick introduction, have few or no options. Neither is there anything on offer for short term visitors who would like to learn Sami.
Tour operators
Tromsø Villmarkssenter
Dog-sledding, Hiking and Sea kayaking. In winter, they run a smooth operation with two daily dog sleddings, in the morning and in the evening. They are conveniently situated a mere 25 mins outside the city.
Arctic Adventure
Dog sled tours, glacier walks, kayaking expeditions and hunting. Your best bet if you are looking for more adventurous options.
Arctic Seacruises
Whale watching, boat charters. For the moment, the firm is not operational.
Lyngsfjord Adventure
In winter, dog sledding, reindeer sledding and snowmobiling, along with Northern Lights visits are available at this dark location in a dry climate, good for Northern Lights watching. In summer, the adventurous can join glacier walks, mountain hikes, mountain biking and canoeing.
Natur i Nord
Fishing, Hiking, cross-country skiing courses and snowshoeing. The "Northern Lights Bus" in winter has a high hit rate.
Tromsø Friluftssenter
Reindeer sledding and Northern Lights visits. Their location to the north of the city lights means they are a good place to watch the Northern Lights.
Summer
Telegrafbukta
On a warm summer day, visit the beach Telegrafbukta near the Tromsø Museum. Bring a picnic or barbeque small disposable grills, available in grocery stores, are popular here. If you dare, take a dip in the water--it may just have reached 11C/52F.
Tippeliga
Watch a soccer football match. Tromsø's team is in the Tippeliga the highest division. (http://www.til.no)
Go fishing!
You can try from the shore or even better from a boat. fewer species are fished than in southern norway, but the amount and the size is far better. common fish are coalfish, cod, halibut and seawolf. fishing trips are organized by the tourist information in summer, but you can just as well go to hella, next to an ocean current half an hour's drive out of the city.
Glacier walks
In the lyngen alps are on offer from troms㸠villmarkssenter and lyngsfjord adventure. do not go glacier walking without a guide, you might fall into a crack.
Kayaking
Is a good idea between the islands off tromsã¸, and trips are offered by both troms㸠villmarkssenter and arctic adventure
Hiking
Is safe and beautiful, although strenuous due to the topography. troms turlag in kirkegata 2 same house as the tourist information offers maps and good information. the mountains nearest to the city are suited for beginners. troms turlag (http://www.turistforening...) operates mountain refuges in the mountains on the mainland side, from north to south trollvassbu, nonsby, blã¥kollkoia and skarvassbu. non-members can stay here from nok 200/night. you just leave the sum there, and make use of woodfire and gas for cooking. bring a sleeping bag. this is a trust thing, so don't cheat!
Winter
Sportshuset
rents out cross country skis. There is a flood-lit cross country track all along the Island of Tromsø, and both on Kvaløya Island and on the mainland, there are plenty of tracks for the sunny late winter, in March/April. Natur i nord offers cross country crash courses. (http://www.naturinord.no/)
Dog-sledding
At the troms㸠villmarkssenter, arctic adventures or lyngen outdoor adventure
Snowmobiles
Are not allowed in the borough of tromsã¸, but in neighbouring [lyngen], you can speed up assisted by natur i nord
Reindeer sledding
At troms㸠friluftssenter or with lyngsfjord adventure in neighbouring tamokdalen