[citation needed] Oberg was born to Finnish parents in Nanaimo, British Columbia in 1901.

[citation needed] Oberg continued to spend much of his time in the United States, teaching in university systems in both Missouri and Montana, and became a U.S. citizen in 1944.

Along with teaching in the United States, Oberg spent time both as a student and teacher in foreign countries.

While in São Paulo, he taught at the Free School of Sociology and Political Science, however didn't obtain a permanent position.

Oberg gave a talk to the Women's Club of Rio de Janeiro on August 3, 1954, explaining feelings common to those facing their first cross-cultural experience.