Norwegian and validation
I did the whole US thing and had a few thousand hours and an ATP when I returned to Norway.
The only way to get away with only doing 2 (of 14) exams for the ATPL is if you have more than 3000 hours PIC on aircraft exceeding 30 000kg MGW in international flying. Otherwise you'll have to sit the whole 14 exams.
Norwegian requires all candidates to have a JAA license with a 737 typerating at time of employment. They have a lot of applicants and do not accept validation. Unless you maybe know someone at the top and get a special deal.