Welcome Hub Agder
Welcome Hub Agder connects new residents with everything they need to “become a local!” in Arendal and Agder.
So let us help you get comfortable. Get in touch with us if you do not find the info you need on our website.
Become a local with us
What’s On, What’s Next, and What You’ll Thank Us For Later
Easter Break
Our weekly events will be taking a short break over Easter and will return after the break.
Please check this page and our events calendar for the latest updates on when your favourite events will be resuming.
We wish everyone a relaxing Easter break! God påske!
Coffee Connections - Kristiansand
Want to be a part of building a stronger international community in Kristiansand with us? Coffee Connections Kristiansand is an informal meeting place where internationals and newcomers to the region (Norwegians too) come together for a weekly coffee and a chat!
Back Tuesday 22nd April, 10:00-12:00
Nord Café, Markens Gate 4B, KristiansandInfo Session on Job Start Course Kristiansand
So you’ve heard that our Job Start Course is coming to Kristiansand but you’re not sure what the course is about? Then join us for an Information Session to learn all about it!
Tuesday 22nd April, 12:00
Nord Café, Markens Gate 4B, KristiansandJob Start Course Kristiansand
Our Job Start Course is heading to Kristiansand! If you're an international or an accompanying spouse of an international looking for job opportunities in Norway, then this free 2-day course is just what you need. Registration required.
Tuesday 29th & Thursday 30th April
08:30-15:00
Dronningens gate 2A, 4610 KristiansandBoard Game Night
Join us for a fun board game night. This is a prefect opportunity to play a few games and make new friends at the same time! There will be a selection of board games available, but you are welcome to bring your own. No experience with board games is required. All are welcome!
Back Wednesday 30th April, 18:00 - 21:00
Kopano Kafé, Torvet 9, 4836 ArendalWe have moved!
If you haven’t heard yet, we have moved! We are now at Kopano Cafe, Torvet 7. We're working hard to create an amazing welcome centre at the new location for both locals and internationals. So while most of our events and activities will be held at Kopano, a few may take place at Eurekabygget, Kystveien 2 or at our previous location at Torvgaten 7 for the time being. Please take note of the location when attending our events. Thank you for your patience and support!
Coffee Connections
Coffee Connections is the go to if you're new in Agder and would like to connect with people, exchange ideas and share tips on the everyday challenges of living in a new country. Come check out our new space and share your ideas with us. We'd love to hear your input. Let’s make this new location truly amazing together!
Back Thursday, 24th April, 10:00-12:00
Kopano Kafé, Torvet 9, 4836 ArendalDrop-in at our new location
Have any questions? Need advice on how best to move forward with issues related to settling in Agder and getting a job? We've got your back! Contact us to let us know you'll be coming over. We'd love to meet and help you.
Back Thursday, 24th April, 10:00-12:00
Kopano Café, Torvet 9, 4836 ArendalSpanish Language Café
This weekly Spanish Language Café is open to learners of all levels and is absolutely free. Take this opportunity to practice speaking and listening in a relaxed and informal environment.
Back Thursday, 24th April, 16:15-17:15
Arendal Voksenopplæring, 2nd floor, Kystveien 2, ArendalTalenter i Nettverk
Talenter i nettverk er et initiativ under vårt Talent Hub-program som hjelper nykommere med å finne sin plass og blomstre i profesjonelle og sosiale miljøer. Ved å dele nettverk, tid og ekspertise skaper vi forbindelser som fremmer tilhørighet og vekst. Finn ut hvordan du kan bli en del av dette initiativet!
Norwegian courses
Moving to a new country is both exciting and challenging, and learning the local language can make a world of difference. We are offering you the opportunity to learn Norwegian with the excellent teachers at the Arendal Adult Learning Centre in our Norwegian course for beginners.
Welcome to Agder
Join us for our monthly meeting to warmly welcome newcomers who have found a job and relocated to Agder! We’ll discuss the range of services we offer to help you settle in and thrive in our community. Spouses are also invited to join us for an informative session about our courses and events designed to help you find a job. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and discover valuable resources.
Thursday 8th May, 9:30-11:00
Eurekabygget, Kystveien 2, 4841 ArendalBe a Volunteer
We're looking for volunteers to make a positive impact in our community.
Joining us means more than just signing up—it's about connecting, sharing ideas, and driving change together. Come to our weekly meeting to learn about upcoming projects and get involved.
Whether you can spare a few hours or want to commit long-term, we have a place for you.
Get in touch today!
Become a Welcome Hub Agder member now!
Join the WHA network of organisations
Are you a service provider? A volunteer organisation? A special interest or non-profit organisation? Would you like to reach out to newcomers in Arendal and Agder? Then be part of WHA's network. Together we can work to connect newcomers in the area to services, events, networking opportunities and the information they need to navigate the Norwegian system.
Connect with WHA on social media
Join the WHA WhatsApp group
Follow us on Facebook to get information about our upcoming events and networking opportunities.
Follow our active Facebook group for internationals, newcomers & friends in Arendal.
What members of our community say
- Relocating can be challenging, and integrating into the local community is crucial for stability. Our partnership with Welcome Hub helps support international employees by providing assistance with housing and school recommendations before our employees relocate to Agder. Including WHA’s programmes like ‘Welcome to Agder’ and ‘Coffee Connections’ as part of our internal onboarding process ensures employees and their families feel connected and settled from the start.
ELISABETH MEIDEL
EVP People & Culture, Morrow BatteriesRelocating a family to a new country for the first time can be highly stressful: where would be a good place to live? What schools and kindergartens are located in the area? Finding a job, getting a car or a mobile subscription, shopping for essentials, the list goes on.... A friendly personal support goes a long way to reduce stress and get things going. We found ours with Welcome Hub Agder. They helped us establish contact with landlords and guided us through the process of renting in Norway, making sure that we found the perfect home. Thank you for being there for us!NIR KEDAM
Moved to Grimstad from Israel in 2024 - As a new employee relocating to Norway with language difficulties and physical challenges, securing housing and navigating the rental process felt overwhelming. As a new employee relocating to Norway with language difficulties and physical challenges, securing housing and navigating the rental process felt overwhelming. However, with the invaluable housing assistance provided by Welcome Hub Agder, my transition was made significantly smoother. They played a pivotal role in helping me communicate with landlords easily and understanding the complexities of securing accommodation. Additionally, as a participant in the Welcome Hub onboarding event, I gained invaluable insights into the Norwegian work environment. In a short time, I gained knowledge that would typically take months to acquire, making the process of settling into both work and life in Norway much easier. Their support has truly been a lifeline for me in this transition."
JUYEON PARK
Moved to Arendal from the UK in 2024Norse Atlantic Airways employs 120 staff from 30 different nationalities in Arendal. We've greatly benefited from our close collaboration with Welcome Hub Arendal, which ensures that our employees are well-supported upon their arrival.
They are like an “open house” - they create a welcoming environment that helps integrate our employees into the community, through various activities addressing both major and minor issues. Welcome Hub is an excellent resource for newcomers, including their partners and children, making it a truly fantastic concept!GRETHE NILSEN
People Office Coordinator, Norse Atlantic Airways - The services that Welcome Hub provides are crucial for us as a global company to both attract and retain employees. The services gives international workers along with their spouse/significant other and family, the ability to start working on a network once they touch ground in our town. Moving across borders is a huge upheaval for everyone, and having someone who can help out with networking and settlement support is defined by us in APL | NOV as a crucial factor for international employees to strive and prosper here in Arendal.
JOHNNY GAUSLAA LIM
Senior Manager FP&A, APL-NOVWelcome Hub Agder plays a decisive role in strengthening the region's attractiveness as a working region, particularly when it comes to attracting and retaining international jobseekers. By offering support, information and activities that are adapted to the needs of new arrivals, Welcome Hub helps to make the transition to Norwegian society smoother.ANETTE SORENSEN
Chief Culture Officer, GRID-Arendal - I wish there was a “Welcome Hub” when I first came to Arendal. By participating in the Job Start Course I gained a lot of important information about the process of finding a job in Norway and about understanding the Norwegian culture, and this boosted my confidence. I liked that it was an interactive course and not just speeches with general advice. It was very interesting to meet people of different backgrounds.
ILIANA GKOUTZOU
Moved to Arendal from Greece in 2019As a participant in the Job Start Agder course, I've experienced firsthand the invaluable insights they offer into Norway's work environment. In just a short duration, they impart knowledge that might otherwise take months to acquire. Welcome Hub Agder serves as the crucial bridge between employees and employers, facilitating connections and providing essential guidance for navigating the professional landscape effectively.MOHAMMAD ARIF PAYENDA
Moved to Grimstad from Afghanistan in 2022 - Attending the Job Start Agder course gave me useful information about Norwegian work culture and what employers here expect, which helped me fit in better. Speakers from different fields shared valuable information with us and I believe everyone who attends this course will find it useful in their job search process.
ANNA KURUS
Moved to Arendal from Sweden in 2023Welcome Hub has transformed my perspective on Norwegian work culture and the recruitment process. Through their Job Start Agder Course, I have acquired the skills, confidence, and invaluable insights into Norwegian corporate culture, which have prepared me for success in today's competitive job market.PARTHESH GAIKWAD
Moved to Arendal from South Korea in 2020 - The first event I attended that was organised by WHA was a presentation on how to buy a house in Norway. Since then, I try to participate in as many events as possible because all of them help my family and I to learn more about the local community and meet new people to build lasting relationships. WHA opened the door for us to integrate into society. We are happy!
TAMAS POCZE
Moved to Arendal from Hungary in 2022Welcome Hub always has a backup plan for you and it surprises you with fun and innovative ideas. From mushroom courses to Norwegian courses and sports activities, I keep on learning and connecting with people that share the same passions and have compelling stories to tell and inspire.GIOTA KOUTMA
Moved to Arendal from Greece in 2022 - Welcome Hub has been a beacon of hope for me, as I adapt to a life in Norway. The team at WHA support, encourage and guide with unconditional love and kindness. Through the WHA initiative I have established strong roots and lasting friendships, and I am honored to be part of this generous community.
ANAT DAGAN
Moved to Arendal from Israel in 2022Welcome Hub has become an important part of my life. Coffee Connections on Thursdays has become a time in the week where I meet new people, share experiences and ask questions related to life in Norway. The WHA team is passionate about 'making you feel welcome'.LIANNE HUISINTVELD
Moved to Arendal from the Netherlands in 2022
Welcome Hub Agder
