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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

Events and courses to attend

  • 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.

  • 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.

    Thursdays, 10:00-12:00 (Back 16th January)
    Poléoland, Torvgaten 7, Arendal 

  • Drop-in

    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.

    Thursdays, 10:00-13:00 (Back 16th January)
    Welcome Hub Agder, Torvgaten 7, Arendal

  • Talent Hub Drop-in

    Our Talent Hub Intro & Drop-In session is a monthly meeting for newcomers held on the third Thursday of every month. Here, newcomers are introduced to our Talent Hub programme and can sign-up to work with a specialist who can help them with their job search process. A Drop-In hour will follow this session and everyone is welcome to attend. 

    Thursday 23rd January, 12:00-14:00 
    Welcome Hub Agder, Torvgaten 7, Arendal

  • International Pub Night

    Start the year off right at our International Pub Night this January. It’s your chance to meet people from all over the world without leaving the city! It’s a fantastic way to celebrate diversity, connect with others, and make memories that will last all year long. Mark your calendars – we can’t wait to see you there!

    Friday 24th January, 19:00 onwards
    Steenhuset Vinbar, Teaterplassen 1, Arendal

  • Welcome to Agder 

    Welcome to Agder is a meeting held on the first Thursday of every month where we get to know you and you get to know us. So if you've moved to Norway for a job or you're an accompanying spouse, come get acquainted with us. Let us show you what we can do to help you settle down in Agder easily and comfortably. 

    Thursday 6th February, 9:30-11:00
    Welcome Hub Agder, Torvgaten 7, Arendal

  • The Arendal WIne Society

    Ready to raise a glass to good times? Join the Arendal Wine Society—a welcoming community where wine lovers come together to explore, taste, and celebrate the world of wine. Whether you speak fluent vino or are just starting your wine journey, everyone is welcome!

    Thursday 6th February, 18:30-21:00 
    Welcome Hub Agder, Torvgaten 7, Arendal 

Become a Welcome Hub Agder member now!

Sign up to become a WHA member and be the first to receive our newsletter and other information about our upcoming events, networking opportunities and other cultural events that are taking place in English.
Sign up

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. 

Register here

Connect with WHA on social media

Join our WhatsApp group called Welcome Hub and get the latest updates and news  about Coffee Connections, Community Hub, Talent Hub and our Norwegian courses.
Join WhatsApp group
Join the WHA WhatsApp group

Follow us on Facebook to get information about our upcoming events and networking opportunities.

Follow WHA on Facebook

Follow our active Facebook group for internationals, newcomers & friends in Arendal. 

Follow the WHA international community on Facebook

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 Batteries
    Relocating 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 2024
    Norse 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-NOV
    Welcome 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 2019
    As 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 was great. We got useful information about Norwegian culture at work, what employers here expect, which will help us fit in better. Speakers from different fields shared valuable information with us and were always happy to answer our questions (and we had many questions!). I believe everyone who attends this course will find something useful and helpful for their life in Norway.

    ANNE KURUS

    Moved to Arendal from Sweden in 2023
    Welcome 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 2022
    Welcome 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 2022
    Welcome 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 is a programme operated by Inklusiv Agder AS in collaboration with the Arendal Municipality, as an integrated part of the community to welcome international talent and their families to Arendal and Agder.
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