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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

What’s On, What’s Next, and What You’ll Thank Us For Later

  • Our Events Calendar

    We offer a range of events designed to bring people together in meaningful ways.

    Open to internationals, newcomers and their accompanying spouses; and local residents alike - our events aim to foster connection and a sense of community for all.

    Explore what’s coming up and join us in creating valuable experiences!

    Browse our full calendar of events

  • 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!  

    Tuesdays, 10:00-12:00 
    Nord Café, Markens Gate 4B, Kristiansand

  • 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! 

    Thursdays, 10:00-12:00 
    Kopano Kafé, Torvet 9, 4836 Arendal 

  • Drop-ins

    Have any questions or need advice on how best to move forward with issues related to settling in Agder or 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, 11:00-12:00 
    Kopano Café, Torvet 9, 4836 Arendal 

  • Talenter 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!

  • Be 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!

  • Board 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! 

    Wednesdays, 18:00 - 21:00
    Kopano Kafé, Torvet 9, 4836 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 and your new home

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 group

Find and explore local events, social and cultural hubs, and nearby locations through this interactive map. You can also create your own map! 

Explore with Places.nu (coming soon)

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
    I found Welcome Hub Agder right when I first moved to southern Norway. Searching for English-speaking communities to join, they've been warm and welcoming from day one, playing a big part in helping me settle into my new life here.
    Megan and Robin created a positive, encouraging space where newcomers like me felt truly seen and understood, free to ask all those “how does this work in Norway?” questions without any hesitation. Through events like the weekly Coffee Connections, the Job Start Course, and other networking opportunities with local companies and union reps, I've discovered a supportive community of people from all over the world in the same boat - sharing stories, building friendships, and finding real solidarity that helped me feel at home in Agder.

    And thanks to a job lead from Robin, I even landed a full-time role at a fantastic Norwegian company! But honestly, the sense of belonging I've gained means even more. I'm so deeply grateful to the whole team for everything they've done and the genuine warmth they've shown me.

    ANGIE WONG

    Moved to Arendal 
    from Singapore in 2025
    When I first relocated to Arendal from overseas, Welcome Hub was one of the first places that helped me feel grounded. Through their events, I met other parents and built a sense of community. After my daughter started barnehage, I joined a job course in Kristiansand and gained practical insights into the Norwegian job market.
    Welcome Hub also connected me to volunteering opportunities like Places.nu and social spaces such as Coffee Connection and Språkkafé, where I met people, shared stories, and practiced the language. They even supported me during my first job interview here by arranging mock interviews... the experience was incredibly encouraging and confidence-building.
    The family activities, networking events, and professional meetups helped me grow both personally and professionally and truly feel part of the community.

    AINI 
    SYAZANNA

    Moved to Arendal from 
    Malaysia in 2025
  • 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 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 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

NIR KEDAM

Moved to Grimstad from 
Israel in 2024
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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