When I arrived in Norway, everything felt overwhelming. My buddy Maria helped me understand the unwritten rules of Norwegian culture — like how to use Vipps, where to find affordable groceries, and why everyone disappears to their hytte on weekends. Now I feel like I actually belong here.
Free friendship program
Find a Friend in Norway — Join the Buddy Program
Connect with local Norwegians for friendship, language practice, and help navigating life in your new city. Join group events, meet other Ukrainians, and feel at home — all completely free.
Looking for career support? Try Mentors for Ukraine
Where in Norway do you live?
Select Your City to ContinueOnline events are open to everyone in Norway
More Than Language — Real Connection
Moving to a new country is about more than finding a job or learning the language. It's about feeling like you belong.
The Buddy Program matches you with a Norwegian volunteer who wants to help you settle in. Meet for coffee, explore your city together, practice Norwegian or English, or simply have someone to talk to who understands local life.
You'll also get access to group events — nature trips, cultural activities, dinners, and gatherings with other Ukrainians and Norwegians in your city.
This is friendship, not formal mentoring.
Your buddy is a local friend, not a career advisor or teacher. For professional guidance, see Mentors for Ukraine . For structured language learning, see Language Courses .
Find Your Buddy + Join Our Events
Option 1
One-to-One Buddy Matching
Get matched with a local Norwegian
We pair you with a volunteer based on your city, interests, and what you're looking for. Your buddy might:
- Meet you regularly for social activities
- Show you around your neighbourhood
- Help you understand Norwegian customs and systems
- Practice Norwegian or English conversation with you
- Introduce you to local activities and places
- Simply be a friendly face when you need one
You and your buddy decide together how often to meet and what to do. There's no set schedule — it's a real friendship, built at your own pace.
Option 2
Group Events
Join activities with other Ukrainians and Norwegians
Throughout the year, we organise events in cities across Norway:
- Hiking trips and forest walks
- Seasonal activities (berry picking, skiing, swimming)
- Exploring Norwegian nature together
You can join events even if you don't have a buddy yet — it's a great way to meet people.
Cities with Buddy Program Activities
Oslo
Regular events and active buddy matching
Bergen
Events and buddy matching available
Stavanger
Events and buddy matching available
Trondheim
Events and buddy matching available
Kristiansand
Events and buddy matching available
Drammen
Events and buddy matching available
Don't see your city? Sign up anyway — we're expanding, and online events are open to everyone in Norway.
From Sign-Up to Your First Meeting
1
Register Online
Fill out a short form telling us about yourself — your city, interests, languages, and what kind of support would help most.
2
We Find Your Match
Our team looks for a Norwegian buddy who fits your preferences and location. This may take a little time depending on volunteer availability in your area.
3
Get Introduced
Once we find a match, we'll introduce you by email. You and your buddy can then arrange your first meeting.
4
Meet and Connect
Have coffee, take a walk, explore your city — whatever feels comfortable. You decide together how your friendship develops.
5
Join Events Anytime
While waiting for a buddy match, or alongside your 1-to-1 connection, join group events in your city. Check our events calendar regularly.
A Friend, Not a Service Provider
Your buddy is a Norwegian volunteer who wants to help you feel welcome. They're not a professional — they're a person offering friendship and local knowledge.
Your buddy CAN:
- Meet you regularly for social activities
- Help you understand Norwegian culture and daily life
- Practice language with you informally
- Show you around and recommend local places
- Listen and offer friendly support
- Connect you to their own networks and communities
Your buddy is NOT expected to:
- Give professional career advice use Mentors for Ukraine
- Teach formal language lessons use Language Courses
- Help with legal or immigration issues (contact official services)
- Provide financial support
- Be available 24/7
Make it mutual.
The best buddy relationships are two-way. Share your own culture, cook Ukrainian food together, teach them Ukrainian phrases. Friendship works both ways.
What's Happening Near You
We regularly post events for each city. Here are the types of activities you can expect:
| Event Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Meetups | Casual gatherings to meet other participants | Monthly |
| Nature Trips | Hiking, walks, outdoor activities | Seasonal |
| Dinner Exchanges | Cook and share meals together | Regular |
| Cultural Events | Norwegian/Ukrainian traditions, holidays | Seasonal |
| Family Activities | Events for parents and children | Regular |
| Online Meetups | Virtual gatherings for all of Norway | Monthly |
The Buddy Program is Open to All Ukrainians in Norway
New Arrivals
Just arrived in Norway? A buddy can help you navigate your first weeks and months — understanding systems, finding places, and simply having someone to ask questions.
Families with Children
Meet other families, join kid-friendly events, and connect with Norwegians who can help you understand schools, activities, and family life in Norway.
Students
Balancing studies with settling into a new country? A buddy can help you feel more at home and practice Norwegian outside the classroom.
Working Professionals
Already employed but missing social connections? The Buddy Program helps you build friendships beyond the workplace.
Common Questions
Is the Buddy Program free?
Yes. Completely free. Buddies are volunteers, and events are organised by TEEI at no cost to participants.
How long does it take to get matched with a buddy?
It depends on volunteer availability in your city. Some matches happen within days; others may take a few weeks. You can join events while you wait.
What if my buddy and I don't connect well?
It happens. Let us know, and we'll try to find a better match. No pressure — the goal is a friendship that works for both of you.
Do I need to speak Norwegian?
No. Many buddies speak English, and some speak Ukrainian or Russian. We match based on language preferences too.
Can my family join?
Yes. We have family-oriented events, and some buddies are happy to meet with families. Let us know your situation when you register.
I live outside the listed cities. Can I still join?
Sign up anyway. Online events are open to everyone in Norway, and we're expanding to more cities over time.
What's the difference between a buddy and a mentor?
A buddy is a local friend for social integration — informal, personal, focused on life in Norway. A mentor (through Mentors for Ukraine) is a professional who helps with career guidance, CVs, interviews, and job search. Many people use both programmes for different needs.
Can't Attend in Person? Join Online
We know not everyone can travel to in-person events. That's why we also run online activities:
Virtual coffee meetups — chat with other Ukrainians and Norwegians from home
Online information sessions — learn about life in Norway, your rights, available services
Community calls — connect with the wider Ukrainian community across Norway
Workshops — practical topics delivered online
Online events are announced alongside in-person activities. Everyone in Norway can join regardless of location.
Part of TEEI's Support for Ukrainians
The Buddy Program works alongside other free programmes:
Mentors for Ukraine
1-to-1 career mentoring with professionals worldwide. Get help with CVs, interviews, and job search.
Learn moreLanguage Connect for Ukraine
Free conversation practice with volunteer language partners. Improve your English, German, or other languages.
Learn moreFree Language Courses
Structured classes with certified teachers. Learn Norwegian, English, German, and more.
Learn moreUpskilling & Employment
Free courses in tech, marketing, data, and professional skills — plus job search support.
Learn moreYou Don't Have to Navigate Norway Alone
A new country doesn't have to feel isolating. The Buddy Program connects you with Norwegians who want to help — and with other Ukrainians building their lives here too.
Sign up, join an event, meet your buddy. Start feeling at home.
Join the Buddy Program — It's FreeQuestions? Contact us at contact@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org
The Educational Equality Institute (TEEI) — Free education, language, mentoring, and integration support for Ukrainians. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with US 501(c)(3) status.