Culture Companions
Culture Companions is a multicultural group of curious and open-minded people living in North Denmark. The programme aims at building many small bridges between newly arrived internationals and the local community.
There is no better way to learn about each other and understand the intricacies of life in Denmark than through good conversations and fun activities with people who know.
Culture Companions therefore matches newly arrived international citizens with hosts who can introduce them to the ins and outs of life in (northern) Denmark.
The programme furthermore aims at creating a larger, multicultural community of open-minded people throughout the entire region.
Registration and start
You are welcome to sign up using the form below.
The more information you share with us, the easier you make it for us to find you that perfect match.
Once we have received your registration form, we might contact you to learn more about you and your wishes or to further discuss the matching options.
Once matched, the programme has a duration of approx. four months, where you and your match will meet at least once a month.
You will meet with International House North Denmark about three times during this period.
The programme in more detail:
There is a new group starting the programme twice a year - one in spring (April) and one in fall (October).
Kick-off: To get everyone off to a good start, we invite you to an inaugural event at International House in Aalborg. Besides getting to know each other in person, we use this occasion to talk about what you expect to get out of your participation in the programme and share ideas for activities.
Individual activities: We then release you into the world to plan your own meetings with your hos/mentee according to your common interests, needs and wishes.
Common activities: To foster a sense of community and give you the chance to expand your social network, International House North Denmark organises approximately two activities for all current and former participants. Do you have a great idea of what to do or where to go? Let us know!
Check-ins and evaluation: Half-way through the programme, we check-in with every current participant - hosts and mentees. We do these check-ins to ensure that you are enjoying being a Culture Companion and collect feedback (good and bad).
After four months, your time as an official Culture Companion comes to an end and we will ask you to fill in a questionnaire used for evaluation and improvement of the programme.
Culture Companion for life: Even though the official programme runs for four months only, every participant is invited to be a part of the larger Culture Companions Community - consisting of current and former participants - for as long as they like.
Who can sign up?
Hosts
Every open-minded person who has lived in (North) Denmark for some time and feels like they can share some insights on life up here with a newcomer can become a host. It doesn’t matter whether you were born and bred in Nordjylland, moved up here from Copenhagen or are an international yourself. All you need to have is curiosity and the willingness and time to be an active member of the Culture Companions Community for at least four months.
Do I need to have specific knowledge?
No. We don’t expect our hosts to be particularly knowledgeable on any e.g., administrative, or legal matters. However, if you happen to be an expert on where to find the best second-hand store, how to handle an umbrella in a storm or which is the best route to the nearest beach; we would love to hear from you.
Mentees
Everyone who considers themselves an international and is living in North Denmark can sign up as a mentee. We welcome both newly arrived internationals and those who have been here for a while but are looking to expand their personal network.
You are always welcome to sign up before arriving in Denmark.
How and when do I sign up?
The sign-up (see below) is open all year round and you can therefore sign-up whenever you feel like it .
Sign-up period for fall intake: May - October
Sign-up period for spring intake: November - April
I’m in! What happens next?
Amazing! Once you have sent in your information, you will be contacted by International House via email shortly. You will receive information about the next steps and get the chance to ask any questions you might have.
Contact
Luisa Geitmann-Mügge at:
luisa.geitmann-mugge@aalborg.dk
or by phone number: +45 2149 8924