Culture Companions – Building Bridges in North Denmark
Culture Companions is a multicultural network of open-minded, curious people living in North Denmark. The program is designed to build meaningful connections between newly arrived internationals and the local community — one conversation at a time.
There’s no better way to understand Danish culture and everyday life than through genuine interactions and shared experiences with people who know the region.
That’s why Culture Companions matches international newcomers with local hosts who can introduce them to the ins and outs of life in Northern Denmark.
At the same time, the program contributes to a growing multicultural community that spans the region.
How it works
We run the Culture Companions program once a year in October. Each round of the program runs for approximately four months.
Registration & Matching
You can sign up during the designated registration period:
August 15th – September 30th
Outside of this period, you're welcome to email us. We’ll be happy to remind you when it’s time to register again.
The more you tell us during sign-up, the easier it is for us to find the right match. After receiving your form, we may contact you to learn more about your interests and expectations before making a match.
Once paired, you'll meet your match at least once a month over the course of the program. You’ll also be invited to meet with International House North Denmark approximately three times during the period.
Program structure
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We begin each round with a warm welcome event at International House in Aalborg. It’s a chance to meet other participants, get inspired, and talk about what you hope to gain from the program. We’ll also share ideas for activities and offer some tips to help you get started.
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You and your match take it from there! You decide when and how to meet, based on your shared interests, availability, and preferences.
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To support community building and expand your network, we arrange approximately two joint events open to all current and former participants. Have a great idea for what we should do? Let us know!
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Midway through the program, we check in with both hosts and mentees to hear how things are going and collect feedback.
After the four months are up, we ask everyone to complete a short evaluation to help us improve the program.
Beyond the programme: A community for life
Although the official program runs for four months, we invite all past and current participants to remain part of the Culture Companions Community — a growing network of internationals and locals across North Denmark.
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Anyone who has lived in North Denmark for some time and is curious about meeting newcomers can become a host. Whether you're a local, moved from elsewhere in Denmark, or are an international yourself — you’re welcome!
You don’t need any special knowledge. You simply need time, openness, and the willingness to share everyday insights about life in the region.
Knowing the best second-hand shops, how to deal with Danish weather, or where to find a great beach counts just as much as anything else. -
If you’re an international living in North Denmark — whether you just arrived or have been here a while — you’re welcome to join as a mentee.
You can also sign up in advance, even before moving to Denmark.
Contact
If you are interested in joining Culture Companions, or if you have any questions, get in touch with the programme resposible, Luisa Geitmann-Mügge, at lgm@aalborg.dk.
You can also sign up for Culture Companions directly by clicking on the button below.
Feedback from previous participants
“My mentor and I had a really great time together and talked about different subjects!
She was very helpful and all my million questions like "how to find English movies here" got answered!
I am very grateful for my mentor! We are still in touch”.
Anna (mentee)
“I have met up with my host and they are amazing! We are still in touch :)
I am really happy that I have applied for this programme”
Jelena (mentee)
“We have met up a couple of times and are definitely planning to meet up some more!
Not sure how International House North Denmark choses to pair up the people, but we get along great, so well done!”
Zane (host)
“I’m really impressed with how great the program is.
I’ve enjoyed being part of it and am considering continuing my participation in the future.
In addition to engaging with my own mentee, I’ve had the chance to meet other mentees and participate in social arrangements, which has been a fantastic experience.
The opportunity to meet new people and help them adjust here is truly rewarding”
Baraa (host)