This week, the Chamber of Commerce launched the podcast series “The Secrets to a Successful Life in Norway.” – This is for all internationals living in Norway, those considering moving to Norway, and Norwegians who want to learn how we are perceived by foreigners.
This is explained by podcast hosts Randi Mannsåker and Inger Tone Ødegård, who also work with the international community in the Stavanger region.
The first season is now available. Across eight episodes, featuring various guests in the studio, the podcast addresses a range of topics such as housing, weather, healthcare, driving, politics, dating, food, and volunteer community work – all seen from an international perspective.
"We address topics that will help make everyday life easier and enable newcomers to Norway to more quickly become part of the local community where they live. In each episode, we include a guest who shares both practical tips and insights that can be useful for newcomers to Norway and the Stavanger region," says Inger Tone Ødegård, Director of Strategy at the Chamber of Commerce in the Stavanger region.
"The topics are national and work just as well in other parts of the country as in the Stavanger region," Ødegård adds.
She points out that 20 percent of the workforce in the Stavanger region was born in another country, and that nearly 180 nationalities live in Stavanger municipality.
Realistic presentation of Norway
Both Ødegård and Mannsåker have extensive international experience themselves, and with engaging guests in the studio, this creates a valuable and useful mix for people who have recently moved to Norway, those considering moving, as well as giving Norwegians and employers an insight of what it is like to move to Norway from other countries.
"We aim to create a realistic picture and realistic expectations of what it is like to live, work, and reside in Norway, so that more people are able to navigate life successfully in Norway," says Mannsåker.
The topics are chosen based on the questions Ødegård and Mannsåker most frequently receive from newcomers.
"We have many other topics we can talk about, such as parenting, the school system, buying a home and much more. We have enough material for seasons 2, 3, and 4 – at the very least," says Mannsåker.
Exciting guests
The guests are people who have settled in Norway and the Stavanger region. "People who have paved the way, who have moved themselves, gained the experience, tried things out, failed and figured it out," says Ødegård.
It is not new that the Stavanger Chamber of Commerce works extensively with the international community.
"Since 2006, the Chamber of Commerce has had a dedicated program for international employees and families coming to our region. With some 60 events every year, plus courses on cultural differences, the Chamber provides plenty of support to help newcomers and their families feel at home in the region," says Mannsåker.
Norway, and the Stavanger region, will continue to rely on attracting international talent and expertise in the future.
"Therefore, we must ensure that our region is seen as an attractive place to move and make sure that those who come to our part of the world become strong ambassadors for the Stavanger region and Norway as a whole," Ødegård concludes.
International work since 2006
Harald Minge, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce in the Stavanger region, is looking forward to the response.
"We are proud to launch this important national podcast. International talent is particularly vital for the Stavanger region, but of course also for Norway as a whole. Having run our international program since 2006 and developed specialized expertise in this area, it felt only natural for us to take the lead on this initiative," says Minge.
The region is completely dependent on labour from outside Norway’s borders.
"In the Stavanger region, 20 percent of the workforce consists of international employees. We are reliant on global talents now - and will continue to be - since labour needs remain one of businesses’ biggest challenges. For several years, our region has been ranked among the best in the world at helping internationals thrive, and this is the result of a deliberate, long-term strategy," says Minge, concluding:
"The podcast hosts, Inger Tone Ødegård and Randi Mannsåker, are experienced in working with international employees and their families. With their knowledge, and alongside engaging studio guests, they address a range of important topics with energy and pace."
Get to know the Stavanger Chamber of Commerce
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