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4 minute read
Imagine arriving in Norway with only a suitcase and a dream—but no Norwegian language skills. Instead of stepping off the plane directly onto Nordic soil, you start your journey in the sunlit town of Alfaz del Pi in Spain, surrounded by one of the largest Norwegian expatriate communities abroad. Here, Nordic Senter has fine-tuned an intensive 33-day language and culture programme that prepares participants for life in Norway from day one.
A different take on learning
Founded by CEO Siri Lund in 2012, Nordic Senter addresses a key challenge: many European professionals seek work in Norway but face the language barrier. Inspired by “total immersion,” the school minimises textbooks and maximises real-life practice. Students study up to 15 hours a day, seven days a week, progressing from little or no Norwegian to a B1 level.
However, this is not just a classroom-based experience. The programme follows a ‘Big Brother’-style setup where students live and learn together for 33 days, using Norwegian in every aspect of daily life. Role-plays recreate scenarios such as children’s school days, celebrating 17 May, or handling day-to-day errands. The curriculum is also tailored to specific professions. Healthcare workers, for example, receive medical vocabulary training and guidance on Norwegian healthcare protocols, while bus drivers learn practical language relevant to customer service and transport regulations.
Thanks to the strong Norwegian presence in Alfaz del Pi, participants can visit cafés and shops where menus, signs and conversations happen in Norwegian—just with sunnier weather. This full immersion ensures they are ready to integrate seamlessly into Norwegian workplaces.
Stories that span generations
Among Nordic Senter’s success stories is the father-and-son duo, Harold and César Alvarez who both trained to become bus drivers in Stavanger. The son took the course first and was so impressed that he recommended it to his father. They now drive buses together in Norway.
Harold, first from right, enjoying an Easter outing with skis and Kvikk Lunsj.
Harold's father, César, joined the following cohort from Connect Bus.
For others, the course has been a stepping stone to career advancement. Gina Paladines, a healthcare professional, secured a position through the recruitment agency Helsenor and now holds a permanent position in Trondheim municipality. Nicklas Christoffersen a personnel consultant at Helsenor, highlights the impact of Nordic Senter’s training: “We have never had a better foreign candidate with such a strong language level from the start. Gina was incredibly proficient in Norwegian when she joined us. Her knowledge of both the language and culture meant she integrated quickly. After just a year in Norway, she moved into a permanent municipal role. A key reason for staying in Trondheim? Her Norwegian partner.”
EURES: bridging Europe’s workforce
A key reason for Nordic Senter’s wide reach is its collaboration with EURES (European Employment Services), an official European Commission network that helps jobseekers and employers across national borders. Many people remain unaware of EURES, but those who have worked with Nordic Senter, including jobseekers and employers, can attest to its benefits.
In Rogaland, Norway, EURES advisor Christine Joy Utheim was the link between local transport companies and unemployed bus drivers in Spain, where local EURES advisers such as Rafael Perez Garcia helped with recruiting. Together, they connected qualified professionals with employers who were urgently looking for Norwegian-speaking staff. Nordic Senter then delivered an immersive language course that smoothed the transition.
EURES adviser Christine Joy Utheim (left) and Siri Lund.
TMS: financial support that opens doors
Equally crucial is the Targeted Mobility Scheme (TMS), an EU-funded programme managed via EURES. TMS offers practical, financial backing that enables rapid relocation—a win for Norwegian companies keen to fill vacancies quickly. It can cover relocation and initial accommodation costs, language courses, travel expenses for interviews, recognition of qualifications, and even support for integration programmes on the employer side.
For many participants, TMS turns an expensive, daunting move into a realistic next step. By joining forces with EURES advisers, Nordic Senter guides newcomers through the TMS application process, ensuring that both jobseekers and employers can tap into available support.
Meeting Norway’s evolving workforce needs
Nordic Senter initially focused on bus drivers but soon expanded into healthcare, industry and beyond. Over 200 bus drivers have already completed the 33-day programme, with more than 90 percent receiving job offers straight away. In the healthcare sector, Nordic Senter has trained nurses, pharmacists and other professionals from Spain, Portugal, Poland and Italy. And more than 30 war refugees from Ukraine at their campus in Kristiansund, also with great success for course participants residing in Aure municipality, facilitating integration into the workforce after completing the course. A great example is Tatiana, who now works at Heimbaka bakery in Aure and receives praise from her employer, Irene Sødahl Ulfsnes, for her language and cultural knowledge—and, most importantly, for doing an excellent job.
At the end of their final day in Kristiansund, Ukrainian participants celebrate completing the 33-day course.
Employers such as Connect Bus and Vitus have seen the benefits firsthand. Marit Aune Selmer, who is the HR and Quality Manager at Connect Bus, notes that candidates from Nordic Senter arrive not only with language skills but also with a deep understanding of Norwegian workplace culture. This makes them more adaptable and effective from day one.
A collaborative model for success
The cooperation among Nordic Senter, EURES, TMS and Norwegian employers demonstrates how workforce challenges can be tackled with innovation. EURES advisers help recruit from a vast talent pool, TMS makes relocation financially viable and Nordic Senter covers the intensive language training. Employers like Connect Bus provide real-life work opportunities, along with an on-site environment for newcomers to keep improving their Norwegian.
Such a partnership reduces the time it takes to fill critical roles and boosts retention by ensuring that people feel at home in their new country. As Siri puts it, “The best results happen when everyone works together—students, employers, local communities and our team.”
Looking ahead
With global demand for talent on the rise, Nordic Senter plans to extend its model to more industries and geographies. Meanwhile, EURES continues to develop its advisor network, opening doors for both jobseekers and employers. TMS remains a vital resource for those who need financial backing to make cross-border employment a reality.
Ultimately, Nordic Senter’s 33-day immersion course is about more than quick language gains. “We are here to build bridges,” says Siri. “We connect people, workplaces and cultures. And we do it in a way that makes our participants feel confident they can succeed from day one in Norway.”
Interested in recruitment through EURES, TMS or Nordic Senter?
EURES and the Targeted Mobility Scheme (TMS) provide financial support and recruitment assistance for employers seeking skilled professionals from across Europe.
To explore how your company can benefit from this programme—or to learn more about Nordic Senter’s language and integration solutions—contact EURES adviser Christine Joy Utheim for guidance on recruitment, funding opportunities and next steps.
Christine Joy Utheim
EURES adviser
NAV Rogaland
