VOLUNTEER · BUDDY PROGRAMME · NORWAY
Be a friend. That's it.
Thousands of Ukrainians have arrived in Norway with language courses and job support, but no one to grab coffee with. No one to show them the hiking trails. No one to invite them to a hygge dinner. The Buddy Programme fixes that. One friendship at a time.
Integration isn't just paperwork. It's people.
Norway has done a lot for Ukrainians. Residency permits. Language courses. Employment support. But here's what systems can't provide: someone to text when you're lonely on a Sunday. Someone who knows which café has the best kanelboller. Someone who'll explain why Norwegians eat brown cheese.
You're not a caseworker. You're not a teacher. You're not solving anyone's problems. You're just being a friend to someone who left theirs behind.
That's what buddies do.
What you might do together.
Everyday life
- Coffee and conversation
- Walks in the neighbourhood
- Grocery shopping trips
- Exploring your city together
Culture & activities
- Hiking, skiing, or outdoor activities
- Museums, concerts, or cultural events
- Norwegian holidays (17. mai, jul, påske)
- Board game nights
Food & hospitality
- Dinner at your place
- Dinner at theirs (Ukrainian cuisine is incredible)
- Trying Norwegian restaurants together
- Cooking together
Practical stuff
- How Norwegian systems work (bank, health, school)
- Unwritten social rules (cabin culture, "kos", personal space)
- Where to find things in your city
- Practice speaking Norwegian or English casually
The key: do what you'd do with any friend. Don't overthink it.
HOW IT WORKS
From application to friendship.
Apply
Fill out a short application telling us about yourself: where you live, your interests, what kind of buddy you'd like to meet.
Get matched
TEEI matches you with a Ukrainian in your city based on location, interests, age range, and family situation.
Introduction
We introduce you via email or message. You take it from there: suggest a time and place to meet.
First meeting
Meet for coffee, a walk, or whatever feels natural. Get to know each other. See if there's a connection.
Keep going
If it clicks, keep meeting. The friendship is yours now. We're here if you need support.
Stay connected
Join group events when you want. Let us know how it's going. Reach out anytime.
Time commitment.
Whatever works for you.
2–4 hours a month
Coffee every other week.
4–8 hours a month
Weekly meetup plus occasional activities.
8+ hours a month
Close friendship, frequent contact.
The truth: real friendships don't follow schedules. Some buddies text daily. Others meet once a month. The relationship finds its own rhythm.
What we ask
- Meet at least once or twice in the first month to begin
- Be responsive; if they reach out, reply
- Let us know if you need to pause or stop
- That's it
What you need.
No special qualifications. Just be human.
Location
- You live in Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, Trondheim, Kristiansand, or Drammen
- You can meet in person (this isn't a remote program)
Language
- You speak Norwegian, English, or both
- No Ukrainian required (most speak some English)
- If you do speak Ukrainian or Russian, that's a bonus
Attitude
- Genuine interest in meeting someone new
- Openness to a different culture and perspective
- Patience: building trust takes time
- Reliability: show up when you say you will
You don't need
Professional helping experience. Training in integration or social work. Fluency in multiple languages. Lots of free time.
If you can be a good friend, you can be a buddy.
What you'll gain.
A real friendship
Many buddies say their Ukrainian friend has become one of their closest. You're not doing charity; you're building a relationship.
Perspective
Hear firsthand what it's like to leave everything behind and start over. It changes how you see your own life.
Cultural exchange
Learn about Ukrainian food, traditions, history, and humour. Your world gets bigger.
Norwegian skills
Explaining your own culture to someone new makes you understand it better. You'll see Norway through fresh eyes.
Community
Join a network of buddies across Norway who are doing the same thing. Meet people who share your values.
Meaning
In a world of distant problems, this is something concrete. A real person. A real connection. A real difference.
Volunteer sign up
Become a Buddy
Fill out this form and we'll match you with a Ukrainian in your city.
All buddies verified
Ukrainians verified through TEEI
TEEI team support available
Community of buddies across Norway
BUDDY PROGRAMME · NORWAY
Someone in your city is waiting for a friend.
They've got the paperwork sorted. The language course. Maybe even a job. What they don't have is someone to invite them for a walk on a Sunday afternoon. You don't need special skills. You don't need training. You don't need to solve anyone's problems.
You just need to show up, be yourself, and let a friendship happen.