#WHYOSLO
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#WHYOSLO
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DEAR OSLO We love you. You are beautiful, safe and have short distances between landmarks and sites. You host over 5,000 live performances every year. Pretty impressive. You are fast becoming our favourite compact city - the big small. But let’s be honest. There is room for improvement when it comes to being known as a welcoming and including city. We believe that to maintain competitiveness globally, Norway benefits from attracting and retaining international talent. Every year, thousands of students, researchers and knowledge workers come to Oslo from all over the world. Many strive to find a sense of belonging here. Despite a wide range of initiatives aiming to make our city a more welcoming and including one, this appears to be harder than we think. It’s easy to focus on the obvious issues around language, culture and weather. While these are of course factors, we wanted to take a wider look at what it really means to be international in Oslo. So we set up a temporary research lab to dig into what this is all about. With design thinking and a human centered approach, we aim to make our city a better one.
Let’s do this, Emergence Projects February 2017
#WHYOSLO
SUMMARY
Oslo Host Program was initiated by Kunnskap Oslo i 2015 with the following aim: Introduce newly arrived international students, researchers and knowledge workers to cultural activities in Oslo through venues that connect social initiatives and networks within higher education, research and business with stakeholders in the city’s cultural and civil society. Oslo Business Region has been the assigned project manager, while Emergence Projects has been responsible for carrying out a three month project and design process - the Why Oslo Lab, initiating Oslo Host Program. From November 2016 to February 2017, the lab has worked as an arena where Oslopolitans (both Norwegians and internationals) have been invited to share experiences and help create solutions for a more welcoming city. The lab has also created a space where both professional and social collaborations and friendships have occurred, between workshop participants, a range of different student organizations, and between cultural and social actors in the city. There has been an overwhelming response and will to contribute, reminding us of the power of bringing people together.
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After three months engaging with internationals and Norwegians in the #whyoslo research lab, we are left with three possible outtakes based on the open inquiry. Re-introducing a definition presented when the Oslo Brand Management Strategy was launched in 2015: Oslopolitans. We have reason to believe this is a concept that could help create a more including city, by making locals - Norwegians in particular - aware that we are all Oslopolitans, introducing newly arrived international talent to everything Oslo has to offer.
Oslo Everyday For those who work every day to make Oslo the exciting, vibrant and diverse city it is. This is their introduction to you. Because everyone needs a starting point.
Host Oslo A program designed to make Oslopolitans better hosts. For the exchange of language, knowledge or street smarts. Cultural, social, professional.
Become an Oslopolitan Oslo’s welcome kit that gives you that cultural, social, fun and practical checklist – making sure you feel at home, sooner rather than later.
One of the biggest learnings, is the importance of including the people we are designing for in the process. By keeping it transparent and inclusive, we design solutions that create impact, rather than just designing based on assumptions.
#WHYOSLO
BEFORE WE BEGIN, A LITTLE BACKGROUND INFO: KUNNSKAP OSLO
Kunnskap Oslo is a cooperative alliance between the municipality of Oslo and the city's many institutions of knowledge and education. The alliance was founded on the 27th of November 2008. The four initiating founders; the municipality of Oslo, UiO, HiOA and BI were joined by over 30 other educational and research institutions to establish Kunnskap Oslo. The members of Kunnskap Oslo work to position Oslo as a national and international center of knowledge within certain areas. The aim is to strengthen Oslo's attractiveness as a place to study, research and innovate for talents from around the world.
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PROFILING
COOPERATION
HOSPITALITY
Strengthening Oslo’s attractiveness means that Oslo’s advantages and qualities as a place to live, study, research and innovate must be better known internationally. It requires joint efforts across industry, the cultural sector, knowledge institutions and the municipality of Oslo. Kunnskap Oslo will facilitate cooperation on measures that contribute to promotion and visibility of Oslo’s advantages as a knowledge region.
To capitalize on Oslo’s potential for innovation better, it is vital that we educate candidates with qualities and competences that reflect the needs of the region’s employment and business. The region’s knowledge base must also increase towards innovation and creation. Kunnskap Oslo will facilitate cooperation on measures to promote greater interaction between research and educational institutions, industry and the public sector.
In order to attract and retain the best people, Oslo must be recognized for their role as a good host. Kunnskap Oslo will facilitate cooperation on measures that help to welcome and integrate people from around the world who want to study, work and establish knowledge-intensive activities in Oslo. Oslo will be responsive to the needs of the city’s educational institutions, and make sure research and higher education are under the best possible terms.
#WHYOSLO
OSLO HOST PROGRAM
To make Oslo a more welcoming and inclusive city for newly arrived knowledge workers, a project to develop a host program was initiated in December 2015 by Kunnskap Oslo. The purpose of ’Oslo Host Program’ is to introduce newly arrived international students, researchers and knowledge workers to cultural activities in Oslo through venues that connect social initiatives and networks within higher education, research and business with stakeholders in the city’s cultural and civil society. The municipality of Oslo is financing the host program and Oslo Business Region has been assigned to be the project manager of it. It will in 2016 be appointed a project group and implemented activities within the program. The board of Kunnskap Oslo acts as the lead comitee. To initiate Oslo Host Program, the Why Oslo Lab was set up in November 2016.
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OSLO HOST PROGRAM IS A KUNNSKAP OSLO COLLABORATION. PROJECT MANAGER: OSLO BUSINESS REGION. POP-UP LAB BY EMERGENCE PROJECTS. & THIS REPORT
#WHYOSLO
A THREE MONTH POP-UP RESEARCH LAB
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DESIGN THINKING. DESIGN PROCESS. DESIGN, DESIGN, DESIGN. Why Oslo Lab is a project, but more importantly: it’s a process. A design process is the process of going from unknowns to knowns. It helps us make sense of things. That is why we believe it is the right approach when solving this challenge. The designers must work as interpreters - interpreting situations, actions, words and systems. Keeping people at the center of the research. It’s about really understanding the experiences, needs and desires of the people you are designing for.
#WHYOSLO
SO HOW CAN WE MAKE OSLO A MORE WELCOMING CITY? HOW CAN WE MAKE INTERNATIONAL TALENT FEEL MORE LIKE HOME?
This was - and still is - the challenge. A pretty open one. One that could have a million different solutions. We believe design thinking is the right kind of thinking, because it provides tools to go from unknowns to knowns. Tools to create solutions based on real needs, and not our own assumptions. Making sure we’re not just designing the right solution to a problem, but solving the right problem.
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LET US WALK YOU THROUGH IT
You’re about to flip through a three month dive into Oslo and it’s relationship with international talent. Happy flipping!
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
170124 / workshop in the lab
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INDEX
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WHY THIS PROJECT?
029
THE LAB
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OPEN INQUIRY
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SENSEMAKING
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IDEAS & RECOMMENDATIONS
#WHYOSLO
THE FASTEST GROWING CAPITAL IN EUROPE ...but a city not (yet) well known by the world. Norway however, is a country known for its beautiful fjords, mountains and midnight sun. And although attracting tourists for the nature isn’t necessarily easy, it might come easier than attracting global talent to our businesses. So why do we strive to attract and retain global talent in Oslo?
01 WHY THIS PROJECT?
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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Oslo is, in a word, compact. Here you will find everything you need within easy reach. But we do have a lot of room. Not only physical space for growth, but room for new ideas, for study, for innovation, for entrepreneurship - and for offering almost 5.000 live performances in a year. Being small, we also have short distances - from urban centres to quiet forests, from ski slopes to the waterfront, from the place you work to the place you live. In our informal, egalitarian society other distances are short as well - from people to power and from words to action. Finally, Oslo is geared for the future. We are early adopters of new technology, we have a hot start-up scene, and we are Europe’s fastest growing capital, with a high and increasing ratio of young, welleducated people. We happily admit that our city is small. But it is small in a very big way.
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
WHY DOES OSLO NEED INTERNATIONAL TALENT?
feel more like home in Oslo
According to NHO, gaining access to qualified labour will become an important challenge for Norway the next couple of years. Highly qualified knowledge workers are a prerequisite for Norwegian businesses to maintain and strengthen their competitiveness, as well as to reach Norway’s ambitions of being leading within research and innovation. Becoming one of the most attractive countries in the world for companies within these fields should be one of our goals, as well as attracting global talent that Norway could learn and benefit from. Looking at the report, Omstillingsbarometeret 20161 by Abelia on reconstruction after the oil and towards 2030, Norway is facing some big challenges. We lack expertise. Our innovation systems are weak and motivation for entrepreneurship is fairly low. Norway also lacks impulses from abroad. We need to actively recruit talent and build more attractive study destinations to gain the expertise we need. But we’re not the only country trying to attract the world’s brightest heads. The global competition for talent, competence, resources and projects intensifies. Every day. And there are serious consequences to not keeping up in the emerging global market for talent.
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https://www.abelia.no/contentassets/52b66139d12d4875965cbf174c540447/omstillingsbarometer_2016_lang.pdf Utenlandske studenter som kompetanseressurs, NHO, report from 2015
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“WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT FOREIGN CITIZENS WILL CONTINUE TO POSE AS SIGNIFICANT RESOURCES TO DEVELOP AND STRENGTHEN VALUE CREATION IN NORWEGIAN BUSINESSES” NHO2
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
Research3 shows HR departments in Norwegian companies need to gain better understanding of international recruitment and prioritize increased capacity on the matter. As well as develop better systems for onboarding and follow-ups of international employees. We score pretty low when it comes to international experience, especially among top leaders. High costs of living and high taxes are also reasons for Norway scoring low on the hotspot-list last year. During spring of 2016, a group of experienced leaders from the start-up scene got together behind Gründeroppropet4, a petition containing a list of 12 measures, aiming to give Norwegian politicians advice on how we as a country should make digitalization a first priority and strengthen the country’s long term focus on innovative Norwegian startup companies. In one of the measures, the petition focuses on the importance of making it possible for Norwegian companies to recruit necessary foreign specialized expertise to Norway.
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In an article in Shifter5 published in 2016, Tobias Bæck, one of the initiators behind the petition elaborates on this, and states that if we want to compete internationally for the best talents, we need look into how to do this better as a nation. And that quickly. We need to look to countries like Estonia and The Netherlands for inspiration on how to change our systems. His message to Norwegian politicians: •
Make it easier for Norwegian companies to employ international expertise.
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Establish an “expertise visa” for international talent that holds expertise Norwegian companies needs.
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Consider economically incentives, like tax reductions for international expertise and startups for a limited time
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Make immigration processes smoother and faster than today.
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Promote Norway as a country that welcomes international talent and startups.
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/no/Documents/human-capital/Global_mobilitet_rapport_godkjent.pdf https://medium.com/@digitalfrode/ny-vekst-for-norge-f6b17d363d9a#.niaaljd21 http://shifter.no/index.php/2016/12/30/tobias-baeck-ma-enklere-a-fa-dyktigste-hodene-norge-ma-markedsfore-land-onsker-utlendingene-velkommen/
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WE HAVE SOME CHALLENGES TO TACKLE And the questions it all comes down to are: What is Norway’s position in the global market for talent going to be? How do we compete against peer cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki? Or other strongly comparable cities? How do we work on attracting, retaining and developing global talent - on a national, regional and local level? One thing is clear: We need to make sure Norway is considered one of the top destinations for global talent in the future.
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
Oslo: State of the City is a report by Oslo Business Region from 2016. The report surveys more than 100 international indexes in order to identify Oslo’s current performance and reputation in 16 areas within four overarching themes; business, livability, hospitality and governance. It evaluates Oslo’s performance in 2015 along a ten point scale and compares progress to the same fields from 2014. It assesses whether Oslo’s international projection and outreach in indices is improving, declining or stable. Especially interesting for this project is ‘hospitality’ as one of the four themes:
Toronto Sun, March 2015
OSLO IS A CLASSIC OLD NORWEGIAN CITY. BUT IN RECENT VISITS, I’VE BEEN AMAZED AT SOME OF THE DRAMATIC CHANGES GOING ON THERE.
OSLO: STATE OF THE CITY
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Attractiveness for international talent The study states that Oslo’s population growth remains higher than nearly all other peer cities, which is a key metric that drives strong ranking performances in attraction indexes. However, it also shows that Norway’s confidence in a their capacity to attract talent has declined from 14th to 20th place of 140 countries in 2015.
Friendliness of the people The study shows that tolerance is rated the weakest area of Oslo’s Global Cities Scoreboard. The city receives weak scores for religious diversity, and moderate scores for cultural diversity openness and integration.
Welcoming foreigners The study from 2014 states: in terms of cultural vibrancy and diversity for expats, Oslo is not yet recognized. Oslo falls behind Stockholm and Copenhagen for cultural character, based on figures on openness, diversity and attractiveness. Studies done since then, shows that Oslo’s immigration profile has become increasingly recognized in the data. Oslo is ranked the 10th most diverse city of 24 global cities, and 5th of 11 peer cities – because of increased immigration.
#WHYOSLO
SKIPPERGATA 22 0154 OSLO NORWAY We have established that without international talent, we risk being left behind as the global competition between cities intensifies. We still have a lot of work to do when it comes to being percieved as an attractive, welcoming and friendly city. To figure out how, we had to involve the people we were designing for. But how do you get started on a challenge that requires an open design process and lots of involvement? Well, you could set up a lab. That’s what we did.
02 THE LAB
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
Why Oslo Lab / Skippergata 22
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#WHYOSLO
POP-UP RESEARCH LAB
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A PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION OF THE PROJECT. THREE MONTHS. EXPERIMENTS, WORKSHOPS, QUESTIONS AND CONVERSATIONS.
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
PHYSICAL & DIGITAL PRESENCE
feel more like home in Oslo
Why a lab? It’s pretty simple. Being visible from the street makes people curious. Sometimes curious people ask questions. And questions means opportunity to explain, create dialogue and gain insights. Creating very valuable and unexpected two-way communication. Having full access to a space makes it possible to host workshops, meetings and to invite people into the project. Always in control of the first impressions, making sure every visitor has a good experience. In addition to a physical space, the lab had a digital presence. The whole involvement process is documented with text, images and video - with full transparency, allowing everyone to follow the process. Being honest about not having all the answers is important. Isn’t it more interesting to ask the people we’re designing for to contribute and help shape the solutions?
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WHY-OSLO.NO
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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A THREE MONTH PROCESS
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timeframe
150 meters paper roll
147 workshop participants skippergata 22 months 24 blog posts
1 research lab
gazillion conversations
8 workshops
4580 post-its
36 nationalities umteen reports 1 camera crew 28 meetings
logo by studiomaco
just some of the occupations
#WHYOSLO
RESEARCH. INSIGHTS. PROCESS. We have talked to educational institutions, scientists, our friends, clients, international students, large companies, small startups, Norwegians with many international friends and some with none. We have read and read and read: reports, articles, case studies and interviews. We have spoken to HR departments, tax offices, social entrepreneurs and our grandmothers, uncles, sisters and colleagues. We have hosted workshops, held presentations, had Skype meetings, countless phone calls and stopped people on the street. We have been everywhere, even to the places that may not be so obvious. We did this to frame and reframe the challenges in new ways. Completely immersed, our job was to test assumptions and learn from the people we are designing with and for. And most importantly: making sure we know who that is.
03 OPEN INQUIRY
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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FOR STUDENTS BY STUDENTS The open inquiry began with the help of a student team from Emergence School of Leadership. Their job was to initiate the research - resulting in a report: project.oslo. Mainly focusing on international students and knowledge workers, the team of five hosted three workshops, had numerous meetings and did observation and interviews at the educational instititions in Oslo.
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THE AIM OF OSLO HOST PROGRAM
Make Oslo a more welcoming and inclusive city for international students, knowledge workers and researchers.
Introduction to the labor market in Oslo, connecting international students, knowledge workers and researchers with stakeholders in the city’s cultural and social scene.
Help to increase internationals opportunities for jobs and careers in Oslo.
EMERGENCE SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP & A SIX WEEK STUDENT PROJECT A one year program: project design, leadership, fascilitation and innovation. Emergence School of Leadership puts focus on practical tuition and real projects - not just theory. This provides the students with the essential academic tools and theory, which are then utilized and explored in hands-on projects, with real clients. ...projects like this one.
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
2 WORKSHOPS: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN NORWAY
feel more like home in Oslo
Students from University of Oslo, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences and BI Norwegian Business School came into the lab for two workshops. Always interesting having people with different backgrounds in the same room, and talk about the one thing they have in common: studying in Oslo.
The obvious starting point was of course: Why Oslo? The answers are many. Opportunities. Change. Freedom. Love. Many had heard the educational system was of high quality, and were intrigued by how close the student-teacher relationship is. High standard of living, closeness to nature and the safety of knowing most Norwegians speak English helped as well.
Do they want to stay after their studies? Yes. And no. Or maybe. We’re asking a difficult question. This depends on job opportunities and if it is possible (and easy) to make a career here. Work and close personal relationships were the most important factors when deciding whether to stay or go. The fact that you have only six months to find a relevant job in Oslo before you have to go back home, is of course a factor. High cost of living when looking for work doesn’t help either. ...and a million other reasons, of course. Where you work and study is a very personal decision for many. It’s about how you live your life. So how can we make it easier (more attractive, more fun, more enjoyable) for international talent to create a life in Oslo?
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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Through interviews with important stakeholders, workshops with students and knowledge workers and dialogues with the educational institutions of Oslo, the students have had their assumptions confirmed:
ASSUMPTION 1 Oslo is an attractive city to apply to for international talents.
nature education welfare system
ASSUMPTION 2 Difficulties in social and cultural integration prevents international talent from wanting to stay in Oslo.
norwegian culture language living situation
ASSUMPTION 3 Politics and bureaucracy prevents international talents from staying in Oslo.
visa requirements financial support living situation
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We live in a global world. Exchange of people and information across borders increases. International experience will become even more important for the world of work than it is today. KRISTIN SKOGEN LUND Director general of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEI’S) & STRATEGIES FOR INTERNATIONALIZATION The student team did a great amount of research on the life of international students in Oslo. It gave some insight to where the international students see challenges, experience difficulties and find motivation. Taking all of this into account, it was time to find out more.
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THE COMPETITION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS INTENSIFIES A lot of countries are now focusing on strenghtening their higher educational systems. Some are even offering nationals that have studied abroad advantages when returning to their home countries. Because of this, many countries are experiencing declining stay rates. Norway hasn’t experienced this so far, but we are on the other hand one of the most generous countries in Europe when it comes to tuition fees and financial support. This is also one of the primary reasons why people choose to study in Norway. In Sweden and the Netherlands they’ve seen a decline in applications from international students after increasing the tuition fees. In Sweden as much as from 82 000 to 17 000! There have been debates on whether or not to increase the tuition fees in Norway. NHO, has on the other side suggested that Norway should develop a national strategy and a central admission to recruit international students for the different fields of expertise Norway will need in the future. Fields listed is technology, healthcare and natural science. Whether Norway should have a national strategy and who should be responsible for a centralized recruiting process is still to be decided.
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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of the 25 685 international students studying in norway in 2015 said they were satisfied with the teaching
were satisfied with the teachers ability to teach in english
said they were happy with their study environment
of the international students interact with norwegian students on a daily basis
report that they rarely or never interact with norwegian students. International students interact most frequent with other international students while they are here
of the international students who came to study was employed in Norway after their studies
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THE FUTURE ATTRACTION OF GLOBAL TALENTS TO NORWAY Integrating Global Talent in Norway by DamVad / 2013
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“Whereas the level of international students getting a job after graduation in Norway has increased with a factor three from 2003 to 2010, the level of foreign high skilled workers has increased with a factor seven. As such there are more than three times as many foreign high skilled workers getting a job in Norway in 2010 compared to international students. There is thus a large potential in having more international students joining the workforce in Norway after their graduation. One could also ask if it would be a better investment to have more international students staying on and work in Norway after graduation than having to search abroad for high skilled workers. Further, Norway has invested in the international students by offering them an education, and the students have already spent years getting familiar with the Norwegian society and hopefully socialising with Norwegians. As such the internationals students should be easier to integrate in the workforce as global talents. Thus, it will make good sense to focus more on getting these students to stay in Norway instead of primarily prioritising the inflow of foreign high skilled labour, who will have a longer period of adapting to Norwegian way of working and living as opposed to the students who have been here at least for two years.� 6
http://www.damvad.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/inta_norway_statistical_analysis_final22042013.pdf
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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In many ways countries need innovative thinking when it comes to recruiting and retaining international talent. Canada and Japan are two examples of countries that have changed their strategy when it comes to welcoming international students.
CANADA provides international students with a three year resident permit after finishing their studies, which gives students a real chance in finding a relevant job and becoming a part of their workforce.
JAPAN has carried out a national plan, the “Global 30�. Its mission is to triple the number of international students to 300 000 by 2020. This is done through easing up on visa restrictions, improved accommodation, increased Japanese language teaching and helping foreign students find jobs after graduation.
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To better understand how the HEI’s work actively with internationalization, recruiting and taking care of international talents we spoke to a large number of the learning institutions in Oslo, and people in the administrations working with international students. The aim was to map out the different services and initiatives the schools and universities offer international students. And to get a better understanding of the institution’s strategies on recruiting international talent. Several HEI’s completed a survey: AHO, Bjørknes Høyskole, Handelshøyskolen BI, HiOA, Høyskolen Kristiania, KHiO, NLA Høgskolen Staffeldtsgate, Norges Idrettshøgskole, Norges Musikkhøgskole, Rudolf Steinerhøyskolen, UiO and Westerdals Oslo ACT. We also spoke to the CIENS network. Ole Petter Ottesen / Principal at the University of Oslo
“WE LACK A BETTER ONBOARDING SYSTEM FOR SCIENTISTS AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS BEYOND WHAT THE LEARNING INSTITUTIONS THEMSELVES CAN DELIVER”
APPROACH
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
THE INSTITUTIONS: KEY INSIGHTS
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One of the greatest insights was that there is a huge gap in how the institutions works on recruiting international talent and the services they provide for them when they arrive. The help given and the access to different service varies from which university or school you are accepted to, and on the resources and the individual person in the administration responsible for international students. Having a strategy when it comes to recruiting is though important for everyone that participated. There’s a lot of problems related to bank accounts and money during the first couple of months. Getting a bank account requires a D-number which might take up to 7 weeks. Often the schools have to withdraw cash to give to the students to help them when they arrive, as their visa deposits are held until their D-number is in place. There’s also difficulties for students in getting a Norwegian sim card, and figuring out the health care system. When it comes to recruiting international students it, again, comes down to resources. Marketing and dealing with the inquiries it creates, takes time and money.
A lot of the universities sees that the students struggle to get integrated in the norwegian society. In recent years there’s been a greater focus on mixing international students with Norwegians, with activities helping to remove the gap between experienced oslopolitans and fresh Oslopolitans. Still we see international students and Norwegians rarely mixed in student accommodations. There’s a need, but most HEI’s dont have the resources to do more than what they do today. We need more touch points between Norwegians and internationals. The number of language courses offered by the institutions are limited. There is not enough resources to teach each and everyone that comes Norwegian. Working a part-time job, on a “student permit” in Norway is not always enough to cover your expenses as an student. It is also hard to find a job of relevance, something that might lead to more difficulties when applying for full time jobs after the studies. Some of the institutions mentions the need of an Oslo International House, but demands information about whether this is something that will be completed. If it does, it will be of great help to them and the students.
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS How does the work the HEI’s are doing match up to the work of the student organizations? We spoke to the student parliaments at HiOA and UiO and the the Student Union at BI, and met with Daniel Iniesta, the leader of ISU, International Students Union of Norway. ISU is a local member organizations at 27 different institutions of higher education in Oslo. And has partnerships with NSO, SAIH, LNU, Frivillige Norge, Spire, ANSA, Ung Info & Changemaker. We also participated in the event ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ at UiO for 300 newly arrived exchange students, to learn more about their first few days in Oslo.
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“WE NEED TO STOP TALKING ABOUT INTERNATIONAL AND NORWEGIAN STUDENTS - WE ARE ALL THE SAME AND ALL PART OF THE NORWEGIAN SOCIETY WHILE HERE”
There are few collaborations between the student organizations at the universities when it comes to welcoming international students, though there’s a demand and wish for it. How could a cooperation between the educational institutes affect Norway as a country? All social initiatives at the universities should be held in English. It should also be in the interest of the Norwegian students to get a more international focus and practice their language skills. BI is a good example on how this is done. When they first introduced it, they were met with some scepticism from Norwegian students, but now no one questions it. All activities and events should be for all students, without origin or language being a divider. Turning the model is the best practice. From introducing the domestic students into the international environment to instead introducing the internationals to the Norwegian environment. “There’s a need for happenings during the semester. A lot is going on at the beginning of the semesters, but in between it’s quiet” Daniel Iniesta / Leader of ISU
Presenting #whyoslo at Norway in a Nutshell / UiO, January 2017
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: FROM DEVELOPMENT AID TO POTENTIAL RESOURCES post from why-oslo.no
More and more international students come to Norway to study. Since the early 90’s the numbers have increased every year. In total 25 685 international students came to Norway in 2015. Today we look at recruiting international students as a means to remain economically competitive. But it has not always been this way. In the 1990’s recruiting international students was looked as development aid and as international solidarity. In 2006 this changed, at least in our national strategy, and international students were seen as potential talents and resources for the Norwegian labour market. There are several reasons why Norway recruits and should recruit even more international students to Norway. They are: • • • • •
potential ambassadors for Norway good help in recruiting future students from their home countries potential employees generating future international co-operation a source of income to the higher educational institutions
The study (Integrating Global Talent in Norway from 2013) found that over 60% of the international students that came to Norway to study was employed in Norway after their studies. Out of the PhDs that came to Norway about 40% was employed after graduation. 60% of the international students that were employed got their first job in the Eastern part of Norway, And 50% of these again started working in Oslo.
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“Whereas the level of international students getting a job after graduation in Norway has increased with a factor three from 2003 to 2010, the level of foreign high skilled workers has increased with a factor seven. As such there are more than three times as many foreign high skilled workers getting a job in Norway in 2010 compared to international students. There is thus a large potential in having more international students joining the work force in Norway after their graduation. One could also ask if it would be a better investment to have more international students staying on and work in Norway after graduation than having to search abroad for high skilled workers. Further, Norway has invested in the international students by offering them an education, and the students have already spent years getting familiar with the Norwegian society and hopefully socialis- ing with Norwegians. As such the internationals students should be easier to integrate in the work force as global talents. Thus, it will make good sense to focus more on getting these students to stay in Norway instead of primarily prioritising the inflow of foreign high skilled labour, who will have a longer period of adapting to Norwegian way of working and living as oppose to the students who have been here at least for two years.” Integrating Global Talent in Norway: Statistical Report - 23/04/13. Study sponsored by Abelia Akademikerne, The Research Council, NHO, Tekna and SIU
So how can we as a city get even more international students to stay? And how can we make Norwegian companies and organisations to hire more international students after their graduation? The SIU report “International students in Norway” shows that international students that come to Oslo has an overall high level of satisfaction. 69% of the students are happy with the study environment. But there is room for improvement! Only1 out of 4 international students interact with Norwegian students, co-nationals and international students. And “getting to know Norwegians” is ranked as the second biggest challenge among international students. According to a survey in 2014 looking at how to profile the Oslo Region internationally, Oslo has room for improvement when it comes to hosting and welcoming internationals. So, though many decide to stay, a high per cent of the international students and knowledge workers here strive to find a sense of belonging. #WhyOslo aims to look into why and how. What makes it difficult being here? What can we as Norwegians do to help? And what do we need to change within our systems to make it easier to attract and retain global talent?
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
SUMMA SUMMARUM Norway is an attractive country to study in and this won't as far as we can tell change in the years to come. Norway has seen an increase in international students choosing Norway as their study destination, and there has been an increased number of courses offered in English. International students bring new impulses to Norway. To be able to be internationally competitive we need to continue to recruit and create good onboarding processes for international students coming here. Whether this is done by the learning institutions themselves or by other initiatives, there needs to be a greater focus on it. International students are a potential profit center and the pool of international students coming to Norway will continue to grow and the competition for the best heads has just started.
feel more like home in Oslo
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HOW MIGHT WE... Though Oslo’s educational institutions work actively on their onboarding programs, there’s room for improvement. Offers often rely on resources or committed staff at the individual school or university. How might we create better onboarding processes among the learning institutions for international students? Either individually or as a joint collaboration?
Due to several reasons – especially the lack of a professional network – it is hard for internationals to get a relevant job after their studies in Norway. To be able to stay in Norway on a visa, they are however forced to get hired within six months. At the moment there are few direct collaborations or links between educational institutions and the labor market that can ensure a smooth recruiting process. How might we help students get relevant work after their studies?
How might we create a system that matches international talent from Norwegian educational institutions with local companies in Oslo or Norway?
#WHYOSLO
STUDENTS ARE OF COURSE AN IMPORTANT GROUP OF INTERNATIONALS. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MANY OTHERS WE DESCRIBE AS INTERNATIONAL TALENT?
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Let’s take a wider look. Thousands of talented, resourceful people come to work, startup and do research and in Oslo every year. How do they become true Oslopolitans?
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
Copenhagen has both an International House and a Host Program. Can we take inspiration from our Danish neighbours?
feel more like home in Oslo
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How do we work to integrate internationals at education- and research institutions? What about the private sector - companies, organizations, startups? What touch points are necessary in the public sector, and how does it work?
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
170124 / workshop in the lab
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WHERE HAVE WE LOOKED?
1
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
2
HEI’S & STUDENT ORGANIATIONS
3
THE CITY & SOCIAL LIFE
4
WORK & PRIVATE SECTOR
5
NORWEGIANS - LOCALS - HOSTS
6
PUBLIC SECTOR & BUREAUCRACY
7
SOCIAL INITIATIVES
8
PLACES & SPACES
#WHYOSLO
THE MOST COMMON EXPAT PROBLEMS 7 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12
7
I miss my personal support network (family or friends) I dont like being financially dependent on my partner I am worried about my future finance (eg. retirement provisions) I still need to adjust to a different business culture / work environment I dont have a professional network here I have suffered a loss in personal income I have trouble making new friends I have had some trouble with culture shock I am tired of expat life and would really like to “put down roots” somewhere, but I cant The language barrier is a problem for me My partner / family doesn´t seem happy with the decision to move here Moving abroad has been bad for my psychological mental health
Expat Insider 2016: https://www.internations.org/expat-insider/
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SENSE OF COHERENCE SOC, a Sense of Coherence, is a theoretical formulation made by Aaron Antonovsky – professor of medical sociology. The theory provides a central explanation for the role of stress in human functioning. SOC consists of three pillars, where the third pillar is the most important one. Antonovsky said that if a person believes there is no reason to persist, survive and confront challenges - if they have no sense of meaning - they will have no motivation to comprehend and manage events. During our open inquiry, we found this formulation interesting. It makes sense in the case of finding well-being for international talent living in Norway. How can people be happy in a city and culture without a sense of meaning?
THE THREE PILLARS ARE: Comprehensible The ability to understand life situations and give them order and structure Manageable The ability to handle or respond to situational demands, or the feeling that one is capable of obtaining the necessary resources to do so Meaning / sense The extent that one feels like life makes sense
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
WORKSHOP: INTERNATIONALS ON THE CITY, SOCIAL LIFE & WORK
feel more like home in Oslo
To better understand what we are dealing with, we needed expert help. 29 international people working (or looking for work) in Oslo got together in the lab for two hours of conversations, discussions and taking notes. Internationals find it challenging to understand the dynamics of the city and of social life in Oslo, and often feel left out or different. A sense of belonging is a basic human need, and an important part of obtaining this is understanding how Oslo works. How might we create a sense of meaning, coherence and belonging for internationals in Oslo? The majority of the workshop participants said most of their network consists of other internationals, people from their home countries and a few have Norwegian friends. They meet new people through friends, neighbours, flatmates or colleagues or at events and activities. Social life is supposedly characterized by outdoor activities like skiing, dinner parties, concerts, after-work beers, house parties and hangouts, meeting over coffee and drinking only on weekends. Summer is when the city comes to life and the parks are filled with people, and in winter we meet in our homes. Norwegians socialize in closed groups - that’s the culture. So how can we better include new people?
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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WORK & CAREER
Key words are flexibility, equality and respect. Norwegian work life is slow paced, which can be positive, but for some maybe too relaxed. Offices are empty at 3 pm on Fridays, and in July everybody is on vacation. Many of the internationals is of the impression that Norwegians avoid conflict and don’t speak up when they should. The lack of individuality and recognition for achievement makes people lazy, unproductive and non-competitive. Some of our workshop participants find many aspects of work life quite frustrating. At the same time, they appreciate a good work-life balance and feel they have fulfilling careers full of opportunities and respect.
THERE’S NO HIERARCHY AND NO STRONG LEADERSHIP. IT’S VERY DISTURBING. workshop participant
There are a number of challenges. Many are forced to hold positions below their competence because of language, some feel there are discrimination and that opportunities are not equal for foreigners. Network and relations are more important than a good CV, which naturally is a challenge when being new to the city.
In addition, many larger companies with clients in the public sector demand Norwegian fluency. International experience and expertise are not valued enough in recruiting. Language is a barrier- both when looking for a job, and making new friends. Everyone in Norway knows how to speak English, but (to the surprise of many) not everyone wants to. So how might we enable more internationals to learn the language? Fortunately, some companies do value international talent, and work with relocation services to make the onboarding process as smooth as possible. Many skilled workers - about 30% - come with families. Larger companies might have their own expat services, helping with housing, moving, language courses and the practicalities of moving to a new country. Oslo Chamber of Commerce and INN (International Network of Norway) are one of many actors offering relocation services: help with bureaucratic procedures, cultural differences and the setting up of social networks for their clients who hire abroad. Research shows that 1/3 companies in Norway are hesitant or negative to recruiting from outside of Norway. Work life is often characterized as “very Norwegian”, and there is a need to have greater international focus to maintain competitiveness. How might we encourage more companies to recruit, value and develop international talent?
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
NORWEGIANS. LOCALS. THE HOSTS. We know that 1 of 4 international students name “getting to know Norwegians” one of their biggest challenges when arriving in Norway. We are known to have a very “Norwegian” work life. Norwegian social life happens in closed circles, which appears difficult to get into. We found this very interesting, and had a million questions: Are we as Norwegians part of the problem? Are we THE problem? Do Norwegians have any international friends and connections? And if the answer is no, why not? What can we do to improve? What can we do to make Oslo feel more like home for internationals?
8
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Jante
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JANTELOVEN So many internationals have brought up Aksel Sandemose’s Law of Jante as a characteristic of Norwegians both socially and at the work place. It’s often described as part of cultural shock - the “Jante’s Shield” of the Sandinavian people. We know it. You know it. And honestly, we’re not really sure what to do about it. What we do know, is that it affects how we welcome newcomers to our city. That needs to change. Norwegians see themselves as a closed group of people who are reserved and not open to meeting new people. Often, this is not the case, but it might seem like it at first glance. How might we create a more positive story - enabling Norwegians to greet newcomers with pride and openness?
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
You're You're You're You're You're You're You're You're You're You're
not not not not not not not not not not
to to to to to to to to to to
think you are anything special. think you are as good as we are. think you are smarter than we are. convince yourself that you are better than we are. think you know more than we do. think you are more important than we are. think you are good at anything. laugh at us. think anyone cares about you. think you can teach us anything.
YOU ARE NOT TO THINK YOU’RE ANYONE SPECIAL OR THAT YOU’RE BETTER THAN US
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
WORKSHOP: NORWEGIANS ON CULTURE, HAVING TO SPEAK ENGLISH AND BEING BETTER HOSTS
feel more like home in Oslo
We found it useful to speak to Norwegians early on in the process – seeing culture and hostmanship is a main focus at this point. How do Norwegians see themselves in relation to internationals? What international connections do they have? What do they know about the benefits of bringing in international talents? And, last but not least, how do they think Norwegians are perceived from the outside? Generally speaking, Norwegians are not so conscious about being good hosts and welcoming internationals. When asked if they had international friends or connections, some of the workshop participants were embarrassed. Embarrassed to admit not having any international contacts, without a reason why. Although many have studied abroad and experienced moving to a new country themselves, very few use that experience when returning home. Could a ANSA Alumni collaboration change this? It is important for the city’s growth – socially, culturally and professionally – that Norwegians aspire to go abroad to study or work. Gaining new knowledge and the experience of being a foreigner first, might be of help to others when returning to Oslo. How might we inspire more Norwegians to move abroad?
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
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A lot of Norwegians never make international connections. Why? Some workshop participants said it’s about not needing a bigger network or group of friends.That seems more like an excuse than the actual reason. Whether it’s the language barrier, because of laziness or the excuse of not being part of an international environment - we don’t know. But we need to focus on how Norwegians can meet more of the ever growing population of people from all countries and cultures in Oslo. Internationals arriving in Norway are often talented and resourceful, bringing with them new knowledge. How might we make Norwegians aware of what internationals contribute with, and that having international friends or contacts can benefit them and Oslo? What’s in it for me? It’s obvious that internationals feel the need to meet, while Norwegians are not aware. The workshops have shed light on the importance of a two-way street. What’s in it for the locals? Language exchange, common interests or professional field are some of the suggestions. So, internationals have expressed the need to come in contact with locals. To make friends. To share experiences. To expand their network. To have someone to turn to for help. How might we create solutions that connect people on both a social and professional level?
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
PUBLIC SECTOR. SUPPORT SYSTEM. LOTS OF BUREAUCRACY. Our open inquiry has led us to further investigate the internationals’ onboarding process when arriving in Oslo. From what we’ve heard, the process through the governmental systems can be somewhat challenging, time consuming, and in many cases not a pleasant start to life in Oslo. If you’ve ever moved to a different country, you’ve probably been frustrated over the support systems. Saying bureaucracy is challenging everywhere, is not an excuse. With the expertise we have, we should be able to design better solutions around the practicalities that comes with moving to a new country. And to make Norway and Oslo an example of how this can be done.
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A few countries in Europe are already working on initiatives that makes this experience better. Norway should take inspiration. Here’s a few: International House in Copenhagen opened its doors in 2013 and drew inspiration from the Norwegian SUA, The Service Center for Foreign Workers, which can be found in four major Norwegian cities. At SUA the Labour Inspection Authority, the Police, the Tax Administration, and the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration is presence. International House Copenhagen builds on the idea of gathering more services in one physical location, but they’ve added on a lot more useful services than the Norwegian initiative. Today International House Copenhagen is spread across seven floors in the centre of Copenhagen, and as a newly arrival you can get help with paperwork, help in finding a network or a job, talk to guides and even participate in Copenhagen Host Program and get your personal host. Oslo City Council is working on looking at how we could make a similar house to International House Copenhagen, here in Oslo. Which is great news! Estonia has received a lot of praise for their E-visa: “The primary goal of the e-residency initiative has been straightforward: to make life and business easier for our international partners and non-resident foreigners who have a relation to Estonia – who invest, work or study here and do trade with us” says Siim Sikkut, who works in the government’s strategy unit and is one of the drivers behind the scheme.7 France has done something similar with their Tech Visa, and the Netherlands with their Undutchables program.8 Which country will be next?
9 10
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/26/estonia-offers-e-residency-to-world-what-does-it-mean https://www.undutchables.nl
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
WORKSHOP: INTERNATIONALS ON THE SYSTEM
feel more like home in Oslo
This workshop is dedicated to understanding and empathizing with the internationals in their experience through the systems as newcomers in Oslo. Often, the first thing that meets you arriving in any country – when staying for a longer period of time, that is – is the governmental policy system. The tax office, immigration office, banking and the health system, to mention some. These are important and fundamental measures in any immigration process, but not necessarily perceived as a warm welcome to the country. We invited 30 internationals living in Norway to map out their individual experiences during their move to the country. What are the steps through the process? How do the actions evoke emotions? What works? What doesn’t? The most common issues seem to be the visa application process, getting a D- or personal number and registering as a customer in the bank. Almost every participant had experienced negative feelings in contact with these authorities. Language is another issue. We discussed the fact that close to every document and website related to these authorities are in Norwegian. In some cases they are translated to English, but it is in any case a noticeable challenge. Many internationals have expressed the difficulties they experience in getting to know Norwegians, the Norwegian culture and ways of living. They have a genuine desire to get to know the people better, but struggle to do so. However, this is mainly an issue while first arriving in Oslo, as the map shows that the longer they have stayed in the country the easier it is to become friends with Norwegians.
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
When suggesting solutions, there was an almost unanimous answer: a tailored experience – meeting professional, helpful and friendly people. It is safe to say that the biggest need for internationals during the onboarding process is a positive personal connection and thorough help on their particular situation. Other suggestions that was hugely in focus: a one stop shop, both digitally and physically, and a buddy system. “Just tell people you are planning to settle down with a Norwegian partner When in contact with the public sector for practicalities:. It opens doors. Lie and say you’re getting married next year. Trust me, it works” - workshop participant “Some kind of support system to give good answers would be nice, because it seems that most people who you talk to on the phone at the government here, tend to tell you different things and send you to other departments. Also, every phone call requires sometimes 20-40 minutes of waiting, so this is extra painful!” - workshop participant
PREPARATIONS
ARRIVING IN OSLO
SETTLING IN
TODAY
in general positive feelings high expectations? in general positive feelings gaining a sense of coherence?
in general mixed feelings clearly on an optimistic note?
in general negative feelings expectation vs. reality?
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Settling into Oslo can be difficult. It’s often in trying to navigate through the systems, and in meetings with the different instances that people experience difficulties and frustration. Though this is most of the time temporary, it’s still a frustration that affects newcomers’ first months in Oslo and makes the experience less joyful. How might we create better tailored and well communicated onboarding processes for everyone arriving to Oslo?
There’s a need for a one-stop-shop, with friendly and helpful staff, when arriving to Oslo. Internationals often experience difficulties when it comes to visas, D- and personal numbers, bank accounts and getting a Norwegian sim card. We need more information in one place, both digitally and physically. How might we create a one-stop-shop that help solve these issues and has all information available?
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
SOCIAL INITIATIVES IN THE CITY Oslo has a lot to offer. It’s a compact city with a rich cultural life and a lot of initiatives and happenings. Did you for example know that Oslo has more than 5000 live performances every year? More than Stockholm and Copenhagen! The city can offer everything from sledging in the winter, swimming in the fjord in the summer, a lot of good professional talks, seminars, food initiatives and a hot startup scene. Although these activities are amazing for Oslo as a city, it doesn’t help if nobody knows about them.
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
SOCIAL INITIATIVES: IN SEARCH OF COLLABORATION
feel more like home in Oslo
It has become pretty clear that the activities and initiatives across Oslo are fragmented. To get a clearer picture of what is done, we invited some of the representatives of the social meeting points in the city. We wanted to gather them in a group in order to discuss common issues and common successes – laying the foundation for a closer collaboration. We had a two hour meeting with some of the organizations working with activation for internationals in Oslo. Oslo World Music, Eldorado Bokhandel, Oslo International Hub and Oslo Chamber of Commerce. We discussed difficulties in getting people to participate at events even though people demand an offer for social activities. After the meeting, the mail thread we used was followed up with meeting appointments in between the organizations for further cooperation. This alone proves that Oslo and its organizers needs a facilitated room where organizations and people can meet, talk and develop ideas together. So, how can Oslo Host Program be something that introduces newcomers to everything the city has to offer and at the same time raises the quality of existing offers? No more competition - more collaboration.
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
WORKSHOP: INTERNATIONALS ON SOCIAL INITIATIVES & MEETING PLACES
feel more like home in Oslo
In this workshop we focused on just that, how do we connect internationals to already existing social happenings, activities and networks in the city? An amazing bunch of people with an international background came to share and help us look into this challenge. A big challenge is not daring to go to events by yourself - resulting in not going if you have a small network of people. Like many newcomers do. And if you don’t know anyone, where do you begin? Where do you find information about initiatives, events, places and spaces if you don’t know where to start? The initiatives are fragmented – spread across the city and promoted in different channels. This makes it hard to keep track. How might we highlight all the existing initiatives in Oslo, gathering them and making them easily accessible to all?
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
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Language as a challenge was of course brought up: “Amazing events! Never in English. Therefore, a large audience can’t join.” The team who defined this challenge also mentioned the importance of balancing local culture, so that it’s not excluding to Norwegians. This feels like an important one. There are so many events for internationals and so many for Norwegians. So instead of creating more of those, what can we do to connect more people to already existing initiatives? And how might we open up to a more international crowd, while making sure not to exclude Norwegians?
“Norway transforms you into an introvert”. That’s powerful stuff. What is it about Norwegian culture, Norwegians or Oslo as a city that can make people feel insecure or less outgoing? This is an important challenge to tackle both when it comes to expanding your network and wanting to try new activities.
Internationals find getting to know Norwegians challenging. Internationals meet with internationals, and Norwegians meet with Norwegians in different arenas. We need to embrace the opportunities in targeting Oslopolitans as a whole - separating by interest, not by origin. How might we make more people meet by blurring the traditional line between locals and foreigners?
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
INITIATIVES. PLACES. SPACES. Student Accomodation Blindern Studenthjem SIO studentboliger Anker studentbolig
Co-working Spaces Startup Lab MESH Oslo International Hub Oslo House of Innovation 657 Tøyen Unlimited Gründergarasjen Y3o Bitraf SoCentral
Digital Platforms Just landed Eurocities Expatjob.net Workinnorway.no Visit Oslo Globaltalentsweek.com Finn.no Norden.org Match.com Tinder Airbnb
Public Sector Utlendingsdirektoratet Landsorganisasjonen i Norge Ny arbeids- og velferdsforvaltning Skatt Øst Ambassader Politiet Innovasjon Norge
Research Forskningsparken Akademiet for yngre forskere Tekna Akademikerne Rikshospitalet Centre for Advanced Study Universitetene Abelia
Recruitment Agencies Manpower Adecco Karrieresenter Academic Work Dynamic People
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Education & Language Universitetet i Oslo Høyskolen i Oslo og Akershus Handelshøyskolen BI Norges miljø- og biovitenskapelige universitet ANSA Karrieresenter UiO Alfaskolen Folkeuniversitetet Kursagenten Språkrådet Oslo voksenopplæring
Sports Lyn IL Norges cricketforbund Norges skiforbund Norsk orientering Oslo american football Oslo fotballkrets Oslo hash house runners Oslo ishockey Oslo kajakklubb Oslo roller derby
Private Sector Telenor Opera Software Microsoft Evry Aker Solutions KPMG Statoil NHO INN Spire
Onboarding Alfa Quality moving & relocation Crown Relocation EURAXESS Executive Expat Norway Expat Relocation Global Talent Center HR Norge Oslo Relocation Pytheas Relocation As
Social & Culture Oslo World Music festival Eurocities Chateau Neuf Studentskipnaden Deichmanske bibliotek Kulturhuset Mathallen Skur13 Blå Melahuset International Summer School Eldorado bokhandel Litteraturhuset Øyafestivalen Vinterparker Filmens Hus Teknisk Museum Parkteateret Rockefeller Lingu språkkurs Berlitz privatundervisning og språkkurs Katapult tech fest DNT
#WHYOSLO
“ IF I HAD ONE HOUR TO SOLVE A PROBLEM, I’D SPEND 55 MINUTES THINKING ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND 5 MINUTES THINKING ABOUT THE SOLUTIONS. ALBERT EINSTEIN
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The reason we spend a lot of time getting to know the problem, is to make sure we are solving the right one.
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
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#WHYOSLO
TIME TO DEFINE, MAKE SYNTHESIS & CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR DESIGN Our open inquiry gave us a lot of insight. The next step was to begin drawing lines. Making conclusions. Distinguishing those moments of clarity from the not-so-important facts. Trying to understand what it’s really about. We narrowed everything down to 14 HMW’s (How Might We’s - in design language), to frame the design opportunities. Time to bring in the experts to start developing ideas and solutions.
04 SENSEMAKING
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
SOFT LANDING Though Oslo’s educational institutions work actively on their onboarding programs, there’s room for improvement. Offers often rely on resources or committed staff at the individual school or university. How might we create better onboarding processes among the learning institutions for international students? Either individually or as a joint collaboration? Settling into Oslo can be difficult. It’s often in trying to navigate through the systems, and in meetings with the different instances that people experience difficulties and frustration. How might we create better tailored and well communicated onboarding processes for everyone arriving to Oslo?
SENSE OF COHERENCE Internationals find it challenging to understand the dynamics of the city and of social life in Oslo, and often feel left out or different. A sense of belonging is a basic human need, and an important part of obtaining this is understanding how Oslo works. How might we create a sense of meaning, coherence and belonging for internationals in Oslo?
MAKING INTERNATIONALS & LOCALS MEET Internationals find getting to know Norwegians challenging. Internationals meet with internationals, and Norwegians meet with Norwegians in different arenas. We need to embrace the opportunities in targeting Oslopolitans as a whole - separating by interest, not by origin. How might we make more people meet by blurring the traditional line between locals and foreigners? Internationals have expressed the need to come in contact with locals. To make friends. To share experiences. To expand their network. To have someone to turn to for help. How might we create solutions that connect people on both a social and professional level – offering internationals a helping hand?
Oslo has a lot to offer, but most events and happenings are communicated in Norwegian. How might we open up to a more international crowd, while making sure not to exclude Norwegians? Oslo offers a range of different activities. However, the initiatives are fragmented – spread across the city and promoted in different channels. This makes it hard to discover the endless opportunities. How might we highlight all the existing initiatives in Oslo, gathering them and making them easily accessible to all?
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INTERESTING, BUT NOT HOST PROGRAM MATERIAL There’s a need for a one-stop-shop, with friendly and helpful staff, when arriving in Oslo. Internationals often experience difficulties when it comes to visas, D- and personal numbers, bank accounts and getting a Norwegian SIMcard. We need more information in one place, both digitally and physically. How might we create a one-stop-shop that helps solve these issues and has all information available? Oslopolitans lack international experience and impulses. It is important for the city’s growth – socially, culturally and professionally – that Norwegians aspire to go abroad for study or work. Gaining new knowledge and the experience of being a foreigner first, might be of help to others when returning to Oslo. How might we inspire more Norwegians to move abroad?
POSITIVE STORY Internationals arriving in Norway are often talented and resourceful, bringing with them new knowledge. How might we make Norwegians aware of what internationals contribute with, and that having international friends or contacts can benefit them and Oslo? Norwegians see themselves as a closed group of people who are reserved and not open to meeting new people. Often, this is not the case, but it might seem like it at first glance. How might we create a more positive story – enabling Norwegians to greet newcomers with pride and openness?
WORK & VALUE Research shows that 1/3 of companies in Norway are hesitant or negative to recruiting from outside of Norway. Work life is often characterized as “very Norwegian”, and there is a need to have greater international focus to maintain competitiveness. How might we encourage more companies to recruit, value and develop international talent? Due to several reasons – especially the lack of a professional network – it is hard for internationals to get a relevant job after their studies in Norway. To be able to stay in Norway on a visa, they are however forced to get hired within six months. At the moment there are few direct collaborations or links between educational institutions and the labor market that can ensure a smooth recruiting process. How might we help students get relevant work after their studies?
LANGUAGE Language is often a barrier for internationals - both when looking for a job, and making new friends. Everyone in Norway knows how to speak English, but (to the surprise of many) not everyone wants to. How might we enable more internationals to learn the language?
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
BRINGING IN THE EXPERTS - MIX WORKSHOP
feel more like home in Oslo
The very last workshop of the project. Opening the doors to the lab and its neighbouring café. Inviting back everyone that has followed the process so far – encouraging everyone to contribute to the job they’ve already taken part in. We have read the facts. We have heard the complaints. We have been told the stories. We have appreciated the compliments. We have felt the emotions. But we can’t solve the challenges we now face by ourselves. The process, up until this, had come down to fourteen questions [ how might we … ]. To answer these questions we asked the participants to explore Skippergata 22 – the lab and the café – using our ‘lab map’. The map led them to the different categories, with questions and small challenges to solve. We had also arranged a competition and some fun tests on various prototypes. We had in total 60 workshop participants for the final workshop, making it a fun and engaging event – resulting in many interesting conversations and new connections. We had a band playing live music and the bar was serving snacks and drinks.
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IDEAS WORTH MENTIONING
feel more like home in Oslo
• • • • •
• • •
• • • • • • • •
• • •
create one platform in a range of languages that highlights the alternatives to the tourist traps social events like this one (#whyoslo workshop) is the best option – you should have more of them make Norwegians think the sense of us, not them and us create a vision and brand it, so every Oslopolitan knows it. Fun podcast that introduces Norwegians to hostmanship. letting people know that Norwegian culture is not something that has been and is unchangeable. Culture and identity has always changed. have institutions share best practices systemized platform online creating a network between organizations and the state for newcomers to get easy access to the information. This network can organize information on a website and social gatherings. expanding the concept ‘humans of oslo’, to more than an exhibition – an event? encourage workplaces to have more socializing events the Netherlands has “undutchables” for people who are not Dutch – Norway should have something similar. make shit interesting. Mark the importance of discovery. host families, buddy system, mentor program more tandem classes / exchanges to actually practice Norwegian, not just follow a course set up programs where internationals are the experts & mentors to locals provide more info for foreigners on what Norwegian work life looks like. It can be confusing in the beginning, but most people want to be a part of it. How is the culture? organize international fairs where international talent and advantages are presented - spread awareness common platform or website gathering all social initiatives, available in a range of languages one-stop info page: Let Visit Oslo and similar channels list everything
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KEY INSIGHTS & LEARNINGS
• • • • • •
most insights have been confirmed and discussed further many suggestions on a personalized ‘buddy system’ using humour in awareness campaigns work systematically towards a brand with a vision & stick to it curated information comes across as more personal an idea to gather all information in one common platform
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
IDEA FROM THE WORKSHOPS: WHAT WOULD A WELCOME KIT CONTAIN?
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They all speak English, you wouldn’t exclude them. They would probably exclude themselves. /The problem is a small-town culture, promote Oslo as a big city with big city responsibility. Everyone has a duty to help people around us, locally. The government isn’t going to help everyone. / How can we create a system where we encourage and support local and community based initiatives? / The only thing that is constant is change. / We don’t know that we need international friends, we don't see value in it. / Norwegian mindset doesn’t know talent when they see it. / And again; just with a simple hello. / Someone said: The city needs to be a good listener”, and we totally agree. / Have a Norwegian mentor: “Once I found one, my whole world opened up”. / “Do you really need them to go abroad?” Someone asked. We think it sometimes helps to broadens people's horizons and to bring back different experiences and knowledge that you wouldn't necessarily gain here. Like someone else said: “Working abroad gives skills and knowledge they won’t find here, as the work culture is different. Going abroad pushes your limits and makes you push yourself, and figure out what to do in life”. / “I have no idea” - that’s also an answer to the question that means a lot. These are big challenges to tackle. Which is why input from the internationals themselves is crucial. / There were many comments and ideas based on the idea that many locals in Oslo fear foreigners. “Not wanting to work or live with foreigners, assuming it’s too much hassle and fearing culture shock – that’s just silly.” Often the challenge is to communicate that everyone has something to offer. Interaction should be based on points of interest – not of difference. / As one workshopper wrote: “We can't be naive to the fact that sometimes you need to speak Norwegian”. However, this does not mean we can’t improve. Improving Corporate Social Responsibility was mentioned. Shed light on the variety of experience they could gain by hiring international talent. “Competence and the will to work should count more than: I trust you, because you are Norwegian”. / Also, an interesting point: In the 70s the oil industry needed international talent, so we positioned Norway as a knowledge centre for petroleum - focusing on obtaining the best of the best. How can this mindset be used today? / People ask for English friendly events that do not only target Norwegians. / Could it be a common denominator, blurring the line? / Some wanted “more workshops like this” to connect more internationally-minded Norwegians with internationals. And how about some genuine curiosity? / We are happy to hear that some believe WhyOslo is a good start: “Create more genuine opportunities for people to meet as people. Not just charity for the poor foreigners, but something mutual and rewarding.”
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
IDEAS WORTH MENTIONING
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From testing out our HMW’s, and taking all the feedback and suggestions into account, it was time to take this further by drawing out ideas and suggestions. All based on the learnings from throughout the whole project. Like we’ve said before, there could be a million solutions to the the different challenges. This is about narrowing it down to some solutions that can be implemented already in 2017, and ones we believe was most sought after. Through the creative idea process there were ideas that we still think should be taken into account, and that can lay the foundation for other projects within Kunnskap Oslo in the years to come. These are brief ideas and suggestions to activities, events, meeting or campaigns we belive deserves the light of day.
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Space Series – a series of ideas Can #whyoslo be a series of events aiming to raise awareness on how Oslo as a city can be more including and easily accessible – and at the same time be a social event connecting internationals and Norwegians? Perhaps #whyoslo can be a two week seminar every year? Hosting workshops, seminars and talks about the facts around being an international in Oslo. Can we make room for international talent? A concept where spaces are made available for anyone to host an event. One rule – it has to involve #whyoslo and international talent. It can be anything from parties, talks, workshops, food etc.
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
How can we facilitate a collaboration between the different universities and encourage them to share best practices? Many students have expressed the lack of collaboration and facilitation between the schools of Oslo. They tell us that there is no feel of joint collaboration. What we make of this is the need for a holistic educational environment in the city. We recommend bringing the institutions and student associations together to share best practices – finding common grounds to collaborate on. This is a process that needs to be facilitated and followed closely.
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Oslo International House We are aware of the on-going process of setting up Oslo International House. We recognize the fact that this is a destination for help on practical matters regarding the public systems. Through our inquiry we have learnt that this is a big need during the onboarding process. We have seen that there is demand for a one-stop-shop that not only deals with practical matters, but that function as a social meeting point. We see great potential in combining these two – hosting workshops, language cafÊs and exchange programs gathering people in a social setting while helping them with their practicalities.
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
How might we help Kunnskap Oslo facilitate and coordinate activities? There are many initiatives under Kunnskap Oslo, and we see several possibilities in combining these – joining forces on the same issues. The landscape Kunnskap Oslo operates in seems fragmented, and we believe all parties can benefit from a facilitated process. The aim of this is to reach shared goals with a broader impact, utilize the resources of the system and together create positive synergies.
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How might we create a system where we encourage and support local community based initatives? We suggest a concept that encourages local initiatives to engage in Kunnskap Oslo’s goals and plans – involving citizens and organizations. This can be done by handing out funds to good ideas that intend to make Oslo a better place for international talent. “Do you have an idea for how we can make Oslo a better city? We will help you in the process – with network, practicalities and funding. Apply now”
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
How might we make Norwegians more aware of the possibilites and opportunities that comes with having international friends and contacts? Through an awareness campaign, we can create positive stories – enabling norwegians to greet newcomers with pride and openess. ”Culture and identity has always changed – the only thing that is constant is change.”
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Cool collabs We suggest interesting collaborations to frame issues in new ways – shedding light on multiple challenges and offering innovative approaches. For instance we can portray rolemodels from the startup scene, join forces with ”gründeroppropet”. Another idea is to arrange a cup, where you put the hubs up against each other in a serie of workshops and challenges. Oslo Kommune can deliver the challenge and the hub has to put together a multicultural team to solve it.
#WHYOSLO
IDEAS. CONCEPTS. WHAT HAS IT ALL COME DOWN TO? After three months engaging with internationals and Norwegians in the #whyoslo research lab, we are left with three solutions that have come out of our open inquiry. These three solutions answer to the brief given by Kunnskap Oslo, and should all be implemented during 2017. The brief, briefly: •
Introduce newly arrived international students, researchers and knowledge workers to cultural activities in Oslo through venues that connect social initiatives and networks within higher education, research and business with stakeholders in the city’s cultural and civil society.
•
The project should have the following node functions: - Social and professional initiatives and information center - A door opener to civil society - culture, sports, and volunteer work - Introduction to working life - Network, friendships and recreation
The solutions should also answer to the Oslo Brand Management Strategy and it’s values; pioneering, enriching and real. Aiming to make Oslo the world’s favourite compact city.
05
IDEAS & RECOMMENDATIONS
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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We want to re-introduce a definition presented when the Brand Management Strategy was launched in 2015:
OSLOPOLITANS
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A PERSON WITH A PASSION FOR OSLO The definition was introduced to the city and its key players, and was recommended as a strategy when talking about Oslo, in all communication regarding Oslo and its inhabitants. Although the definition has not yet left much of a digital footprint, we think it has great potential. And we truly believe in using it more actively in all activities related to Oslo's inhabitants. Oslo is the capital of one of the world’s strongest economies. Generally speaking, Oslo is a great city to live in. People are friendly, it’s safe and the average Oslopolitan has a good work-life balance. Our inquiry has found that inhabitants of Oslo are speaking about ‘them’ and ‘us’, when referring to Norwegians and internationals – seemingly creating an excluding environment, rather than a welcoming one. Using the term Oslopolitans, should be part of making Oslo inhabitants proud of their city, and in welcoming everyone who wants to be a part of it. It should make Norwegians think in the sense of us, not ‘them’ and ‘us’. We are all citizens of Oslo. We are all Oslopolitans. We all live in the same city, we are all part of the same journey and we are all facing some of the same issues and opportunities in our daily life. We believe that to start the real journey towards being the big small, the average citizen needs to appreciate the city, its inhabitants and the opportunities they present. We believe change comes from inside – an individual perspective. We believe that by giving all inhabitants of Oslo the same name we will erase some of the borders created between our inhabitants and we will get one step closer to creating a complete city.
“Create a vision and brand it, so every Oslopolitan knows about it.” - workshop participant “I LOVE OSLOPOLITANS! Let’s use it more” - workshop participant
#WHYOSLO
#OSLOPO #WHYOS
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OLITANS SLO
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
01 OSLO EVERYDAY Oslo has so much to offer. Every day! Did you know that Oslo has over 5000 live performances every year? That the city hosts more than 120 football clubs, over 20 libraries, offers great opportunities for ice skating, sledging and skiing, is the home to book clubs, has a wide range of breakfast talks, professional networks, food festivals, innovation week, some vibrant and exciting start-up communities and so so so much more! These initiatives are spread across the city and promoted in different channels. This makes it hard to discover the endless opportunities there is in the city. To navigate in this landscape can be hard, especially having just moved here. But even for the born and bred Oslopolitan, it can be hard to seek out that one thing you never even knew you needed. For the explorers of the city. The ones looking for fun. Those seeking professional networks. Those looking for sports and activities, and that local running group. The ones in need of inspiration. OSLO EVERYDAY is for those who work everyday to make Oslo the exciting, vibrant and diverse city it is. This is their introduction to you. All of you Oslopolitans.
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EVERYONE NEEDS A STARTING POINT
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So are YOU ready to explore all the amazing things Oslo has to offer?
How does it work?
Let’s just make it clear. We’re not talking about all the obvious touristy stuff (well, we’ll guide you there too if you haven't been and really want to go), but the concerts, the professional networks, the sport activities and clubs, organizations and that brewing club in the basement of that old building in the middle of Grünerløkka, and to all those things that make you realize that being an Oslopolitan is pretty damn good.
OSLO EVERYDAY is an easy-to-use platform. Think typeform. Think of a personalized message that wishes …….. welcome! One that guides you and gives you options, and lets you sort by whether you're hanging out with friends or alone, from what sort of activity or initiative you’re looking for (music, cultural, professional networks, food and drinks or sports and activities) from what part of town you like to hang, or you can even let the city surprise you!
This is not another event calendar. We promise. We know you already struggle to keep up-todate with Eventbrite, Facebook, Oslo By, Visit Oslo and probably a few more that we haven't discovered yet.
Plenty of possibilities
OSLO EVERYDAY highlights all the existing initiatives in Oslo. It connects you as an Oslopolitan, to them and their own channels. So they, themselves can invite you to relevant meetups, seminars and club meetings.
Connecting people to already existing initiatives in Oslo, is OSLO everyDAY’s main aim. But there’s also room for making OSLO DAY four times a year, and opening up for the providers to host Oslopolitans. ‘Turist i egen by’ is a well known initiative happening once a year, where all museums and attractions open their doors to the public – free of charge. This is great, but Oslo wants more. How can we create a similar day, four times a year, where we encourage and support local community based initiatives to open up their doors to Oslopolitans.
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
02 BECOME AN OSLOPOLITAN Settling into Oslo can be difficult. It’s often in trying to navigate through the systems, in meeting with the different instances, while trying to understand the city, the culture and the people that newcomers experience difficulties and frustration. Though this is mainly temporary, it’s still a frustration that affects people’s first months in Oslo and makes the experience less joyful. And being stressed is a waste of time! It should be in Norway’s interest, and our aim to become one of the most welcoming and friendly countries in the world! And to make sure the first couple of weeks in a new city is filled with excitement, new experiences and fun! Remember: first impressions last. Being a good host means showing your visitors around, making them feel at home. Oslo as a city wants to be just that; an awesome host! Become an Oslopolitan! is Oslo’s welcome kit that gives you that cultural, social, fun and practical checklist – making sure you feel at home, sooner rather than later.
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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WELCOME TO OSLO! Are you ready to become an Oslopolitan? In the next few hours/days/weeks, Oslo will give you a glimpse of what it’s like to be a citizen of Oslo, and show you some insider tips to your new city.
• • • • •
Become an Oslopolitan! takes you on a journey around town and introduces you to the things that makes you a real Oslopolitan. Those things that it normally takes you a year to discover, to figure out or to understand. It’s a mix of practical, social, cultural and fun things to discover. It’s a pocket host, much like a concierge that follows your journey and is always available. The checklist could look something like this:
•
• • • • • •
• • • •
Vipps How to register for a D-number YR OSLO everyDAY Finn.no - find a place to live, a dog, a bed, a job. VisitOslo - for that first week you want to see the tourist sights, or for when family and friends visit. Ruter - your way to travel around town! Banks - this is where you can register for a bank account Sinnataggen i Frognerparken - one of those things you need to see Tise - buy and sell clothes Slottet - one of those things you need to see Brunost - brown cheese please! You just have to try it. Go to any supermarket, they’ll have it. Hei! Koselig! Artig! Where can you learn Norwegian? Brodder - what’s that? Akebakke - fun winter activity that you’ll find here. A few more things one the way to become an Oslopolitan.
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How does it work?
It could look like this:
Become an Oslopolitan should be easy and fun for everyone to use. Think Pokemon Go! It takes you across town and lets you check all those boxes. Its chatbot can even give you personalized messages during your tour around town or even before arriving in Oslo. By using technology like beacons or urban air ships, it can make your journey a fun one!
•
To become a certified Oslopolitan you have to check off every step on the list. Made it through the whole list? Well, congrats, you’ve now become an Oslopolitan! You should now check out HOST OSLO and become a host! For internationals moving to Oslo. Making sure everyone that arrives has access to the same information. It shouldn’t matter what university you’ve been accepted to, if you’re here to start a company, or here to work for a Norwegian company. The system is the same, but could also be a white label product aimed at the individual organizations, businesses and HEI’s to create personalized experiences for their international students, scientists and knowledge workers.
• • •
Become an Oslopolitan - a standardized service for anyone DnB: Become an Oslopolitan - introduced when receiving a job offer BI: Become an Oslopolitan - introduced to new students in the letters of acceptance. CIENS: Become an Oslopolitan
The service could also be used by INN and other relocation services. But it’s important to stress the fact that this is not a competing service to what they are already offering! ...and how would that would? For HEI’s and companies it’s introduced through administrations and HR, to internationals having been offered a job or a place to study. Preferably sent out in a Become an Oslopolitan welcome letter, that also is personalized. Become an Oslopolitan can be promoted at Oslo Lufthavn, Flytoget, the bus- and trainstations and in the harbour.
Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
feel more like home in Oslo
03 HOST OSLO There is a need for all Oslopolitans to enjoy the city together and to create bonds with each other. Newcomers have expressed the need to come in contact with locals. To make friends. To share experiences. To expand their networks. Creating a solution that connects people on both a social and a professional level is desired and requested. “Creating more genuine opportunities for people to meet as people. Not just charity for the ‘poor’ foreigners, but something mutual and rewarding”.
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Finding new ways to make internationals #WHYOSLO
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MAKING OSLOPOLITANS BETTER HOSTS
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A HOST PROGRAM We need to introduce, help and give Oslopolitans the opportunity to become great hosts. Like the city should welcome newcomers, so should its inhabitants. Through HOST OSLO anyone is given the opportunity to connect, learn and share knowledge or interests. It could be language exchange, professional networking, a talk over a coffee and help with setting up a bank account, a glass of wine or meeting up to watch a football match. It’s a program where anyone can be the host. It can be for the Norwegian professor moving to Spain to teach at the university of Madrid and wanting to learn a little spanish before he moves. He then connects to a Spanish teacher having just moved to Oslo, and they can share, not only language but professional experiences. It can be for the Norwegian ANSA alumni engineer graduate who recently moved back from Italy, that wants to keep up his Italian and share his passion for Italian food with someone. He then connects with Maria, that recently moved to Oslo from Milan to do her masters at BI. For all Oslopolitans who want to share their knowledge about the city, a particular interest or network.
How does it work? The program introduces new Oslopolitans to those who might have been here for a little while already. The criteria can be that you have to meet at least two times, and after that both parts decide if they want to continue to meet. The program can be a great initiative for Oslo International House, a physical place where people are connected. As Oslo International House won't open for a few years, there’s a need for another meeting point and for a facilitator. The program should be introduced to newly arrived students, scientists and knowledge workers through their organizations, employers or educational institutions. The hosts are recruited through the Kunnskap Oslo network, networks like ANSA alumni, people that have previously participated in the relocator programs, Norwegian students and through expat groups like InterNations.
#WHYOSLO
MAKING IT REAL
OSLO AS A CITY NEEDS TO BE A GOOD LISTENER TO OBTAIN A POSITION AMONG THE BEST IN THE WORLD WHEN IT COMES TO WELCOMING NEW CITIZENS!
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TO DO SO, WE SHOULD NEVER STOP INCLUDING THOSE WE ARE DESIGNING FOR IN OUR PROCESSES. BY KEEPING IT TRANSPARENT AND INCLUSIVE, WE DESIGN SOLUTIONS THAT CREATE IMPACT, RATHER THAN JUST DESIGNING BASED ON ASSUMPTIONS. MAKING SURE WE GET FEEDBACK ALONG THE WAY, WE KNOW THAT THESE SOLUTIONS WILL BE WELCOMED BY OSLOPOLITANS. NOT TO SAY THAT THEY ARE PERFECT. IN CREATING NEW SOLUTIONS, THERE SHOULD ALWAYS BE ROOM FOR FEEDBACK, EVALUATION AND CHANGES TO IMPROVE. BEING A GOOD LISTENER TAKES PATIENCE AND TIME, BUT WE ARE CONVINCED IT’S GOING TO BE WORTH IT.
#WHYOSLO
CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
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ALL INITIATIVES ARE COMMUNICATED IN ENGLISH. OBVIOUSLY! A GOOD FACILITATOR: A PROJECT MANAGER THAT CAN GET THE PRODUCTION GOING. GOOD COMMUNICATION: TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, SCIENTISTS AND KNOWLEDGE WORKERS. ORGANIZATIONS, INSTITUTIONS OR EMPLOYERS MUST COMMUNICATE THE OFFERS TO THEIR MEMBERS!
#WHYOSLO
#WHYOSLO
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