Starting a PhD or postdoctoral position in a new country comes with plenty of opportunities, but also a lot of questions. Some things are easy to figure out along the way, while others only become important when you suddenly need the answers.

On 7 September from 17:00 to 19:00, UiADoc and Kristiansand Municipality invite international PhD candidates and postdocs at the University of Agder, Campus Kristiansand, to an informal evening focused on practical aspects of living and working in Norway.

The session, Things Worth Knowing While You’re Here, will explore topics that many international researchers encounter during their stay in Norway. Participants will gain insights into residence permits and how employment changes can affect their situation, practical aspects of working life in Norway, and why it can be valuable to start thinking about future career opportunities before the end of a current position.

The evening will also provide space for some of the less formal questions about Norwegian life and work culture, including the tips and experiences that are often learned only after living in the country for some time.

Participants are encouraged to submit questions when registering, helping to shape the discussion around the topics that matter most to them. Spouses and partners are warmly welcome to attend.

From 18:00, the programme continues with pizza and networking, offering an opportunity to exchange experiences, meet fellow international researchers, and continue the conversation in an informal setting.

Building Connections Beyond Academia

The event marks the beginning of a new collaboration between UiADoc and Kristiansand Municipality through the Work Without Borders project. Work Without Borders aims to strengthen the retention of international talent in Scandinavia by helping international students, graduates, and researchers build stronger connections to the labour market while supporting employers and institutions in becoming more welcoming and accessible to international talent.

Over the coming months, the collaboration will explore activities that support international PhD candidates and postdocs in their professional development, including opportunities to learn more about careers and employers outside academia. This aligns with the broader Work Without Borders ambition of creating stronger links between international talent and the Scandinavian labour market through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and practical initiatives.

Whether you have questions about career opportunities, residence permits, workplace culture, or everyday life in Norway, this evening is a chance to get useful information, meet others in similar situations, and help shape future activities.

Come for the useful information. Stay for the pizza!

Namea from the left is Marco Pietro D`Attoma (UiAdoc), Mette Stavnsbo (UiA), Even Andreas Lie (Kristiansand Municipality), and Senanu Dekpo-adza (UiAdoc).