Summary

The Cultural Orientation Programme for Norway-bound Refugees provides pre-departure cultural orientation (CO) classes for refugees accepted for resettlement to Norway. IOM Oslo, in close coordination with IOM offices in countries where refugees are temporarily residing, organizes training for selected target groups of refugees, aged 8 years and above, on the practicalities of life in Norway. The primary objective of the programme is to promote smoother integration of refugees into the Norwegian society. It prepares them for the initial adjustment period after arrival in Norway, addressing unrealistic expectations, and limiting the culture shock.

The cultural orientation programme also provides the receiving Norwegian municipalities with relevant and current information about the resettling refugees and their situation prior to the refugees’ arrival to Norway. The information to municipalities is provided through:

1) Country Information Seminars
2) Country Profiles