On October 12 and 13, 2026, an international conference of the European Migration Network (EMN) took place in The Hague, with approximately 150 representatives from ministries, academia, NGOs, and other organizations. The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) was invited to present its experiences and innovative approaches in the field of digital German language learning. The ÖIF was represented by Julia Schmidlechner, responsible for integration measures at the ÖIF, who, in addition to presenting Austrian programs, also participated in an international panel discussion with representatives from Germany and Spain, as well as an expert meeting at the Dutch Ministry of Integration.
Great international interest in the ÖIF's digital German learning resources
The ÖIF's digital German learning resources, especially the ÖIF language portal, attracted particular interest. With free live online courses, interactive exercises, and job-specific learning opportunities, it offers a wide range of options for learning German flexibly and regardless of location. The ÖIF's digital German learning resources generated considerable interest among the international participants and provided a basis for in-depth professional discussions about innovative approaches to location-independent and work-integrated language acquisition.
Linking work and language acquisition
The conference focused on how language acquisition and entry into the workforce can be linked as early as possible. Various European approaches were discussed, particularly whether language skills should be a prerequisite for employment or whether language acquisition can also take place alongside work. The link between learning German alongside work and entering the workforce as early as possible garnered particular attention from the international experts and was very well received.
Learn German around the clock with the ÖIF
The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) consistently utilizes digital technologies to make learning German flexible, individualized, and practical for everyday life. Regardless of their residency status, the ÖIF provides all immigrants with a comprehensive range of online German courses and learning materials via the freely accessible ÖIF Language Portal, the largest online German learning platform in Austria. Here, over 5,000 interactive exercises, more than 500 audiovisual features, and over 70 live online courses per week are available free of charge. Offering courses at all language levels, from literacy to C1, the free platform supports German learners in improving, expanding, and consolidating their language skills anytime, anywhere. This allows language skills to be acquired, reinforced, and deepened flexibly. Around 25,000 people use the ÖIF's German learning resources every day.