Learning German is most successful when the language is used regularly. With its volunteer-run German language group program "Treffpunkt Deutsch" (Meeting Point German), the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) supports refugees, displaced persons, and immigrants in improving their German skills and gaining more confidence in speaking the language. Volunteer learning mentors accompany small groups, foster personal interaction, and help participants apply what they have learned in everyday life. To further expand this program, the ÖIF is seeking additional volunteers who would like to get involved in helping people learn German.
Speaking German together and learning from each other
Whether shopping, at work, or chatting with neighbors: good German skills are essential for navigating everyday life and acting independently. This is precisely where "Treffpunkt Deutsch" comes in. The program complements regular German courses and gives participants the opportunity to practice their language skills in an open and personal atmosphere. In small groups of no more than 14 people, participants speak, practice, and learn together. The focus is on everyday conversations, mutual exchange, and the joy of learning German. Since its launch in 2015, more than 1,700 learning groups have been established throughout Austria.
Supporting German language learning through voluntary engagement
Volunteer learning mentors play a vital role. They take time for conversations, answer questions, and encourage participants to actively use their German skills. The focus is not on teaching a traditional German course, but rather on practicing together and creating opportunities to speak. The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) is seeking dedicated volunteers for "Treffpunkt Deutsch" (Meeting Point German) who enjoy the German language and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. Prior pedagogical knowledge or experience in language teaching is welcome, but not required. The commitment is easily manageable: volunteers accompany a learning group for 90 minutes once a week over a period of eight weeks. Those who wish can also commit for a longer period. The ÖIF team provides support to the volunteers in their work.
Join us now as a volunteer learning mentor!
Anyone who enjoys working with people, loves exchanging ideas, and wants to support others in learning German can get involved with "Treffpunkt Deutsch". Through their commitment, volunteers help people solidify their German skills, speak more confidently, and navigate everyday life in Austria more easily.
Interested? For more information about volunteering at “Treffpunkt Deutsch”, please contact Fitore Morina, head of the ZUSAMMEN:ÖSTERREICH team, at zoe@integrationsfonds.at.