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Values and Orientation Courses
Integration in Austria
Knowing the values and rules of coexistence in Austria is—along with German language skills and access to the labor market—a key prerequisite for the successful integration of refugees and immigrants in Austria. The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) has created a wide range of programs to impart values to refugees. This allows for a continuous pathway from values and orientation courses to in-depth integration measures and the integration of values into German language classes.
The values and orientation courses take place in all Austrian states. They are conducted by specially trained instructors from the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF). The course language is German; interpreters are available for Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Russian, English, and Somali if needed.
According to the Integration Act, participation in a values and orientation course is mandatory for asylum seekers and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection from the age of 15, as well as for third-country nationals and asylum seekers and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection who receive social assistance. Asylum seekers with a high probability of being granted asylum may also participate in values and orientation courses.
The five-day values and orientation courses teach the essential foundations for harmonious coexistence in Austria, such as entering the job market, the importance of language acquisition, education, equality, history, culture, and democracy. Legal aspects, non-violence and violence prevention, as well as security and policing, engagement against antisemitism and extremism prevention, culture and tradition, and volunteer work are also covered. For positive social interaction, behavior in public spaces and community life are given particular emphasis. The "Work and Career" module includes practical job application training.
Day 1: Learning German and Education
- German in everyday life and learning opportunities
- Educational pathways and educational opportunities
- History of Austria
Day 3: State, Democracy and Laws
- Democracy and the rule of law
- Equality between men and women
- Freedoms, rights and obligations
Building on the values and orientation courses, the ÖIF offers immigrants a range of in-depthintegration measures. available:
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As part of further practical training days, immigrants can visit voluntary organizations, cultural or democratic political institutions, as well as institutions dealing with Jewish life in Austria.
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In language classes, values and orientation knowledge are taught using specially developed curricula. This ensures that fundamental values of the Austrian constitution, such as equality, human dignity, and democracy, are also addressed in German language courses.
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On the ÖIF language portal Numerous practice materials such as worksheets, online model tests, question catalogs and videos focusing on Austria are available.
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With the ÖIF teaching magazine "Learning German", immigrants can improve their language skills from language level A1 and deepen their knowledge of values and rules of coexistence.
The five-day values and orientation courses offered by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) provide foundational knowledge for living and coexisting in Austria. Topics covered include learning German and education, work, democracy and the rule of law, equality, rights and responsibilities, safety, and the prevention of antisemitism and extremism.
According to the Integration Act, participation is mandatory for refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection from the age of 15. Participation is also mandatory for third-country nationals and refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection who receive social assistance or minimum income support.
The values and orientation course lasts five days. Each day covers different topics – from learning German and education to work, democracy and the rule of law, as well as security, coexistence and social integration.
The course language is German. Interpreters are available for Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Russian, Turkish, English and Somali if required.
Registration takes place as part of an integration consultation with the ÖIF. Please make an appointment at an ÖIF integration center and bring all required documents with you.
The ÖIF offers values and orientation courses in all federal states.
The quality of the values and orientation courses is continuously reviewed and improved. This is based, among other things, on external evaluations by research institutes and experts, in which the content, implementation, and impact of the courses are comprehensively analyzed.
The ÖIF also develops the course content together with relevant experts and organizations.
As part of this process, curricula are developed, trainers are trained, and the implementation of the courses is continuously monitored through observations and evaluations. In addition, the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) surveys participants about the quality and delivery of the courses; this feedback is incorporated into further development.
Building on the values and orientation courses, the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) offers further integration measures. These include, among other things, practical days at volunteer, cultural and democratic political institutions, seminars and consultation hours on various integration topics, as well as ÖIF career platforms.