At the end of September 2026, the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) and the Flemish Agency for Integration & Civic Engagement (Agentschap Integratie & Inburgering) from Belgium held their third professional exchange. The Erasmus+ visit focused on the mutual exchange of experiences and the opportunity to learn from one another. While the ÖIF was represented by experts in digital learning and values education, the Belgian delegation included experts in Dutch as a second language and in values and orientation within the framework of the Flemish integration program.
Exchange on language acquisition and values education
The experts focused particularly on experiences with values and orientation courses, as well as language acquisition in an increasingly digitalized learning environment. Models for placement processes, different learning speeds, and digital learning resources were also discussed. The exchange provided both sides with the opportunity to highlight similarities and differences in their respective approaches, share practical experiences, and gain new insights for their future work.
Insights into the work of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) in the federal states
In addition to the technical discussions in Vienna, the Flemish delegation also gained in-depth insights into the work of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) in the federal states. A joint visit to Linz included a meeting with the Upper Austrian branch of the Federal Republic of Germany (ALTER OÖ) and an exchange on the topic of nursing staff. The visit then continued to St. Pölten to the ÖIF Integration Center Lower Austria, where the delegation met with the center's management and learned more about the work of the ÖIF Contact Center.
Continue cross-border exchange
The fact that this is now the third joint exchange demonstrates how enriching cross-border knowledge transfer is perceived by both sides. Different experiences and approaches make it possible to learn from one another, reflect on existing approaches, and gain new perspectives for integration work. The professional exchange between the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) and the Austrian Agency for Integration and Civic Engagement (Agentschap Integratie & Inburgering) will therefore continue in the future. Further steps for cooperation are already planned.