Ad-Hoc Query on Programmes for the Linguistic Integration of Immigrants. Requested by DE EMN NCP on 12 th July 2012

Transcription

1 Ad-Hoc Query on Programmes for the Linguistic Integration of Immigrants Requested by DE EMN NCP on 12 th July 2012 Compilation produced on 20 th August 2012 Responses from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Sweden and United Kingdom (18 in Total) Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does 1. Background Information In order to prepare and conduct the break-out session Education and Language in the context of the conference Free Movement and Participation of EU Citizens Making it Work For All on the 3 rd and 4 th of September in Rotterdam (Netherlands), it is planned to give the participants a brief overview of the most important characteristics of the programmes that are organized and funded by the member states to promote language skills of immigrants. The above mentioned conference will be organized by the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. 2. We would kindly request to send us the questionnaire until 20 th of July. 1 of 24

2 Questions 1. Existence of nationwide programmes for the linguistic integration of immigrants a) Are there national programmes for the linguistic integration exclusively for EU citizens?(yes/no) b) Are there national programmes for the linguistic integration exclusively for non-eu citizens?(yes/no) c) Are there national programmes for the linguistic integration for EU and non-eu citizens?(yes/no) 2. Description of the programme(s) short answers required a) Who is (are) the target group(s)? b) What are the general aims? c) Which additional components besides language teaching exist within the programme (i.e. practical courses, internships, civic education, vocational training) and what is their goal? d) Is the programme (stately) funded? If yes, please explain the system. e) Do participants have to pay a financial contribution on their own? If yes, how much is it and how is the percentage in relation to the total amount? f) Are there special courses for different target groups (i.e. illiterate persons, academics etc.)? g) Which conditions have to be fulfilled by participants to join the programme? h) Is there an obligation to join the courses or are they voluntary? i) Is there a permanent quality assurance? If yes, please describe the components. 2. Responses Wider Dissemination? Austria No This EMN NCP has provided a response to the requesting EMN NCP. However, they have requested that it is not disseminated further. Belgium Yes 1. In the Belgian federal state structure, the different (linguistic) Communities are mainly competent for integration policies. One can only speak of a community-wide structural programme for linguistic integration in Flanders (see below for clarification*). a) In Flanders: no b) In Flanders: no c) In Flanders: yes, but while it is a voluntary programme for EU-citizens and their family members - it is obligatory for the non-eu citizens in the target group. 2 of 24

3 * Clarification: As a consequence of the Belgian federal state structure, there is no nationwide programme for linguistic integration, but different policies exist: - In Flanders there is a civic integration programme for foreigners (so called inburgering), including linguistic integration. The programme is obligatory for various target groups of foreigners, voluntary for others. - In the Walloon Region and the French Community there are local and sub-regional initiatives which may include classes in French as a foreign language (voluntary), but there is no coordinated or standard linguistic integration programme. - In the Brussels-Capital Region o the Flemish Community implements the Flemish policies in Brussels, but participation to civic integration programmes is voluntary (not an obligation). o the French Community Commission has no structured offer, but finances local initiatives. 2. Description of the programme(s) Attention! Description of the programme in Flanders (not for the whole of Belgium) a) Civic integration is intended for foreigners aged 18 and more who come to Flanders or Brussels to reside there for a long period. The target group of the civic integration policy also includes Belgians who were not born in Belgium and at least one of whose parents was not born in Belgium. More detailed information (in English) is available on the website: Foreigners who reside in Flanders or Brussels for a temporary purpose do not belong to the civic integration target group and are not entitled to a civic integration programme either. In practice this concerns certain economic migrants and non European students. Asylum seekers who have submitted their application for asylum less than four months ago, are also excluded from civic integration. b) The Government of Flanders finds the civic integration programme necessary for the social and economic cohesion. The goal is that new citizens can fully participate in society. Civic integration can help them to take up their role as citizen, parent, employee, entrepreneur, student, member of an association, In the primary civic integration programme participants should reach the level A1 (Breakthrough) according to CEFR. c) Next to (1) a basic language course (Dutch as a second language) the primary civic integration programme in Flanders consists of, (2) a social orientation course, which consists of an introduction to the Flemish and Belgian society; (3) career orientation, which implies coaching in the search of employment or studies, and toward the provision in terms of culture and leisure activities; and (4) programme counselling, which implies an individual counselling of the person integrating. After successful completion of the first civic integration programme a certificate is given, and people can enroll in a secondary integration programme (e.g. with follow-up language courses). More information (in English) is available on the website: d) Yes, the programme is funded by the Flemish government with support of the European Integration Fund. e) No, but those who are obliged to participate (or entitled to participate and bound by an integration contract) and fail to comply with their duty, may be imposed an administrative fine. (However, this system does not apply in the Brussels-capital Region.) 3 of 24

4 f)the type of integration programme a person integrating is in is laid down in his integration contract. The contract specifies which components of the training programme he will be taking and where and when the training courses will be held. In doing so, the welcome office takes full account of the learning needs of the persons integrating. Academics will take their language courses in a different language centre than semi-or low-skilled people. For illiterate persons a specific centre is appointed and they will be offered a lot more hours of Dutch classes. g) Foreigners need to be 18 years old or more; registered in the State Register; and live in a municipality of the Flemish Region or the Brussels Capital Region. They are most of the often obliged to participate if they have (on top of the other conditions) for the first time a residence permit of more than three months. The integration programme is laid down in his integration contract. The persons integrating who sign an integration contract commit to take and attend the training programme on a regular basis (at least 80% of the lessons for each component). h) All persons integrating in Flanders have a right to a civic integration programme. Moreover, certain categories are obliged to take a civic integration programme (Except in the Brussels-capital Region, where there is no obligation to participate.) o Obligation: e.g. persons who recently emigrated to Belgium and have taken up residence in Flanders; ministers of religion in a local church or religious community, recognised by the Flemish authorities. o Voluntary: e.g. citizens of a European Union Member State and their family members; persons integrating who have obtained a certificate or diploma in Belgian or Dutch education; persons integrating of 65 years or older; economic migrants who have a temporary residence status that may lead to a definitive residence. o Certain others categories are not entitled: see above under (a). More detailed information (in English) is available on the website: i) Yes. There is a central database and systematic follow-up, monitoring, and evaluation. Bulgaria Yes 1. a) No b) Yes, for refugees and only as a part of the National Programme for Integration of Refugees ( ). There are other programmes, most of them regional, funded by the European Integration Fund and the European Fund for Refugees. c) No 2. a) TCNs seeking or granted protection in the frame of the National Programme for Integration of Refugees ( ) and European Fund for Refugees, and Newly arrived TCNs in the frame of the European Fund for Integration of Third Country Nationals b) Basic knowledge of Bulgarian language for facilitating the TCNs integration into the Bulgarian society 4 of 24

5 c) The Integration Centre at the State Agency for Refugees with the Council of Ministers which provides Bulgarian language courses, directs refugees to educational institutions. It organizes the vocational training of foreigners seeking or granted protection. The Integration Centre assists foreigners with granted status in finding jobs and provides them with counselling on social issues. The Information Centres created and supported by the European Fund for Integration of Third Country Nationals in Sofia, Burgas, Varna and Plovdiv along with the courses provide them with counselling on social matters. d) Yes. The National Program for Integration of Refugees ( ) is the third three-annual programme on these matters and the measures are covered by the budgets of all participating institutions, according to their respective responsibilities. e) No. f) The above mentioned programmes do not include such special courses. g) TCNs have to be: - with a statute of persons seeking or granted protection in the frame of the National Programme for Integration of Refugees ( ) and European Fund for Refugees, or - newly arrived legally residing in Bulgaria in the frame of the European Fund for Integration of Third Country Nationals h) Course attendance can be obligatory for TCNs who are seeking or granted protection and is voluntary for newly arrived TCNs. i) Only teachers with a specific qualification can teach in language courses and there is a regular unannounced course control. Czech Republic Yes 1. No. The only integration requirement of the kind is A1 level certificate of Czech language. This is required from both third country nationals and EU citizens when applying for permanent residence. 2. There are voluntary language and socio-cultural orientation courses offered by the relevant NGOs, mostly free of charge (financed by way of public grants and EU funds), but they cannot be described as nationwide integration programme. Estonia Yes 1. a) No, but they can take part in general refund based system and other professional/vocational courses. b) Yes c) Yes. 1. a. Non-EU Citizens 5 of 24

6 a) Who is (are) the target group(s)? Non-EU citizens b) What are the general aims? Enable them to learn Estonian so that they can better manage their everyday life in Estonia and encourage them to apply for Estonian citizenship eventually. c) Which additional components besides language teaching exist within the programme (i.e. practical courses, internships, civic education, vocational training) and what is their goal? There are separate language courses and accommodation courses to new arrivals that also include language elements in addition to civic education. For citizenship applicants there is a separate course on civics, for more details please see d) Is the programme (stately) funded? These courses are funded from European Integration Fund and co-finances from the state budget. e) Do participants have to pay a financial contribution on their own? Courses are free of charge. f) Are there special courses for different target groups (i.e. illiterate persons, academics etc.)? No g) Which conditions have to be fulfilled by participants to join the programme? They have to be non-eu nationals, in recent years, since 2010 participation has been limited to the unemployed non-citizens. h) Is there an obligation to join the courses or are they voluntary? Participation is voluntary and all courses are organised on behalf of the Integration and Migration Foundation by private language training firms. b. EU and Non-EU Citizens a) Who is (are) the target group(s)? EU and non-eu citizens b) What are the general aims? To support development of (professional) language skills and to support language studies of citizenship applicants. c) Which additional components besides language teaching exist within the programme (i.e. practical courses, internships, civic education, vocational training) and what is their goal? There are level courses based on CEFR levels (A2, B1, B2, C1 can be taken for Estonian). The level one needs to have is linked to the occupation, the required levels are determined by the regulation of Minister of Education. There are also specific professional and vocational courses for priority groups in the public sector, e.g. teachers, rescue workers, policemen, youth workers, nurses. d) Is the programme (stately) funded? Public sector courses are funded from the European Social Fund and the state budget. General refunds are also made from Social Fund, apart from those applying for Estonian citizenship or those required to take the language examination by the Language Inspectorate (when it is found that he or she does not comply with the level of language proficiency that is required by law for that particular position). These expenses are provided from the state budget. e) Do participants have to pay a financial contribution on their own? Public sector courses are free of charge. Level courses are result based, i.e. after passing the exam the person has a right for reimbursement for a set amount of 320 euros upon passing their A2, B1, B2 or C1 exams. Examinations must be taken and passed in order of difficulty from lowest to highest i.e. once a higher-level examination has been taken and passed and the language-learning fees incurred prior to it reimbursed, no further reimbursement of fees will take place if lower-level examinations are taken thereafter. Costs incurred up to 2 years prior to the examination may be reimbursed. f) Are there special courses for different target groups (i.e. illiterate persons, academics etc.)? No g) Which conditions have to be fulfilled by participants to join the programme? There are no specific selection criteria for level courses since the person himself/herself chooses whether to participate. Public sector courses are needs based and decided in cooperation with the employer based on the analysis of Language Inspectorate. 6 of 24

7 h) Is there an obligation to join the courses or are they voluntary? Level courses are voluntary. If a person has been appointed to take an exam by Language Inspectorate, it is usually linked to their employment possibilities. Is there a permanent quality assurance? The language training is wholly privatised in Estonia. All courses are provided by private firms, but in order to be eligible for a refund the firm, that carries out training must have a licence issued by the Ministry of Education and Research or be registered as required in the Estonian Education Information System ( France Yes 1. a) No. b) Yes, French language training is organised by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (Office Français de l immigration et de l intégration = OFII) for Reception and Integration Contract (Contract d Accueil et d Intégration = CAI) beneficiaries. They are newly-arrived foreigners from outside the European Union who have been granted residence in France for the first time or following regularisation, and who wish to settle in France (1). c) Yes, French language training is also organised by the OFII for those who arrived in France before the CAI was set up or those who are exempted from the CAI (2). 2. a) [French language training in the framework of the CAI - 1]: It concerns newly-arrived third country nationals wishing to settle permanently in France including beneficiaries of family reunification, family members of a French citizen, refugees and their family members, stateless persons and their family members. [French language training outside from the CAI framework - 2]: This course is designed for all legally resident migrants wishing to stay permanently in France. b) The principal objective of both programmes is to prepare the integration of migrants into French society through the learning of French. c) [French language training in the framework of the CAI - 1]: CAI beneficiaries have to attend additional training aiming to present the values and institutions of the French Republic, the organisation and the functioning of the State and local communities. It should provide migrants with a better understanding of their rights and duties within the French community. d) Yes. The OFII, acting on behalf of the Ministry of Interior, funds both operations. The provision of training for each department is provided by service providers selected through a national public procurement procedure. Their mission is to implement the provision of training in accordance with the specifications of the OFII, particularly as regards the duration and pace of training. e) No, participants do not have to pay a financial contribution to attend both programmes. f)two types of courses are offered in both programmes: 7 of 24

8 - A first one leading to the Initial Diploma in French language (Diplôme initial de langue française = DILF) for uneducated migrants; - Another one leading to the Diploma of Studies in French Language (Diplôme d Études en Langue Française = DELF), level A1 and A2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, for migrants who went to school in their country of origin. g) [French language training in the framework of the CAI - 1]: This programme is offered to CAI beneficiaries aged over 18. [French language training outside from the CAI framework - 2]: These courses are open to legally resident migrants from all countries aged over 25. h) [French language training in the framework of the CAI - 1]: Every CAI beneficiary has to join these courses. However, if his/her level of language is good enough, the OFII provides him/her a ministerial certificate of exemption from language training. [French language training outside from the CAI framework - 2]: They are voluntary courses. i) Yes, a French as Language for Integration (Français langue d intégration FLI) seal of approval was created by a decree dated 11 October 2011, to issue accreditation to bodies providing language training programme in accordance with the new FLI concept. Such bodies should provide everyday French training and teach immigrants how to become integrated into French society (knowledge of customs and habits, principles and values of our society) this corresponds to what is learnt through immersion. Although this training should give preference to oral expression and to reading, it can also cover writing. The FLI seal of approval is awarded by the State to training bodies for a period of three years, following an audit and an opinion issued by a commission that includes the ministries concerned (national education, integration, etc.), the Délégation générale à la langue française et aux langues de France (General Delegation for French and for the Languages of France), the Haut conseil à l intégration (High Council on Integration) and language experts. The seal of approval may be requested by associations, training companies and local / regional authorities. It is taken into account in the framework of public procurement procedures organised by the OFII. Germany Yes 1. a) No b) No c) Yes, nationwide integration courses 2. a) Almost all adults with a migration background who have a permanent resident permit and a linguistic competence below B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Depending on their legal status, they can be divided into the following groups: - Newly arrived non-eu citizens - Long term residents from a non-eu country - EU citizens including German citizens - Resettlers (Ethnic Germans from East European and former Soviet Union countries) 8 of 24

9 b) Providing the participant with an adequate linguistic competence (B1 according to the CEFR) and a basic knowledge of the legal system, culture and history in Germany c) There is the possibility for up to six one-day excursions during the integration course. The purpose of an excursion is to get to know relevant local institutions as the job centre or other relevant information centres. After the language course, there is a civic orientation course of 60 teaching units where participants will receive a basic knowledge of the legal system, culture and history in Germany. d) There s a participant related funding from 2,54 to 2,60 Euro per participant per teaching unit, depending on the course type. e) Participants have to pay a tuition fee of 1,20 Euro, if they aren t exempt for social reasons. This is about 47% of the total amount. f) There are several course types: - The normal integration course with 660 teaching units - Several special courses with 960 teaching units for illiterate persons, parents, women, young adults until 27 years and for long term residents. - A course for persons with a good educational background with 430 teaching units. g) A participant must be beyond school age, have a permanent resident permit and a linguistic competence below B1 according to the CEFR h) Course attendance can be obligatory for: - Newly arrived non-eu citizens (obligated by the local foreign office) - Non-EU citizens whose lack of linguistic competence is an obstacle for their integration in the labour market (obligated by the local job centres) Course attendance is voluntary for: - EU and German citizens - Other non-eu citizens - Resettlers i) The quality assurance for the integration courses consists of the following components: - Only teachers with an adequate qualification have the right to teach in integration courses - Unannounced course controls on a regular basis - An expert commission on behalf of the German Ministry of the Interior which meets two times a year and deals with current matters of the course system - A longitudinal study in order to evaluate the success of the integration courses 9 of 24

10 Greece Yes Background Information In Greece, there are programs for the linguistic integration of immigrants, but they are mainly co-funded by the E.U (European Integration Fund and European Social Fund). So, national programs funded exclusively by Greece are not implemented. Taking the above into account, the following answers concern only programs that are implemented in Greece and are co-funded by EU and national funds. 1. Existence of nationwide programmes for the linguistic integration of immigrants 1a) No 1b) Yes 1c) Yes 2. Description of the programme(s) short answers required a) The majority of programs are addressed to adults with migration background who live legally in Greece. Nevertheless, the target groups can be defined more precisely, depending on the goals of the program. For example a program can be addressed only to immigrant mothers, or immigrant parents, illiterate immigrants or they can cover exclusively non EU-citizens,, EU citizens working and/or studying in Greece, foreigner and repatriated students etc. b) The majority of programs aim to provide better knowledge of Greek language, certify the general linguistic competence (CERF levels A1-A2), facilitate access of immigrants to education, understanding of Greek culture and values. c) History courses and/or civic education, in order for the learners to acquire social and cross cultural skills, which are necessary for the social integration and active participation of themselves and their families. d) According to the relevant financial regulations of EU (since the programs are co funded). e) Beneficiaries of the co-funded programs and initiatives do not have to pay. f) Yes, there are special courses for different target groups such as persons with disabilities, incarcerated candidates where special provisions are applied, immigrant mothers and parents, foreign and repatriated students. g) Participants must hold a valid residence permit and need to apply in order to participate. For some programs, the participants must be at least 16 years old. h) There is no obligation unless there is a relevant stipulation. (For example in order to exercise certain professions in Greece, the candidates must be holding a specific certificate in Greek language as defined by law). i)different methods are implemented concerning the quality assurance system, depending on the program and the implementing authority, such as: Supervision of programs and procedures by the competent supervisory ministry 10 of 24

11 On the spot administrative and financial verifications, audit by EU, Only teachers with an adequate qualification have the right to teach Involvement and active participation of experts, scientific associates, public executives. Placement tests conducted at the begging and the end of academic year in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the courses. Ireland Yes 1. Existence of nationwide programmes for the linguistic integration of immigrants a) No b) Yes- The Adult Refugee Programme c) Yes - Vocational Educational Committees provide English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes nationwide on a part-time basis. The Employment for People from Immigrant Communities (EPIC) Programme is an employment programme with an English language component. A number of NGOs also run volunteer English language classes. An example of such an initiative, the Failte Isteach (Welcome Inside) programme, is detailed below. 2. Description of the programme(s) Adult Refugee Programme ( a) The Adult Refugee Programme is open to persons with a Stamp 4 Garda (Police) National Immigration Card i.e. persons granted refugee status under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, programme refugees (persons admitted under Government programmes), persons with family reunification status and persons granted leave to remain status. b) The aim of the Adult Refugee Programme is to provide participants with an effective grounding in the skills required for integration into Irish society and a meaningful, mapped pathway for future activity. The programme provides English language training and social integration skills. Participation in the Programme is for a period of up to 6 Months, 20 hours per week. The period of attendance does not have to be continuous i.e. attendance may be for a number of periods over more than 6 months culminating in 6 months of provision. Programme refugees that come to Ireland under Government programmes may receive up to 1 year of tuition. Confirmation of English language level achieved is through BULATS assessment. Each Programme participant will receive a Programme end of course certificate detailing course content and wherever possible, the Programme will seek to incorporate FETAC accreditation (Irish National Framework of Qualifications). c) The Programme, in addition to English language tuition, provides work/study place skills, information on Irish culture/characteristics as well as general information in line with class need.the Programme aims to assist migrants to integrate into Irish society through the provision of English language skills, assistance in accessing work/study places and through social activities. 11 of 24

12 d) Yes. The Department of Education and Skills provides annual funding to Co Dublin Vocational Education Committee, who coordinate the programme nationally on behalf of the Department. In 2012, funding of 2.5 million has been provided for the programme. In 2011, over 600 refugees participated in the programme. e) No f) The Adult Refugee Programme assesses every participant on enrolment to assist in preparing course content for the student. g) Participants must have a Stamp 4 card (see 2a). h) Participation in the programme is voluntary. Many participants are in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance, a state welfare payment. A person must be unemployed to get Jobseeker s Allowance. They must be available for and genuinely seeking work. However, for the purposes of increasingly employment prospects, persons may participate in the Adult Refugee Programme and retain their Jobseekers Allowance while they are attending classes. It is strongly recommended to programme refugees that they attend the programme on a daily basis. i) No Description of the programme(s) short answers required Vocational Education Committee Classes a) EU and non- EU nationals English Language classes or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are provided locally by Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) throughout Ireland. ESOL provision prioritises particular target groups to whom tuition is offered to a level of functional competency only (A2 on the Common European Framework of References for Languages, or NFQ Level 3). Priority target groups would include asylum seekers and low income EU immigrants or migrant workers. b) The aim of Vocational Educational Committee English language classes for Speakers of Other Languages is to provide participants with a level of English language skills to assist them with integrating into Irish society. The English for Speakers of Other Languages programme aims to meet the various needs of migrants from assisting them to communicate in their new community, enabling them to be aware of the services available to them and to enhance their employment skills. Classes are provided on a part-time evening or day basis and cater for the various English language needs of migrants. Classes may be offered at different levels e.g. beginners, intermediate. Many courses are accredited to national and/or international frameworks (e.g. the National Framework of Qualifications, Cambridge etc.). 12 of 24

13 c) In some Vocational Education Committee areas, classes such as computers may be included in the programme or a themed approach may be adopted where the course content is build around an interest the student may have. In practice, most classes will also have a social integration element. d)yes. By the Department of Education and Skills. The Department provides annual funding to Vocational Education Committees from which English Language tuition may be provided to adult migrants. In 2011, over 11,000 participants availed of English for Speakers of Other Languages. e) Classes funded by the Department and provided by the Vocational Educational Committees are for the most part provided free of charge to students. f) The competence of students is assessed on enrolment. Students are then placed in a class of an appropriate level. There may be some provision for literacy training within classes depending on the needs of students. Vocational Educational Committees offer literacy training separate to language training. g) None h) Attendance at classes is voluntary. i) No Description of the programme(s) The Employment for People from Immigrant Communities (EPIC Programme) English language is just one component of the overall employment programme. a) Unemployed EU nationals/ Non-EU nationals with a Stamp 4 GNIB card. 270 persons participated in the programme in b) Pre Employment and English for Work Training classes are offered over 3 weeks (and as part of a 6 week programme). These classes comprise CV and cover letter writing techniques; identifying and describing skills; telephone skills for job interviews and in the workplace, as well as advice on how to look for a job. c) Interview Skills Training (1 week); Living and Working in Ireland Training (2 weeks) IT Skills Training (2 days) Using Social Media to find employment, as well as one-to-one Individual Support with Training and Employment Officers. 13 of 24

14 d) This programme is funded by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration under the Department of Justice and Equality and cofinanced under the European Social Fund Human Capital Operational Programme e) No f)this programme is aimed at persons who are unemployed and who have higher intermediate or advanced level English g) As the EPIC Programme is based in Dublin, participants must be looking for work in the Dublin region. In order to participate, it is essential that participants have intermediate to high levels of both written and spoken English. h)participation is voluntary i)yes. Regular 6 month reports as part of requirement under European Social Fund detailing number of participants, outcomes, etc. Description of the programme(s) Fáilte Isteach (volunteer Programme run by the Third Age Foundation) a) All categories of migrants. b) Fáilte Isteach is a community project with older volunteers welcoming new migrants through conversational English classes. It utilises the skills, talents and expertise of older volunteers. Fáilte Isteach works at breaking down the barriers that migrants and communities face by extending the hands of friendship and goodwill. Volunteers are provided with training in advance on how to prepare for the conversation class. There are now 50 branches in 18 counties throughout Ireland. Every week, these branches involve over 500 volunteers tutoring more than 1,350 migrant students from 62 different countries. c) The nature of the initiative means that there are civic education opportunities, as well as opportunities to learn about the culture and history of local communities. d) This programme is funded by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration as well as other non-state bodies. e)no f) No. g) None. h) Participation is voluntary 14 of 24

15 Italy Yes 1.Existence of nationwide programmes for the linguistic integration of immigrants a) No. b) No. c) Yes. 2.Description of the programme(s) short answers required a) Target group involve all nationals and non-nationals (including EU), although the average student is represented by non-eu women migrants aged 25-29, unemployed and with lower secondary education diploma. b) General aims are the achievement of at least level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), as well as civic education goals. c)besides language teaching, several additional components exist within the programme: the so-called first cycle courses aimed to achieve lower secondary education diploma; short practical courses focusing on IT and foreign languages; a wide range of other teaching activities like, for example, Italian cuisine courses and so on. d) Programmes are fully funded by the State (classrooms rental, teachers salaries, courses offered). The national system envisages additional quotas sponsored by Italian regions and local bodies, in order to promote extra courses or improve the overall offer of teaching programmes. e) Participants only have to pay a financial contribution to certifying bodies, European licenses, etc. f) There are different types of courses: 20 hrs. basic courses (orientation and reception to verify students entry level) + 80 hrs. (achievement of A1 level) hrs. (achievement of A2 level). It was noted that students are mainly interested in obtaining a specific qualification (lower secondary education diploma, European IT license). No special courses for different target groups are envisaged, but these can be arranged by some schools (i.e. IT courses for students over 60 yrs.). g)the following conditions have to be fulfilled by participants to join the programme: - regular stay in Italy; - at least 16 years of age. Language skills are assessed during the first 20 hours (basic course). h) Courses are voluntary. i) There is a quality assurance monitored by Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) as well as by the National Agency for the Development of Schools Autonomy (INDIRE). Specific inspections are carried out by Ministry of Education, University and Research. 15 of 24

16 Lithuania Yes 1 a)no b) No c) No; Luxembourg Yes 1. a) No. b) No. c) Yes. 2 Not applicable; Comment: There are no national programmes for the linguistic integration in Lithuania. Linguistic courses are provided by nongovernmental organizations financed by EIF. 2. a) In Luxembourg there is the Welcome and Integration Contract (Contrat d accueil et d intégration (CAI)). The CAI is offered to any foreigner of at least 16 years of age who resides legally on the territory of Luxembourg and wishes to remain on a permanent basis. It aimed as much at European Union citizens as at third country nationals, at new arrivals as well as at people who have been living in Luxembourg for many years. b) The general aim is the integration of the target population in the Luxemburgish society. It aims to enable the signatory of the CAI to reach at least Basic User Level A.1.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in one or more of the three administrative languages of Luxembourg i.e. Luxembourgish, French, or German and to provide a 6-hour civics course and information on daily life in Luxembourg during an orientation day. c) Besides the language training, an orientation session, organised at least twice a year, will take place during half a day on a weekend. It will include various partners and is aimed at enabling the signatory candidate to have better knowledge of Luxembourg's official establishments and organisations, in a friendly atmosphere. The civics course aims to provide insight on integration and on the basic conditions of a harmonious cohabitation in a plural Luxembourg as well as on the history of Luxembourg, its political organisation, and its mores and customs. d) Yes. The programme is stately funded. The participation at the orientation day and the citizenship training are free of charge. The linguistic courses are at reduced rates (at the moment the price for the person who signs the CAI is 5 euros /10 euros per course depending on the organizer). e) As we mentioned above, the person who signed the CAI can register in the linguistic courses paying only 5 euros. This represents 16 of 24

17 between 2 and 5% of the regular price. f) Yes. There are special courses for illiterate persons. For certain courses, a working language adapted to a specific public is used (i.e. French is used as a working language in German courses, Portuguese and English as working languages in a French course, German or French as working languages in Luxemburgish courses An administrative meeting with the candidate to the CAI is held to determine the linguistic skill of the candidate and to orient him/her in the language training that is better adapted to his/her personal/professional needs. If the candidate reaches and approved the introductive level A.1.1 either in Luxemburgish, French or German, he/she can, in accordance with his/her personal/professional needs develop his/her competences in one of the languages in which he/she had approved the introductory level A.1.1. (In case of need, the language training can be completed with literacy courses. g) The conditions for benefiting of this programme are: a) have at least 16 years; b) being a legal resident in Luxembourg; c) signing the contract (CAI). The requirements for signing the contract are: a) presenting a proof of identity (identity card, passport, etc.); b) proof of legal residence (certificate of residence, residence permit, registration certificate, etc.) and an interview for determining the linguistic needs of the person and its orientation needs. h) The signing of the contract is optional but once the contract is signed the person commits to participating in the half-day orientation session, the civics course and language training. While voluntary, the Welcome and Integration Contract provides some benefits for signatories. Participation in the civics course provides an exemption from the mandatory course for acquisition of Luxembourg nationality and is also taken into account in applications of TCN for long term residence. Signatories also have priority access to national integration measures i) Yes. Language courses are offered under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, who has have within its responsibilities adult and continuous education through contracted providers who have a convention with the Department of Adult Education of the Ministry. The skills acquired at the end of a course are assessed through a descriptive bilan of competences issued by the training organization. The civics classes are organized by the Department of Adult Education of the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the OLAI and contracted providers. The performance of the contract is subject to an independent external evaluation. The evaluation should verify in the one hand the administrative, logistical and financial implementation of the contract and in the other to document the needs and interest of the candidates. Netherlands Yes Existence of nationwide programmes for the linguistic integration of immigrants 1. a)no b) No c)yes 17 of 24

18 Description of the programme(s) short answers required a)obliged to pass the Civic Integration Examination are: oldcomers (immigrants between 18 and 65 years of age from third countries, with a non-temporary residence purpose who resided in the Netherlands before and who do not hold a certificate demonstrating sufficient level of knowledge of the Dutch language and Dutch society), newcomers (immigrants between 18 and 65 years of age from third countries, with a non-temporary residence purpose who resided in the Netherlands since and who do not hold a certificate demonstrating sufficient level of knowledge of the Dutch language and Dutch society) and spiritual counsellors. The following groups are not obligated to follow an integration programme but have the possibility to participate on a voluntary basis if they feel the need to learn or improve their Dutch language skills: (naturalized) Dutch citizens and EU/EER citizens including their family members; citizens from countries within the European Union, the European Economic Area or from Switzerland. The integration programme can be combined with vocational training, work (also as a volunteer) or re-integration to the job. If one has successfully followed intermediate vocational education one is no longer obliged to pass the civic integration examination. The Dutch Integration Act is soon to be changed. After that oldcomers will be no longer obliged to pass the Civic integration Examination. b)the objective of the Dutch Integration Act (January 2007) is that everyone who becomes a long-term resident in the Netherlands learns the Dutch language (minimum A2 levels) and has an understanding of the workings of the Dutch society and the most important Dutch norms and values. c) See answers above. d) Yes, the Dutch state pays the local municipalities to offer civic integration programmes. Local municipalities outsource the programmes to (private) organisations who offer the programmes. This funding ends after From that moment on newcomers and spiritual counsellors are solely responsible for their integration. If they lack the financial means to follow a course they can borrow the money from the central government. e) Yes, people who are obliged to pass the Civic Integration Examination must pay a contribution of This is approximately 5-10% of the total costs of an integration programme. f) Local municipalities can outsource different programms to (private) organisations, according to the needs within the municipalities. Before illiterate people start an integration course municipalities can offer them an literacy course. g) See answer 2a h) See answer 2a i) Private organisations that offer integration programmes to people who use a state-loan to follow the integration programme have to pass the quality mark by Blik op Werk. The components are scores on the satisfaction of clients, scores on living up to agreements and scores 18 of 24

19 on the quality of the organisation. Poland Yes Ad. 1. a. No. b. Yes. c. No. Ad. 2 a. Foreigners granted the refugee status or subsidiary protection are participating in individual integration programs. b. The general aims are: Communication in Polish language in everyday situations connected to organisation of life in Poland, travels, contacts with public administration. Writing of short official and unofficial texts. Understanding of the most important contents and intentions of simple written and spoken texts. Mastering basic vocabulary, grammar, spelling and punctuation rules, pronunciation and intonation enabling communication with native and non-native Polish language users in official and unofficial variants of the language. Mastering expected of communication competences and knowledge of the Polish culture on the given level of learning. c. During the Polish language courses for foreigners the participant should get to know the specifics and conditions of life in Poland, social structure, culture and prevailing customs. IT is important to equip the participant with necessary knowledge of culture and vocabulary allowing acclimatisation of the foreigner in the new environment, integration with local community, employment or continuation of education. d. These programs are financed from the state budget. An amount of money is attributed to the foreigner for realisation of an individual integration program. e. In the framework of the program foreigners are receiving money from the state budget in order to cover costs of participation in the Polish language courses. f. There are not special courses for particular groups. It must be noted however that according to the Act of 7 September 1991 on the system of education, foreign children enrolled in Polish schools, whose knowledge of the Polish language is insufficient, should be provided with supplementary Polish language lessons that are financed from public funds. g. Participants must be granted the refugee status or subsidiary protection and they must come to the local social assistance centre in order to agree and sign the individual integration program. Following to this, if his/hers knowledge of the Polish language is insufficient, he/she is sent to the language course. 19 of 24

20 h. It depends on the individual situation of the foreigner. A foreigner who speaks Polish does not have to participate in the language course. If he/she doesn t speak Polish and commit himself/herself to learn the language in the framework of the individual integration program, he/she must fulfil this commitment. i. There are no formalised methods of quality control. Portugal Yes 1. a) No b) No c) Yes. PPT - Portuguese for All. 2 a) The Portuguese for All.programme targets immigrant population resident in Portugal. 2. b) The programme is aimed to develop Portuguese language courses that certificates level A2 Basic User - and level B2 ndependent User - according to CEFR and Technical Portuguese courses directed at the immigrant population resident in Portugal. Further details at c) Portuguese language courses allow access to a certificate that can be used for the purposes of access to nationality, permanent residence authorizations and/or long-term resident status (level A2). Technical Portuguese courses are also certified, permitting better access to and integration into the labour market, in the areas of Retail, Hostelry, Beauty Care, Building Construction and Civil Engineering. The duration of these courses is 150 hours port level A2 and B2, and the Technical Portuguese courses are 25 hours. 2 d) This programme is managed by ACIDI as an intermediary organization for the Operational Programme for Human Potential (POPH) of the National Strategic Framework of Reference (QREN). 2 e) The programme is free of charge for participants (zero cost to the immigrant population), being co-financed by the European Social Fund. 2 f) No. Portuguese language courses include all target groups, including the above mentioned. Therefore in some classes we may have a high level of heterogeneity, including trainees with different qualifications. 2 g) There are no special requests of gender, age, nationality, qualifications, however they have to have a valid title of residence to stay in Portugal, or a proof that the procedure in undergoing to renew or to extend. 2 h) IThe participation in the courses is voluntary. However, because it certifies Portuguese language knowledge, some immigrants use it in the procedures to acquire permanent resident permit or Portuguese citizenship, to which one of the mandatory requirements is the 20 of 24

21 knowledge of a Portuguese (that can be accomplished with the frequency of a Portuguese course or a language exam). 2 i) The quality assurance of the Portuguese courses is based on the following components: - Only teachers/trainers with proper qualifications and experience may teach the Portuguese language and culture. - Only schools and training centers developed and certified these courses. - ACIDI as the manager of the Portuguese for All, develops meetings and regular control visits to the executors and courses. - An external evaluation of the PPT is foreseen to Slovak Republic Yes 1. a) No, in the Slovak Republic there are no common nationwide programmes for linguistic integration exclusively for EU citizens. In case EU citizens express their interest in learning Slovak language, they can attend Slovak language courses offered by several educational institutions. All costs are borne by the EU citizens. b) No, in the Slovak Republic there are no common nationwide programmes for linguistic integration aimed exclusively at non-eu citizens. However, third country nationals can participate in the Slovak language courses: Provided at reception, accommodation and integration centres of the Migration Office of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic. These courses are funded either by the state budget or by the European Refugee Fund. Provided by the IOM Migration Information Centre (MIC IOM, These are known as Open Courses of the Slovak language and are based on a low-threshold methodology characteristic with the following elements: the courses are provided free of charge; registration is not required; the courses are easy to access - the course is scheduled for fixed days and times; the courses are held on a voluntary basis; active participation is required. Each lesson is designed as a single closed unit, covering one topic, focusing mainly on basic communication and vocabulary, with the aim to acquire basic language knowledge and orientation in daily life situations. Heterogeneity of the group is an important part of the meetings, as it enables active cooperation among the participants with different cultural and ethnic background. Further MIC IOM s educational activities for third country nationals with temporary, tolerated and permanent residence permit (with the exception of EU/EEA nationals, asylum holders and persons with subsidiary protection) with incorporated language integration aspect are: - Courses of socio-cultural orientation They are focused on social and cultural orientation in the conditions of the Slovak Republic and are held once a month in MIC IOM Bratislava and MIC IOM Kosice. Topics of these courses are as follows: traditions, history, geography, political and educational system, orientation in institutions, visit to a doctor etc. - Educational and retraining courses - They may be of different type according to the applicant s needs with regard to his/her integration in the labour market, e.g. vocational courses, specialized courses (information technologies, book-keeping etc.), and language courses. Financial contribution is granted upon the assessment of the applicant s profile compiled through a series of interviews with the applicant. The assessment is made in relation to how much the course would contribute to the applicant s real chance of finding or improving his/her employment options. In case the participant chooses a course which is more expensive then the provided financial contribution, the participant has to pay the difference between the amount of financial contribution provided and the price of the course by him/herself. 21 of 24