German Courses of the ÖIF Meet with Satisfaction
Participants are largely satisfied with the German courses for refugees offered by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF). In an anonymous survey, 82 percent stated that their German skills had improved through the course. 72 percent try to apply the learning content in everyday life daily, while another 27 percent do so at least once a week. Last year, around 3,200 people were surveyed, with the majority, 68 percent, in Vienna.
The responses were consistently positive. 85 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with the organization of the courses. 87 percent said they looked forward to each session, and 77 percent stated that the content delivered met their expectations. For 79 percent, the course location was easily accessible, and 87 percent were satisfied with the childcare offered.
Criticism of ÖIF German Courses
In June, the Diakonie criticized the quality of the German courses. According to the organization, too little emphasis is placed on active speaking, and there is a lack of course opportunities, especially in rural areas. The ÖIF defended itself, stating that the offer of high-quality courses is larger than ever.
The ÖIF provides German courses at more than 200 locations, with 67,500 course places available in 2024. Participants include asylum seekers, individuals with subsidiary protection, and Ukrainian displaced persons aged 15 and older. Courses are available for all levels, from literacy to C1. They adhere to nationwide uniform and legally anchored quality standards, as emphasized in a media paper - for example, teaching staff need C1 language skills and completed training in German as a second and foreign language.
Room for Improvement in Literacy
Challenges include the declining educational level and the high need for literacy among refugees: Two out of three asylum seekers and individuals with subsidiary protection recognized last year were not sufficiently literate, 43 percent of them not even in their native language.
(APA/Red)
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