Value and orientation courses
Back to: Know-How: Access to Education and Employment (Austria)
Since June 2017, the value and orientation courses have been mandatory as one aspect of the implementation of the integration plan.
Important components of the courses are the basic values of the Austrian constitution such as equal rights for men and women, human dignity and democratic principles. In addition, the courses provide essential prerequisites for life in Austria such as the importance of knowledge of German and education as well as everyday knowledge for successful integration.
Main topics of the value and orientation courses
- principles of coexistence such as democracy, freedom of expression, non-violence, rule of law
- Diversity of coexistence: separation of religion and state, voluntary commitment, family life and intercultural encounter
- History and Geography of Austria
- The significance of language and education with information on the Austrian education system, compulsory education, apprenticeship and dual training
- The world of work and business with information on the Austrian labour market and equal rights at work
- Housing and rules of good coexistence in the neighbourhood
- Information on the Austrian health system, prevention and emergencies
Target group
Asylum seekers and persons entitled to asylum and subsidiary protection
The value and orientation courses are offered free of charge to asylum and subsidiary protection beneficiaries and asylum seekers admitted to the procedure from the age of 15 onwards. In the courses held in German, interpreters for the most common languages of origin, such as Arabic, Farsi/Dari and English, are available for participants with little or no knowledge of German.
Source and further information and learning material can be found one the website of integrationsfonds.at.