Integration has become a well-known phenomenon of the 21st century. In general, it is connected with the extension of borders, the rapid development of tourism, and other migration processes. Most migrants to different countries have the intention of finding a job or studying at the universities. Moreover, political conflicts and climatic changes can also serve as the main reasons for migration, and subsequent integration. This article is about my experience of being integrated in Austrian society by moving from Ukraine to Austria.
Intending to go to another country, one should have a strong motivation, such as a job offer or to study abroad. In my case, I aimed at improving my German language skills, which I had acquired at the university in Kiev. I had graduated in 2010 with the specialization “English and German languages” (Kiev). Therefore, the improvement of the German language was my motivation for a trip to a German-speaking country.
In order to achieve the aim, I had to solve the following tasks, namely, to make a trip to Austria and prepare my stay in this country, at least for half-a-year or for a longer term. One of the options was the participation in one of the globally-known Au Pair program which offer an opportunity to attend German courses. According to this program, one has to work in a family by taking care of children or housekeeping. My Au Pair program lasted for a year and included a German course. Besides, this program is of high importance to the people who are willing to learn foreign languages and get a better understanding of culture, customs and traditions of the host country .In such a way, the starting-point of my integration was in Carinthia in September 2010.
Of course, I came across numerous difficulties like any immigrant. The first problem was a noticeable lack of proficiency in German. In order to learn the German language, I consulted the organization for immigrants called PIVA (Project Group of Integration for Foreigners) which suggested attending a language course for free. There I found support and made friends with whom I still keep in touch. In September of 2010, I began attending a language course in the Volkshochschule, where I was accepted to the advanced group .Furthermore, I regularly watched German TV and was in search of conversations with native speakers. I was also registered in the Library (Labor Camera), where I borrowed videos and books. Special attention was paid to certain audio books which were structured according to the language levels. In such a way, I gradually improved my German language skills..
I was also interested in continuing my studies in Austria. Therefore, the next step on the way to the integration was to receive university education. I enrolled myself at the Faculty of English Language and Literature for the master's program at Alpen-Adria University. The study allows me to develop and mentally “enrich” myself as a personality, and to learn favorite topics and become familiar with new methods and ways of learning. It was of high interest to draw a comparison between Austria and Ukraine in so far as I had had my two degrees in economics and philology. In addition to this, I made friends with many international students. I also became acquainted with several Russian-speaking colleagues. We meet often or call, and we help each other by solving everyday problems. Our paths have crossed in Austria!
The need to improve my English language skills helped me to meet international people in Villach in the frame of meetings of the Corinthian International Club. Meanwhile, both my integration in Austria and the activities of the Corinthian International Club have evolved. For example, the "Migration Platform" was founded and I was offered to make translations from German into Russian. I am grateful to all members of the platform for support and cooperation on the way to integration in a foreign country.
In conclusion, I would like to recommend to everyone who intends to travel to Austria to set a clear goal for your stay and to accomplish it. Make an attempt to learn beforehand – at least a little bit – the language of the host country while still in your home country. Do not be afraid of the German language! If you are, then in Austria it is reasonable to cultivate a hobby, to go in for sport, to attend a cooking class so as to learn the traditional Austrian cuisine. You can also join a language club ... Try to benefit from the information received from your friends or electronic sources such as the homepage of "Platform Migration" to facilitate your way for integration in Austria. Also, I want to wish you good luck and success for the New Year!
Oksana Glieba, 26.02.1984, Plattform Migration – translator.