Integration
Finding your way into a new community
Perhaps you yourself have just started a new life in Germany or are accompanying someone who wants to gain a foothold in society. The process of integration is individual - for some it happens quickly, for others it takes longer. Support can be useful if you or someone around you is experiencing challenges.
Signs that support is useful
- Difficulties with language acquisition: If you are finding it difficult to learn the German language or find language courses.
- Problems finding a job: If applications are unsuccessful or professional qualifications are not recognized.
- Disorientation in everyday life: If it is difficult to find your way around authorities, schools or the healthcare system.
- Social isolation: If you lack contacts and find it difficult to make friends in your new environment.
- Unclear about rights and obligations: If you are not sure what rights you have or what applications need to be made.
What you can do now
- Language learning: Sign up for a language course - in addition to language, many integration courses also offer orientation in the areas of work and everyday life.
- Support through advice: Social advice centers, migration advice centers and integration courses offer you help with orientation in everyday life.
- Clarifying career prospects: If you would like to work, advice centers and job centers can help you with the recognition of qualifications and job searches.
- Making contacts: Visit neighbourhood meetings, parents' cafés or local groups to get to know people and build a network.
Finding support: Where can I get help?
There are many support services that accompany the integration process - from language courses to professional qualifications.
- Migration advice centers (MBE): These advice centers support adults with a migration background with questions about language, work, education and everyday issues.
- Youth migration services (JMD): They offer special support for teenagers and young adults with a migration background - at school, during training and when starting a career.
- Integration courses and language courses: These courses teach the German language as well as knowledge about culture, rights and obligations in Germany.
- Job centers and employment agencies: They provide support in finding a job and help to have professional qualifications from abroad recognized.
- Neighbourhood meetings and meeting places: These are places where people from the neighborhood meet - there are often meeting cafés, language cafés and opportunities for exchange.
Frequently asked questions about advice on integration
Migration advice centers (MBE) and youth migration services (JMD) provide support with questions about language, work, education and social benefits. They also help with bureaucratic matters and point out opportunities for social participation.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the Municipal Integration Management (KIM.NRW) offers targeted support for immigrants. It helps with orientation in everyday life, provides contact persons and coordinates integration offers in the municipalities.
Integration courses can be arranged through the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) or migration advice centers. Adult education centers and social institutions also offer language courses and programs to get to know the culture and society.
Yes, the job center or employment agency can help with job searches, applications and professional qualifications. Special advice centers for migrants also offer support with the recognition of foreign qualifications.
Neighbourhood meetings, intercultural associations and volunteer programs offer opportunities to meet new people. Advice centers can recommend suitable offers in your area.
Let us advise you now!
Integration is easier with the right support. Integration centers, language courses and youth migration services help you to gain a foothold in society. Get the support you need.