1. YouRNI Karlsruhe 2018
The German system of education and vocational training as a challenge for the integration of young refugees
Eva Götz

3. Educating refugees ages 10 to 18
Comprehensive system Gemeinschaftsschule
Selective system of secondary education:
Hauptschule
Werkrealschule
Realschule
Gymnasium
Berufliche Schulen:
various levels

4. General and vocational tracks
General academic track
Vocational (academic) track
Gymnasium, graduation with Abitur leading to
Fachhochschule (Colleges of the Applied Sciences) (Bachelor/Master/PhD)or
Universität (university)
After Hauptschule, Realschule or Gymnasium: dual apprenticeship of two to three years (school and work)
Berufliche Schulen (vocational schools) leading to different levels or Abitur
Or: Meister-/Techniker
Possible: Fachhochschule/Universität

5. Importance of the vocational track
One third of all „Abiturienten“ in BW graduate from the vocational system.
Vocational „Abitur“ opens the way to any university subject.
2.5 million students attend vocational schools in Germany
Permanent and well-paid employment in Germany without school graduation or apprenticeship is very difficult

6. Principles of vocational education
General education and vocational education have the same value.
Sucessful graduation from any level of education leads to the next level and eventually to university.

7. Young refugees in schools
Attend Grund-, Haupt- or Realschule depending on age and knowledge of German
Usually one or two years older than classmates
Attending Gymnasium is rare due to language requirements
Special tutoring is often necessary

8. Young refugees above 16
Frequently high hopes and career expectations (medicine, nursing, mechanics)
High motivation and discipline decline after one or two years
Lack of focus because of refugee and family situation

9. Problems of young refugees 1
Language : B1 is not enough for advanced classes
Gaps in school career lead to gaps in knowledge (Afghanis, Africans): mature students
Intercultural problems/perspectives
Different learning traditions: work in projects, self-organized learning, exams, independent research, presentations etc.

10. Problems of young refugees 2
5. Financial pressure from families 6. Poor and crowded housing, no room to study 7. Experiences of racism and rejection 8. Loneliness and homesickness 9. Insecure legal status, fear of deportation

11. Young refugees in apprenticeships
Employment after a successful internship
Company level: often good work performance
Classes in vocational schools are mixed and progress of learning is high.
Practical learning in school workshops is okay.
Test results and exams in vocational subjects are not satisfactory.
General subjects (economics, civics, German) are prohibitive.

12. Provisions for supporting young refugees
Individual tutoring in vocational subjects available after application by the company (but: lack of tutors)
Extra language lessons in schools
Extending the apprenticeship by one year (e.g. geriatric nursing aids)
Using specific material in English/native languages

13. What else is possible?

14. Thank you for your attention