Integration Course

Overview

Age Group	Ages 16 and up
Course Content	General Language Skills
Course Length	4 to 24 weeks + orientation course (3 weeks = 45 lessons)
Course Dates	Year-round | Start at beginning of module | Current Courses
Beginner	2010: 20.09.; 18.10.; 15.11. and 2011: January 24; February 21; March 21; April 18; May 16; June 14; July 11; August 8; September 5; October 4; November 1, November 28
Course Levels	Beginner (A1) to Advanced (B1)
Timeplan	09:30 am to 2 pm | Monday to Friday
Lessons	25 lessons (45 min / lesson) + independent study lab
Participants	Average 8 students (max. 12 students)
Freetime	2 activities weekly / Weekend excursions at request
Accommodation	At request

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Course description

The course aims at acquiring adequate German language skills and knowledge of German law as well as everyday common knowledge, like culture, history, the value of a democratic state, and principles of justice, equality, tolerance and freedom of religion.

The goal is reached when the student is able to independently make his or her way through everyday life, and express himself or herself orally and in writing according to student's age and level of education.

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Requirements

Foreigners are entitled to participate in an integration course if they intend to remain at length in Germany. They can obtain the qualification certificate the first time they apply for residency permission for work, to move with family, or on humanitarian grounds.

You can find out whether an integration course is right for you by inquiring at the Ausländerbehörde or the BAMF

The following offices give out participation entitlement certificates:

• Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (Office for Immigration and Refugees) --responsible for  Dresden: Regional office Chemnitz
• Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office)
• Träger der Grundsicherung für Arbeitssuchende (in Dresden = ArGe)
• Bundesverwaltungsamt (für Spätaussiedler)

Alternatively you can fill out a permission form for participation in an Integration Course (>Downloads PDF) and turn it in to us. 

Hints for youth up to 27 years

Before the course starts, it is important to complete a school career consultation with the Youth Migration Service (JMD).  You might be able to gain an acknowledged graduation.  Requirement for primary education ends with the start of the integration course.

Contact the JMD Dresden

Caritas-Beratungszentrum, Schweriner Str. 27, 01067 Dresden, Tel.: 0351 4984-742 / -746 / -745, AB/Fax: 4984746, E-Mail: caritas.dd.jmd@gmx.de, visiting hours: Mo + Mi, 13:00 – 17:30 Uhr

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Steps for participation in the Integration Course

1. Receive a Berechtigungsschein (confirming the entitlement to participate in the Integration Course)
2. Complete the placement test at Kästner Kolleg and turn it in.  Thereby you are placed in a course with the appropriate level.  Important: bring your Berechtigungsschein.
3. Register. You will need to:
   • Fill out the registration form
   • Fill out the official BAMF registration form (>Downloads) 
   • Pay 50 EUR reservation deposit* via cash or transfer
   *At start of course this will be credited to the registration fees and first course textbooks
4. Participate at the Intergration course at the planned start date

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Integration Course Time Plan

You will complete up to 6 modules (each with 100 lesson units over 4 weeks) from level A1 to B1.  If you have already studied German, you will begin in the appropriate level and therefore will have fewer modules to complete.  At the end of each module it is possible to speak with the teacher and either change schools (or change from a different school to us ;-),  repeat the module, or take a break.

After you have reached level B1 (Modul 6), you can participate in the Orientation course with 45 lesson units each afternoon over 3 weeks and take the Orientation Test with us.

Afterwards there is the final test (B1, DTZ*) for the Integration Course which will also be held at the school.

*The "Skalierte Deutschtest für Zuwanderer" is taken after the 6th module and certifies your attained level (A2 to B1). Upon passing the Integration Course, the BAMF will present you an "Integration Course Certificate".  The cost of the tests are paid for the first time by the BAMF.

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A typical school day

The "Intensive Course 20" starts each day at 09.30 am and finishes at 2 pm.  There are two breaks in between during which you can relax in the neighboring park, help yourself to a beverage from the cafeteria, check your email, or chat with your friends.

Afterwards you can use the independent study centre to complete homework, or enhance your German knowledge in free time activities. On weekends we might go on excursions in and around Dresden.

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Cost / Exemptions

The cost per 45 minute unit is 1 Euro – that’s 100 EUR per module. Payment is due at the beginning of the module.

You may apply for an exemption of costs if:

1. Applying under context of  SGB II (Arbeitslosengeld II)
2. Applying under context of SGB XII (Sozialhilfe) or
3. Financial or personal hardships are acknowledgeable

You can turn in the Application for Cost Exemption for Integration Course (LINK) at Kästner Kolleg

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Travel Cost Refund

Participants exempt from cost of course can also have travel costs to the course refunded by BAMF.

The travel costs may be in part refunded if participation is required by the Ausländerbehörde.

The refund goes towards the least expensive cost of travel pass:

1. Monthly Ticket or
2. Dresden-Pass

You can turn in the application for travel cost refund or partial refund while registering with the course provider.

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Repeating Course

In case you completed  the 6th course module (B1) but were unable to pass the "Zertifikat Deutsch"/DTZ (B1 level) test, it is possible to apply for an additional 300 lesson unit course.

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Downloads (PDF)

1. Info of the 2007 changes in the Integration Course rules (in German)
2. Apply for permission to participate in an Integration Course (in German)
3. Application for Integration Course + Overview national educational graduations
4. Application for 50% refund
5. Application for Travel Cost Refunds
6. Application for one-time repetition of course

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Links

• www.integration-in-deutschland.de
• Federal Office for Migrantion and Refugees
• ArGe Dresden
• Ausländerbehörde Dresden
• Bundesverwaltungsamt (für Spätaussiedler)