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SearchInitial Orientation Courses for those seeking protection and immigrants ,
Source: BAMF - Marion Vogel
The initial orientation courses for asylum applicants focus on everyday life in Germany. The courses offer you important information and an initial knowledge of German, so as to help you find your bearings in the country.
Who can attend an initial orientation course
The initial orientation courses (Erstorientierungskurs = EOK) are intended for those seeking protection as an introductory and guidance service. If there are free vacancies in a course, other people can also attend, for instance beneficiaries of protection or EU Immigrants.
The EOK are aimed exclusively at people who are unable to attend an integration course or for whom an integration course is not (yet) a viable option.
Children and adolescents who attend school (compulsory school age) cannot attend an initial orientation course.
What do you learn in the courses
Advice at local level
Where can I find an integration course near me?
Where can I find a migration advice center in my city?
Where are integration projects?
BAMF-NAvI leads you to diverse integration offers close to home.
You will acquire basic German language skills that will help you find your way. The contents focus on everyday life. You will receive information on the following topics during the courses:
• Everyday life in Germany
• Work
• Shopping
• Health / medical care
• Kindergarten / school
• Media use in Germany
• Finding your way around / transport / mobility
• Customs and traditions in Germany / local peculiarities
• How to talk about yourself and other persons / social contacts
• Home life
• Values and social coexistence
The EOK teacher will select five of these topics that reflect the interests of the participants. The “Values and Social Coexistance” module is compulsory. All participants are required to attend. Among other things, you will learn which basic
values define life in Germany and how they are translated into everyday life.
Excursions are organised in addition to classroom teaching. For instance, you and your fellow course participants may visit a government authority, a library or a market.These excursions will also help you to orientate yourself in your environment and put what you have learned directly into practice.
How extensive is the course
A course consists of six modules, each with 50 teaching units, or 300 teaching units in total. One teaching unit lasts 45 minutes. There are usually several units on each teaching day.
How to attend an initial orientation course
Attendance of the course is voluntary and free of charge. If you are interested in attending an initial orientation course, kindly contact the course provider in your federal state.
For a list of all course providers and additional information on the initial orientation courses, please visit our geographic information system BAMF-NAvI under "Integration projects".