Transition Management

As part of the project entitled “Pre-integration and transition management – ensuring a successful migration process”, which is co-funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, we target new migrants who are third-country nationals coming to Germany with a visa for professional or personal reasons. The goal is to make it easier for migrants to settle in Germany and ensure a seamless transition between pre-integration services and the official integration programme in Germany.
The demand for services under the umbrella of transition management has been identified in various studies and by evaluating earlier projects. New migrants are supported through a digital programme of information and opportunities to learn German on the “Mein Weg nach Deutschland” web portal, as well as in-person services in Germany in the form of contact centres and mentors.

Mein Weg nach Deutschland

During the transition phase between preparation in the origin country and arrival in Germany, migrants can use the “Mein Weg nach Deutschland” web portal. On this web portal they will find a variety of texts providing information on day-to-day living and the workplace in Germany. This content is available in 30 languages, can be played as an audio recording in German, and is also available in video format with sign language interpretation. In addition to these information texts, free multimedia learning resources and exercises are provided, as well as authentic real-life experiences relevant to the target group. Furthermore there is a list of addresses for essential in-person services in Germany (such as information and welcome centres, integration course providers).

Mein Weg nach Deutschland © Alina Holtmann / Maridav

Infohäuser

Within the scope of the last project, 35 “Infohäuser” (Info houses) were established across Germany. These in-person contact centres are housed within various public institutions in rural regions, and migrants can access information, receive help navigating the integration pathway, and use the “Mein Weg nach Deutschland” website. The Infohäuser also offer space for networking and dialogue, the idea being that they are a meeting place as well as a point of contact for those early days in Germany. They complement existing services for new migrants at those locations, to ensure that this target group is optimally supported on arrival in Germany.

© Goethe-Institut
Welcome Coaches

During the transition phase and immediately on arrival in Germany, migrants are met by Welcome Coaches at six Goethe-Institutes in Germany, as well as at the Infohäuser in rural areas, where they are supported with initial orientation. Like the pre-integration programmes at the Goethe-Institutes in the origin countries, the Welcome Coaches serve as personal mentors who familiarise them with the initial integration steps in Germany and guide them towards the appropriate established systems.

© Goethe-Institut