The United Nations defines a refugee as “someone who fled their home and country owing to “a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion”. The definition also includes people fleeing natural and manmade disasters..
Immigrant Integration is a dynamic, two-way process in which immigrants and the receiving society work together to build secure, vibrant, and cohesive communities.
Local integration occurs when refugees seek to attain rights similar to those enjoyed by the citizens of the country in which they have sought refuge. Some but not all are able to gain citizenship.
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Refugee Integration in the following subject areas:
There are many courses in Refugee Integration that may take place over a few days, weeks or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. Look for volunteering or work experience opportunities with organisations and businesses that you're interested in working for, or that will help you develop the skills relevant to your career interests. If you're looking for a career in an area such as law or the Civil Service, internships offer the chance for more structured work experience. Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favourably by employers.
Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
After completing a Refugee Integration course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of International aid and development to provide assistance to people in need.
If you are interested in a career involving Refugee Integration you may be thinking of areas within social welfare or a range of other employers throughout the public and private sectors such as charitable, counselling and voluntary organisations; law firms; local and central government; media companies; police and probation services; schools, colleges and universities or social and market research organisations.
You may work with developing countries to set up long-term, sustainable solutions to problems within the refugee crisis such as education, sanitation, health and agriculture. You may also be involved with the development of urban and rural areas and small businesses. You could work on the frontlines with humanitarian aid work which also often involves responding to emergency situations and helping those affected by natural and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes and war.
Work in this sector is diverse and encompasses conflict, disaster preparedness, economics, education, environment, forced migration, gender equality, governance, healthcare, human rights, infrastructure, livelihoods and security.
You could work within administration, research, fundraising, training, consultancy, advocacy, relief work, economist roles, medicine, engineering or planning.
Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a facility with set business hours or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies. Overseas working hours may be long and unpredictable, particularly in emergency relief situations.
Part-time work is unlikely for overseas posts. Fixed-term contracts, ranging from a few months to three years are more typical for overseas postings.
After completing a course in Refugee Integration you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as Economics, Human rights, International development or development studies, Languages, Logistics, Medicine, Social policy and Water or sanitation engineering.
What is the importance of Refugee Integration?
Recognised refugees and persons with subsidiary protection are very motivated to integrate into society.
By providing refugees with the right to work, health and to education, refugees can start productive lives in their host countries. The faster they can integrate into the labour force, the faster they can become productive members of society.
Are there different types of refugees?
While refugee is a generalised term for people who flee there are a couple of different types of refugees to define:
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