INSTITUTION RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INITIATIVE
University of Gothenburg
WEB SITE OF THE INITIATIVE
TYPOLOGY
- Help desk and supporting services for refugee students
- Language and other introductory courses for refugee students
- Recognition of studies and prior learning for refugee students
TARGET GROUPS
- Newly arrived refugees
- Refugees of second generation
DESCRIPTION AND METHODOLOGIES
The University of Gothenburg offers an important set of initiatives for newcomers and refugees. All over the world, people are forced to flee their home countries. In order to handle the present situation and ensure sustainable ways forward, there is a great need for research and education.
Education is of crucial importance to both the individual and the future of war-torn nations. Research generates new knowledge, which needs to be disseminated and put to practical use in various ways.
Activities
A study counselling for immigrants offers support for newcomers and addresses to specific initiatives.
Since the fall of 2016, the University of Gothenburg is developing the university’s processes for recognition of prior learning. Development is made in close cooperation with the Swedish Council for Higher Education and other Higher Education Institutions in Sweden.
The University of Gothenburg has been a member of the international network Scholars at Risk (SAR) since 2013. SAR is dedicated to promoting academic freedom around the world, for example by giving sanctuary to scholars who are unable to work in their home countries. Scholars at Risk is an international network of more than 500 higher education institutions in 40 countries.
RESULTS AND IMPACT
In the autumn of 2015, the University of Gothenburg became the first Swedish higher education institution to host SAR scholars. Four SAR-scholars have until now been hosted at the university. The scholars are employed by the departments that match their respective research fields, for a period of one year, and are engaged in the regular research activities at their host departments.
