This summer, Safavi Institute wrapped up a special German language course tailored for Ukrainian refugee women, held throughout July and August. This program built on our existing language courses, focusing on practical speaking skills in business, legal, and office settings. A total of 30 women participated in the course, enhancing its dynamic and collaborative environment.
The course stood out because it emphasized real conversations over traditional grammar and writing exercises. Instead of textbooks, participants prepared for classes with vocabulary lists and articles that related to their daily lessons, helping them get ready to practice speaking.
The classes covered everyday topics like office routines and small talk, crucial for networking and building relationships at work. There were also specific sessions for those interested in law and finance, focusing on job-related German terms used in contracts and financial documents. Another key part of the course was learning about the local work culture in Austria, including understanding common sayings and local dialects.
A highlight of this summer's course was the job interview training for positions in Austrian companies, conducted by Andrea Pur, our Project and Labor Market Integration Manager. Andrea commented, "We focused on real-life scenarios that our participants might face in job interviews, providing them with the linguistic tools and confidence to excel. It was inspiring to see their progress and know they are better prepared for their career paths in Austria."
Participants found the course very helpful for improving their German and gaining confidence. One said, "This course has really changed how well I can speak German at work. I feel more a part of things and more skilled." Another mentioned, "I really liked how we used real-life situations to practice our German. It made it easier to see how everything we learned fits into everyday work."
This program didn't just improve language skills—it also brought the participants closer together, helping them feel empowered through sharing language and culture. Seeing how successful this course was, Safavi Institute is excited to keep offering programs that help our participants settle into their new professional and community lives in Austria.
