Social and Cultural Integration in Germany: The European Union, the Euro, Immigration, and the School System

Abstract

When 20 German instructors met in Dusseldorf for two intensive weeks of work on German integration, they expected to be busy. Their expectations were, however, exceeded by the daily sessions, excursions, and official visits, all revolving around the theme of integration. Why integration? At this time in Germany there is much discussion about (1) the current state of the European Union and impending expansion of its membership, (2) the new currency, the Euro, and its political and social ramifications, (3) the continuing influx of foreign nationals into Germany, (4) the school system and studies of student achievement. To understand contemporary Germany teachers and students need to familiarize themselves with these topics. The seminar, organized by Gabriele Landwehr of the Goethe-Institut Dusseldorf in cooperation with AATG, and led by Ute Hoelscher and Hendirk Schubert, took place in June and July of 2002. Participants were housed with families and received generous scholarships covering tuition, housing, some meals and incidentals. Seven college and 13 high school instructors with wide-ranging teaching experience took part and spoke German not only as the seminar language but even with each other. The program included speakers from governmental and cultural organizations representing various perspectives as well as discussions with representatives of minority groups in Germany and foreign students in German schools. All of this contributed to a well-rounded picture of today's Germany, politically, socially, and academically, and helped us focus on the challenges facing Germany in the 21st century, such as the expansion of the EU from 15 to as many as 28 countries, the continuing disappearance of borders in Europe, and the coping with the continual influx of immigrants. Since we profited immensely from the twoweek experience ourselves, we would like to share key points from the four main areas of integration, Germany and the European Union, the new European currency, immigration to Germany, and schools as a springboard for integration, with our colleagues in the AATG in the pages below so that they too can learn from and adapt some of the material for use in their classes. To that end we offer pedagogical tips for both secondary and post-secondary levels and include sources of information and Internet links. We are convinced that both colleagues and students can profit from the wealth of information on integration which will dominate German conversation and political discourse for years to come. We also hope that colleagues will be inspired to apply for similar AATG seminars in order to remain fully current on German affairs.