All Publications

Segregation at Primary Schools in Germany: The Effect of Parental Choice of School.

Policy Brief | November 2012

Parental choice of school has a significant impact on the segregation of young migrants in the Germany education system. In its Berlin case study, the Expert Council’s Research Unit shows that many native German families take active steps to circumvent the official (binding) assignment of primary schools. As a result one in five primary schools enrols twice as many migrant students than are found in its catchment area. Based on the analysis, the Policy Brief gives practical recommendations on how to improve educational opportunities at segregated schools, e.g. by intensifying parent-teacher collaboration, networking with external partners and continuous teacher training dedicated to diversity.

Parent-Teacher Collaboration: Taking Stock of the Cooperative Work between Schools and Parents.

To The Point | October 2012

(Only available in German)

Cooperative work with parents is becoming increasingly important as a pedagogical concept in Germany because the family background plays a strong role in the performance of children at school – particularly among children with a migration background. The information paper explains what is meant by cooperative work with parents, why it is gaining importance, who the target groups are and what is the focus of the content – with the aim of showing educational actors and parents how parents can effectively support the educational success of their children and how schools can lay the foundations.

Immigrant Citizens Survey. How Immigrants Experience Integration in 15 European Cities.

Study | June 2012

The Immigrant Citizens Survey (ICS) is a comparative study on how third country nationals experience integration in seven EU countries. Immigrants in Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Hungary were surveyed for the ICS study. As the project partner for Germany, the Expert Council's Research Unit was involved in designing the survey and was responsible for collecting the data. The study gives a more precise understanding of integration processes.

German Integration Measures from the Perspective of Non-EU Citizens. The Results of the Immigrant Citizens Survey for Germany.

Study | June 2012

How do immigrants view German integration measures? To supplement the empirical results of the Immigrant Citizens Survey for Europe, the Expert Council's Research Unit presents an in-depth analysis of the specific German integration measures. For this survey, third party nationals were asked about the effectiveness and acceptance of integration measures in the areas of language, permanent residence, naturalisation, political participation, family reunification and the labour market.

Mobile Talent? The Staying Intentions of International Students in Five EU Countries

Study | April 2012

International students are often considered ‘ideal immigrants’ due to domestic credentials, language skills and host country experiences. However, so far, efforts to keep them in the country as skilled workers after graduation have been inadequate. In response, the Expert Council's Research Unit in cooperation with the Migration Policy Group (MPG) conducted an international student survey on staying intentions and obstacles in five EU countries. The survey results are supplemented by country reports and a comparison of post-study work visas in the five host countries.

The Two Sides of National Policy for Skilled Workers: Reducing Permanent Exodus and Encouraging Immigration of Skilled Labour.

Study | March 2012

(Only available in German)

Germany is competing for international talent. Encouraging the immigration of skilled labour and, at the same time, reducing emigration are two sides of the same political coin. This study explores the factors that contribute to the migration of highly skilled workers and describes different migration management processes. It also shows that the quality of migration management is only one factor that plays a role in addition to economic and socio-political parameters. Data on the complex issue of emigration are still scarce. The analysis of the existing studies on the motives of emigrants clearly shows that this topic has been inadequately researched. As a result, possible research approaches are discussed and requirements for a suitable research project outlined.

From International Students to Highly Skilled Immigrants. A Comparison of the Legal Conditions in Five Countries in the European.

Study | November 2011

(Only available in German)

International students hold enormous potential for their host countries – if efforts to keep them there after their studies are successful. A comparison of five European countries – Germany, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Sweden – analyses which legal conditions apply in each of these countries and how access to the labour markets is regulated for graduates. The analysis is supplemented by a survey of international students in Germany which shows how they themselves view their situation. The study presents recommendations for universities, companies, policymakers and government administrators for how to capitalise on the potential of international students for Germany more effectively. This study was created in cooperation with the Migration Policy Group (MPG).