Language Training of Immigrants in Sweden: Analysis of the Current State on the Background of Migration and Integration

Abstract

Sweden is one of European most wanted immigration destination countries, annually thousands of migrants head for this country, especially refugees apply here for asylum. Therefore, this country has had many years of experience with the education of adult immigrants. Already in the 60s a 70s the language courses (today known as "Utbildning i svenska för invandrare", Swedish for immigrants, further SFI) were established. SFI is divided into three educational levels, the so-called "Studieväg" 1 (consists of classes A, B), 2 (includes courses B and C) and 3 (includes classes C, D). All the three above mentioned courses are aimed at immigrants with various types of stay permits and different levels of eduation. Altough SFI plays an importatnt role in the Swedish integration policy, it is the constant object of critics and reform attempts. On the background of migration the following paper aims to describe, analyze and evaluate SFI courses in Sweden.