Integration of Rwandan crafts students in Germany: a case study

Attracting African youths to vocational training in Europe can helpaddress skills shortages, while African countries benefit from remittances andreturning skilled workers. However, integration challenges can hinder this approach.This study uses case study methodology to explore such challenges. It begins with aliterature review on the theoretical framework of educational migration and previousresearch on integration of African education migrants in Germany. The focus thennarrows to Rwandans who migrated to Germany for apprenticeships in the craftssector. Semi-structured interviews with five migrants examined their integrationexperiences, highlighting both, challenges and mitigation strategies. Participantsstressed the importance of thorough preparation before and upon arrival, particularlyin learning the German language and understanding local customs, includingdialects. These findings offer practical insights for policymakers and trainingproviders to improve integration support, contributing to a more stable skilled laboursupply in Europe.