Ukrainian University Students in Olomouc, Czech Republic, and Göttingen, Germany

B.A. Selin AKBAŞ, M.A.

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis illuminates the experiences of Ukrainian university students at Palacký University of Olomouc, Czech Republic, and Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany. It examines the impact of higher education on integration. Both Czechia and Germany have a considerable Ukrainian community, including young Ukrainians seeking higher education. Therefore, it is important to investigate the experiences of Ukrainian university students in the Czech Republic and Germany, as well as the influence of higher education on their integration journey, if they aspire to achieve integration in the host country. A semi-structured interview method for data collection and a thematic analysis technique for data analysis are utilised. Social integration theory is employed as a conceptual and theoretical framework to discover the experiences of five students in each city. The thesis found that students in both cities are satisfied with their studies. They enjoy similar support mechanisms like free language courses and financial support, and similar challenges such as linguistic problems and cultural disparities. Due to country-based differences together with the experiences of students, various support mechanisms and challenges emerge as well. The study revealed that students in Olomouc experience discrimination more frequently than those in Göttingen. Students acknowledge that higher education has positive impacts on their lives and the integration process. They, nevertheless, believe that employment is the most significant facilitator of integration. The study also disproves the assumption that immigrants or refugees seeking higher education always want to integrate into the host community because some students in Olomouc desiring to return to Ukraine. The study, finally, found that nearly all Ukrainian students in Göttingen, want to stay and establish a life in Germany. Most students in Olomouc, however, are uncertain about their plans. They express a desire to leave Czechia for Ukraine or another country.

Abstract:

This thesis illuminates the experiences of Ukrainian university students at Palacký University of Olomouc, Czech Republic, and Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany. It examines the impact of higher education on integration. Both Czechia and Germany have a considerable Ukrainian community, including young Ukrainians seeking higher education. Therefore, it is important to investigate the experiences of Ukrainian university students in the Czech Republic and Germany, as well as the influence of higher education on their integration journey, if they aspire to achieve integration in the host country. A semi-structured interview method for data collection and a thematic analysis technique for data analysis are utilised. Social integration theory is employed as a conceptual and theoretical framework to discover the experiences of five students in each city. The thesis found that students in both cities are satisfied with their studies. They enjoy similar support mechanisms like free language courses and financial support, and similar challenges such as linguistic problems and cultural disparities. Due to country-based differences together with the experiences of students, various support mechanisms and challenges emerge as well. The study revealed that students in Olomouc experience discrimination more frequently than those in Göttingen. Students acknowledge that higher education has positive impacts on their lives and the integration process. They, nevertheless, believe that employment is the most significant facilitator of integration. The study also disproves the assumption that immigrants or refugees seeking higher education always want to integrate into the host community because some students in Olomouc desiring to return to Ukraine. The study, finally, found that nearly all Ukrainian students in Göttingen, want to stay and establish a life in Germany. Most students in Olomouc, however, are uncertain about their plans. They express a desire to leave Czechia for Ukraine or another country.

Keywords

Czech Republic, Germany, higher education, migration, social integration, Ukrainian refugees, war in Ukraine

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 1. 8. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: PhDr. Eva Dohnalová, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Humanities / Euroculture