Higher Education for Forcibly Displaced Migrants in Turkey and Germany

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Teaching Immigrants, Learning as an Immigrant: Evidence From International Contexts

Abstract

The purpose of study is to compare higher education (HE) experiences of Syrian forcibly displaced migrants (FDMs) in Turkey and Germany. Utilizing snowball sampling, 15 and 19 FDMs respectively in Turkey and Germany were interviewed. The results suggest that there are several commonalities and differences in the experiences of Syrian FDMs. They perceive Turkey as a temporary destination for migration, while they turn to Germany with the intention of integration. The differences are related to both governance structures of HE in Turkey and Germany as well as the cultural background of Syrian migrants. Although Germany is slower, both of the countries exhibit reactive and bottom up policy and practices to the needs of FDMs.

Authors

• Khalid Husny Arar, Texas State University - San Marcos

• Yasar Kondakci, Middle East Technical University

• Merve Zayim-Kurtay, Middle East Technical University

• Sevgi Kaya Kaşıkcı, Middle East Technical University

• Hanife Hilal Senay, Middle East Technical University

• Busra Kulakoglu, Middle East Technical University