Concluding Remarks

Abstract

AbstractThe title of this anthology, Migration, Education, and Employment – Pathways to Successful Integration indicates that there is a connection between education, employment, and integration, and that this connection can facilitate successful pathways for migrants into their new societies. Despite that the meaning of integration has been articulated differently over time, the dominant way of understanding integration in policy documents is that integration is synonymous with getting a job. Without neglecting other aspects of successful integration, gaining employment is important. Those who have developed a vocational identity are often vulnerable in the new country when their skills and competencies are not recognised. Recognition of prior learning is described as a complex and challenging process. One important factor for successful integration is meetings that facilitate migrants’ pathways to employment and strengthen their social identity and resilience. Bridging programmes and multicultural perspectives in education are other measures that facilitate successful integration. However, from the migrants’ perspective, integration can also mean possibilities for personal growth and development in a context in which they have options and opportunities. To conclude, it is not just about getting a job, it is about getting a good job.