Promoting Integration Programs for Youth: A Project for Austria

February 4 - 7, 2015

About Austria

Austria has seen success in implementing youth integration programs compared to other European countries. In 2013, Austria created a Youth Strategy, which consists of policies and developmental plans aiming to better the youth of the country [1]. Focusing on education and employment, Austria hopes to see even more improvement in their youth unemployment rates. Programs also strive to better the youth's well being so they can promote creativity and preserve culture. Austria's dual education system has kept the country stable as nearby EU members struggle with a youth unemployment rate of more than 25% [2]. In fact, many other countries have sought out Austria's help in dealing with this issue [2]. The Austrian government is working towards making education up to the age of 18 mandatory.

About the Program

The IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders. Over the last 70 years, the IVLP has developed into the premier professional exchange program in the U.S. and brings over 200 emerging leaders to Jacksonville every year.

[1] http://www.youthpolicy.org/factsheets/country/austria/

[2] https://www.socialeurope.eu/2014/03/youth-unemployment-austrians/