International Conference on Education and Migrations

Centre for Intercultural Studies (CEI)
Porto Accounting and Business School (ISCAP)
Polytechnic of Porto (P.PORTO)


Book

Background

Migrations in Europe and associated countries have social implications and raise issues at local, national and European levels. Many researchers concur that education is the key to a successful integration. Education provides access to resources and opportunities for self, family and community development and growth. Furthermore, the connection between Education and employability is undeniable. Thus, facilitating the access of migrants to Education will positively impact their employment opportunities and their inclusion in host communities.
In this perspective, the International Conference on Education and Migrations aims to create a wide-ranging space for the debate of ideas, concerns and work methods on the connection between education, migrations and sustainable development.



Thematic Panels

1. Contexts of migrations

In the current context of globalization and mobility, migration has taken on a new perspective since the 1990s. This change occurred as the result of historical, economic, political, social and environmental factors. In this panel, we intend to analyse these factors and how they have contributed to create a huge diversity among migrant populations. Students and labour migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, men and women, or even retired people, all of them seek better conditions of life in a foreign country. This thematic panel welcomes interdisciplinary approaches and theoretical reflections that may function as platforms for deeper knowledge and mutual understanding of how migrations look like nowadays.


2. Internationalization of Education and the cultural impact of migrations

This panel will focus on Education in general, and Higher Education in particular, as a relevant step towards the integration of migrants. Not only because Higher Education provides essential tools for entering the labour market but also because studying abroad can be the first motivation or claim to settle in a new country. Academic degrees are now designed to allow the participation of international students. Are Higher Education Institutions prepared to receive those students? What mechanisms do they have to receive, support and integrate migrant students? What is the cultural impact of this integration?


3. Linguistic issues related to migrations

As a fundamental instrument for communication, language, among other human characteristics, cannot be a barrier to the fulfilment of the fundamental rights of migrants, their integration in the educational system and in the community. This conference also intends to clarify the various stages of language and communication in a foreign country, from the enrolment in a language course for foreigners to bilingualism, or the use of English as a Lingua Franca for adult migrants.



Key-note Speakers

Vasco Malta (Chefe de Missão OIM, Portugal)
Cristina Flores (Universidade do Minho, Portugal)
Jorge Malheiros (Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal)

Organizing Committee


Scientific Committee