Learning, Speaking, Moving Forward: Summer Language Programme at the Safavi Impact Institute

For many people, summer is a time to slow down. At the Safavi Impact Institute, it is a season of new opportunities. While many educational programmes take a break, Ukrainian women use the summer months to strengthen their German, gain confidence, and move one step closer to meaningful employment in Austria.

This year's summer programme focuses on intensive, practice-oriented language courses designed to deliver tangible progress in a short period of time. In June, participants completed an intensive Business German course alongside two intensive preparation courses for the ÖIF B2 exam. In July, the programme continues with German for Office Professionals, complemented by targeted grammar revision to reinforce the language skills needed in everyday professional communication.

Supporting Ukrainian healthcare professionals remains one of the Institute's key priorities. Alongside the intensive preparation course for the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP), this summer we introduced a series of medical conversation workshops. Rather than focusing on terminology alone, these sessions immerse participants in realistic clinical communication: taking patient histories, explaining diagnostic procedures and treatment plans, and communicating effectively with colleagues. The goal is simple – to help doctors build the confidence they need before entering Austrian hospitals and medical practices.

Speaking is at the heart of the entire summer programme. Whether in business communication, office settings or medical contexts, participants are encouraged to use German actively from the very first session. Because success in the labour market depends on much more than passing a language exam – it requires the ability to communicate clearly, professionally and with confidence.

Through its summer language programme, the Safavi Impact Institute continues to support Ukrainian women and professionals in building the skills they need to access employment that matches their qualifications and experience. For many participants, improving their German is not only about learning a language; it is about opening the door to new career opportunities and rebuilding their professional lives in Austria.