Swedish Institute Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP)

In 2023, the School of Public Administration at the University of Gothenburg and the Integration Foundation of Estonia are organizing a thematic module within SAYP focusing on Migration and Integration: Challenges and Good Practices for the Development of Inclusive Societies.

The module is open for applications for persons from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

We welcome applications from:

• Public servants (non-political civil servants at local, regional or central level)
• Policymakers (politicians, government officials, employees of political parties)
• Civil society workers (CSO/NGO volunteers/employees)

You can apply if you are age 35 or younger.

Module Details

The Western Balkan states of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia continue to face pressing migration and integration challenges stemming from multiple legacies: the wars involving successor states to the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 2001 that resulted in vast numbers of internally displaced peoples (IDPs) and a substantial diaspora, the consequences of the Syrian War that has seen large numbers of refugees attempting to make their way to the European Union through the Western Balkans, the recent impact of COVID-19 on IDPs and refugees in the region, plus a growing brain drain as a young workforce emigrates in search of employment opportunities abroad.

Yet, the migration and integration challenges facing the Western Balkans are not unique.  Indeed, many of them are present to different degrees in various European Union countries and also in post-Soviet states within the region.  Moreover, the ongoing war in Ukraine is already resulting in vast numbers of Ukrainians who are either internally displaced or seeking a safe harbor abroad. States, regions, municipalities, and civil society organizations suddenly find themselves mobilizing to address immediate reception needs, and also to begin planning how medium- and long-term initiatives can be developed and put into place.

As such, the focus of this module is on concrete good practices that have been developed to address migration and integration challenges in the European Union, with a particular emphasis on Baltic and Nordic states, and considering how these might be adapted for use in the Western Balkans. 

Module aims

The first aim of this Swedish Institute Academy for Young Professional module is to assist public servants, policymakers and civil society workers in developing a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse political, societal, and administrative challenges associated with migration and integration of particular relevance to the Western Balkans. The second aim is to focus on identifying good migration and integration policy practices, at all levels of governance and from different parts of the world. Such practices can serve as concrete inspiration for public servants, policymakers and civil society workers in the Western Balkans, allowing for a more coherent and sustainable set of responses to migration and integration challenges, ultimately resulting in more inclusive societies.

Module organization

The module relies on a mix of lectures, problem-based learning exercises, seminars and project work, providing participants with a rich analytical and practical toolkit for addressing migration and integration issues of relevance, with a particular emphasis on how these challenges are being addressed in Baltic and Nordic states. Understandably, internal displacement and refugee flows as a result of the war in Ukraine will also receive particular attention. While the module is based in Tallinn, there will be an opportunity for multiple study visits to other Estonian cities, each highlighting specific challenges and practical responses.  The module will include a preparatory activity that allows participants a chance to reflect on, and inform one another about migration and integration issues in their own counties, and an optional follow-up conference taking place at University of Gothenburg in May, 2024.

About the organizers

The School of Public Administration at the University of Gothenburg is the leading Swedish academic department training students for careers in Swedish public administration, and has a well-established track record of providing commissioned education to public actors throughout Sweden seeking to increase staff competency. School staff have been actively involved in a variety of initiatives focusing on migration and integration policy. These include externally funded international research projects, courses and international summer schools, and cooperation with major European cities to develop more effective integration policies.

The Integration Foundation of Estonia (INSA) is a center of excellence focusing on skills and knowledge associated with integration and migration activities, as well as providing assistance to those involved in the migration process. INSA and its cooperation network effectively implement diverse activities that promote integration and adaptation, with an emphasis on Estonian language education, national minorities, and activities involving people returning to Estonia, as well as new migrants. 

Practical matters

Round-trip airfare, meals and accommodation in Tallinn are included. Accommodation will be shared double accommodation in a local hostel.
The language of instruction is English.

Applications are made directly to the module co-organizer, Professor Gregg Bucken-Knapp (School of Public Administration, University of Gothenburg) and must be sent by email to gregg.bucken-knapp@gu.se. The application period closes on April 5, 2023 at 23.59. Please note that the subject line for the email to Professor Bucken-Knapp including your application materials must read: SAYP2023 TALLINN APPLICATION.

Your application must contain the following documents, all of which can be downloaded here:

• Motivation letter: Make sure to read the questions thoroughly and be specific and personal in your reasoning. Without exception, answers may not exceed the allowed number of characters (letters and spaces) for each question.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the Europass format of maximum 3 pages. A CV submitted in any other format than the Europass is NOT valid. Additional pages will be disregarded.
• Letter of Reference. Remember that a letter of reference that is not signed is NOT valid. Only one letter of reference is required.
• English language certificate. 
  • To participate in SAYP 2023 we will require at least English 6 or Independent User B2 (in average) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This must be verified in one out of three ways mentioned here:
  • If you have completed a BA/BSc, master’s- or PhD degree in English, you may use the diploma as a certificate.
  • If you have other certificates that can prove your level of English, this will be also be accepted. It should include contact details to certifying authority. Your certificate should be issued no later than 5 years ago.
  • If you do not have an English language certificate, kindly prepare the template for English language certificate to be submitted with your application. An English language teacher or other professional who has studied English language (higher education), may evaluate your language proficiency and sign the template.

Further details can be found at the SI Academy for Young Professionals website.
If you are interested in learning more about the module and the application process, there will be two information sessions held on Zoom, where the organizers will hold a short presentation about the module and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Please register for one of the meetings using the links below:

March 14, 2023, 17.00-18.00 CET

March 28, 2023, 17.00-18.00 CET

Migration and Integration: Challenges and Good Practices for the Development of Inclusive Societies is funded by the Swedish Institute as a part of SI Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP).