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A Qualitative Exploration of Experiences of Asylum Seekers and People with Refugee Backgrounds in Accessing the Education System in Romania

Author

Listed:
  • Alina Mareci

    (Faculty of Geography, University of Bucharest, 010041 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Liliana Dumitrache

    (Faculty of Geography, University of Bucharest, 010041 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Mariana Nae

    (Faculty of Geography, University of Bucharest, 010041 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Anca Tudoricu

    (Faculty of Geography, University of Bucharest, 010041 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Alexandra Cioclu

    (Faculty of Geography, University of Bucharest, 010041 Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

Refugees and asylum seekers often confront particular challenges when accessing essential services in host countries. The difficulties these vulnerable groups face in meeting educational needs are documented in numerous studies. Although Romania experienced mainly transit migration, it is recently becoming a destination for refugees and irregular migrants. Most people entering the country are young or minors, and access to education is crucial for their economic future and a successful integration process. The present paper primarily explores the challenges and difficulties asylum seekers and people with refugee backgrounds experience in accessing educational services in Romania. It is framed within an interpretive paradigm using qualitative interviews with asylum seekers, people with refugee backgrounds, and NGO representatives to collect data. This exploratory research is designed on thematic analysis: four themes and eight subthemes were identified, capturing participants’ perceptions about the Romanian education system and their barriers to accessing education programs. The findings suggest that access to education for refugees and asylum seekers was restricted primarily by language-related or bureaucratic and legal obstacles. Therefore, efforts should be made to raise awareness among the general population and specialised educational institutions. Additionally, creating more opportunities for interactions between people of different backgrounds can alleviate the persisting inequalities experienced by this vulnerable population.

Suggested Citation

  • Alina Mareci & Liliana Dumitrache & Mariana Nae & Anca Tudoricu & Alexandra Cioclu, 2023. "A Qualitative Exploration of Experiences of Asylum Seekers and People with Refugee Backgrounds in Accessing the Education System in Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:5:p:4120-:d:1079084
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter Cheung, 1995. "Acculturation and Psychiatric Morbidity Among Cambodian Refugees in New Zealand," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 41(2), pages 108-119, June.
    2. De Paola, Maria & Brunello, Giorgio, 2016. "Education as a Tool for the Economic Integration of Migrants," IZA Discussion Papers 9836, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. United Nations UN, 2015. "Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," Working Papers id:7559, eSocialSciences.
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