How-do-refugees-affect-our-everyday-lives-6

Dorina Kovács, Bendegúz Nyikos, Julia Schindler, Nina Schmiedt
How do refugees affect our everyday
lives?
Project Report

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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................................................................... 1
1) RESEARCH QUESTION .................................................................................... 3
1.1 Background and coming-into-life ..................................................................................... 3
1.2 Actual research question(s)............................................................................................... 5
1.3 Literature and definitions................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Selection of interviewees................................................................................................... 6
1.4.1. Dorina............................................................................................................................. 6
1.4.2. Bendegúz ....................................................................................................................... 6
1.4.3. Julia ................................................................................................................................ 6
1.4.4. Nina ................................................................................................................................ 6
2) METHODOLOGICAL PROCEEDING.................................................................... 7
3) INTERVIEW RESULTS AND NEW INSIGHTS ........................................................ 8
3.1 Dorina................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.1. “Short story / summary................................................................................................... 8
3.1.2. Evaluation ...................................................................................................................... 9
3.1.3. Consequences for further work ..................................................................................... 9
3.2 Bendegúz ............................................................................................................................. 9
3.2.1. “Short story / summary................................................................................................... 9
3.2.2. Evaluation .................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.3. Consequences for further work ................................................................................... 10
3.3 Julia..................................................................................................................................... 10
3.3.1. “Short story / summary................................................................................................. 10
3.3.2. Evaluation .................................................................................................................... 11
3.4 Nina..................................................................................................................................... 12
3.4.1. “Short story / summary................................................................................................. 12
3.4.2. Evaluation .................................................................................................................... 13
4) COMPARISON OF INDIVIDUAL FINDINGS......................................................... 15
5) OUTLOOK AND NEW INSIGHTS....................................................................... 16
6) CONCLUSION............................................................................................... 16

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7) REFERENCES, LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND TABLE OF FIGURES.................... 17
7.1 References......................................................................................................................... 17
7.2 List of Abbreviations........................................................................................................ 17
7.3 Table of Figures................................................................................................................. 17
8) APPENDIX.................................................................................................... 18
8.1 Interview guideline............................................................................................................ 18
8.2 Interview protocols........................................................................................................... 20
8.2.1. Dorina........................................................................................................................... 20
8.2.2. Bendegúz ..................................................................................................................... 21
8.2.3. Julia .............................................................................................................................. 22
8.2.4. Nina .............................................................................................................................. 23
8.3 Transcriptions................................................................................................................... 25
8.3.1. Dorina........................................................................................................................... 25
8.3.2. Bendegúz ..................................................................................................................... 29
8.3.3. Julia ................................................................................................................................ 0
8.3.4. Nina ................................................................................................................................ 0
8.4 Global analysis attachments ............................................................................................. 5
8.4.1. Dorina............................................................................................................................. 5
8.4.2. Bendegúz ....................................................................................................................... 5
8.4.3. Julia ................................................................................................................................ 5
8.4.4. Nina ................................................................................................................................ 5
8.5 Coding and memos............................................................................................................. 6
8.5.1. Dorina............................................................................................................................. 6
8.5.2. Bendegúz ....................................................................................................................... 6
8.5.3. Julia ................................................................................................................................ 8
8.5.4. Nina ................................................................................................................................ 9
8.6 Keywords for further analysis ......................................................................................... 10

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1) Research question
1.1 Backgroundand coming-into-life
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), those people are
considered to be refugees who flee conflict or persecution. International law defines this group of
people and provides protection for those in need. Also, the organization ensures that refugees
will not be expelled or returned to situations where their freedom and life are at risk. The
protection of refugees covers more aspects such as the safety from being returned to danger
and access to efficient and safe procedures of asylum. A great emphasis is put on measures
respecting the basic human rights of refugees until a longer-term solution is found for them. (UN
High Commissioner for Refugees, 2014)
The so-called „refugee crisis” in Europe began in 2015 when the masses of refugees and
migrants started their journey to the European Union to seek asylum.
Traveling across the Mediterranean Sea and through Southeast Europe has never meant a safe
way and resulted in huge number of deaths. This number rose to a record level in April 2015
when five boats carrying almost 2000 refugees sank in the Mediterranean Sea with an estimated
death toll of more than 1000 victims. (Eurostat, 2016b)
In the first six months in 2015, Greece and Italy meant the first EU country of arrival and became
the starting point of a flow of refugees and migrants moving through all the different Balkan
countries and Southeast Europe to the Northern countries mainly to Germany and Sweden.
(Eurostat, 2016b)
The European Union has struggled to cope with the crisis since 2015 and decided to increase
funding for border patrol operations and propose a new quota system in order to relocate and
resettle asylum seekers among EU states, thus alleviating the burden on countries on the outer
borders of the Union. The different countries reintroduced their border controls individually within
the Schengen Area and rifts have emerged between countries willing to accept asylum seekers
and others trying to discourage their arrival.
According to Eurostat, the EU received more than 1.2 million first time asylum applications back
in the year 2015, but this number has doubled by the end of previous year. Four member states
(Germany, Austria, Sweden, and Hungary) received around the 2/3 of these asylum applications
in 2015 meaning that Sweden, Austria and Hungary are the top recipients of asylum applications
per capita. Regarding the citizenship of asylum seekers, more than half of the total refugees are
originated from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. (Eurostat, 2016a)

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Figure 1: Refugees in Europe
Ascertaining motivation is very complex, but most of the migrants are basically refugees. These
people are fleeing war and persecution in countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.
According to UNHCR (2015), the top ten nationalities of Mediterranean Sea arrivals in 2015
were:
Syria (49%)
Afghanistan (21%)
Iraq (8%)
Eritrea (4%)
Pakistan (2%)
Nigeria (2%)
Somalia (2%)
Sudan (1%)
Gambia (1%)
Mali (1%)
Besides these countries, one should not forget about European inhabitants seeking better life
and applying for asylum in the EU. (BBC, 2016)

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Figure 2: Origins ofRefugees
According to UNHCR data, 58% of the refugees and migrants in 2015 were men, 17% were
women and 25% were children. (UNHCR, 2014)
The main intention of these men is to find a safe place to live and work before attempting to
reunite with their families. Among those people who are arriving to Europe there is a large
number of women and children, also including unaccompanied children.
Some people argue that these migrants have been seeking to settle preferentially in countries
offering more generous social welfare benefits and already hosting more Middle Eastern and
African immigrants. (Rod Nordland, 2015)
Others argue that migrants target the more tolerant societies and stronger economies.
(Nordland, 2015)
In contrast to Germany, France, historically a popular final destination for the EU migrants, saw
its popularity erode in 2015 among migrants seeking asylum. (Nordland, 2015)
After the events of 27 August 2015 when 71 migrants were found dead in a food truck near
Vienna, Austria began the inspection of vehicles on their borders for smuggled people resulting
in huge vehicular backups.
1.2 Actual researchquestion(s)
How did people experience the recent migration of refugees from the Middle-East?
1.3 Literatureand definitions
•Refugee:“A person who flees for refuge or safety, especially to a foreign country, as in time of
political upheaval, war, etc.”(Dictionary.com, LLC, 2016)
•Migration: “To go from one country, region, or place to another.”(Dictionary.com, LLC, 2016)

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•Human rights: “Fundamental rights, especially those believed to belong to an individual and in
whose exercise a government may not interfere, as the rights to speak, associate, work, etc.”
(Dictionary.com, LLC, 2016)
•Adaptation: “Sociology. A slow, usually unconscious modification of individual and social
activity in adjustment to cultural surroundings.” (Dictionary.com, LLC, 2016)
•Integration: “An act or instance of integrating a racial, religious, or ethnic group.”
•Mindestsicherung (minimum colleteral/income): Minimum income guarantees that everyone
has an income sufficient to live on, provided they meet certain conditions. (Wikipedia, 2016a)
•Willkommenskultur: Welcoming culture means an appreciation of diversity. The word was
founded in Germany and designates a positive attitude of politicians and institutions towards
foreigners, especially towards migrants.(Wikipedia, 2016b)
•Culture:“The quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as
excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.” (Dictionary.com, LLC, 2016)
•Mentality: “The set of one's mind; view; outlook.” (Dictionary.com, LLC, 2016)
•Tolerance:“A fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, beliefs,
practices, racial or ethnic origins, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.”
1.4 Selection of interviewees
1.4.1. Dorina
I chose my interviewee as we are colleagues and I knew that she decided to volunteer in order
to help people in need. As we discussed about this topic before and after the volunteering I was
aware that she changed her mind on this issue and I was interested in her thoughts and
experience.
1.4.2. Bendegúz
For the purpose of the interview, a Hungarian person with the age of 24 was picked. Before the
conduction he was informed about the topic and although he said that he is not very comfortable
with speaking about the events, he decided to help and tell me how he feels.
1.4.3. Julia
I talked to a relative of mine about my project and she said she actually knows someone who is
working with refugees so she gave me her number and I called her to ask whether she is willing
to do an interview. She was very happy to help me.
1.4.4. Nina
My interviewees are friends of my family and I knew they took care of refugees for some time
last year, but I have never actually talked to them about it. Their insights were very valuable and
interesting.

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2) Methodological proceeding
Since the current refugee situation in Austria is very sensitive and hard to measure in a
numerical way our best approach is to do a qualitative study.
With a qualitative research it is possible to provide complex textual descriptions of how people
experience a given research issue. It provides information about the contradictory behaviors,
opinions, emotions, beliefs and relationships of individuals.
Qualitative research can also help to interpret and better understand the complex reality of a
given situation.
Another advantage of qualitative methods is that they give the researcher the flexibility to probe
initial participant responses. The researcher must listen carefully to what participants say,
engage with them according to their individual personalities and styles, and encourage them to
elaborate on their answers.
In order to answer our research question we decided on conducting in-depth interviews as they
are optimal for collecting data on individuals’ personal histories, perspectives, and experiences,
particularly when sensitive topics like refugee topics are being explored.
During our interviews we used audio recording and then transcribed it in order to analyze what
and how it was said during the interview.
The sampling method we used is purposive sampling, which is one of the most common
sampling strategies where groups of participants according to preselected criteria are relevant to
a particular research question. More specific, all of us used snowball sampling where
participants or informants with whom contact has already been made use their social networks
to refer the researcher to other people who could potentially take part in the interview. Snowball
sampling is a form of purposive sampling. In total our sampling size consisted of 5 people.

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3) Interview results and new insights
3.1 Dorina
3.1.1. “Short story / summary
Beata is a Polish young lady who lived 6 years in Spain and currently lives in Vienna. She is
open to meeting people from diverse cultural backgrounds and tolerates the differences, if there
are any, between her culture and beliefs and that of the people she is surrounded by. She met
different cultures than that of the Polish before and collected positive experience. Also, she likes
to help the needy and she did voluntary work for dysfunctional families in Poland. She has an
inner need to help people. I believe that she expected to see the same or a very similar situation
regarding the behavior of the refugees like what she saw in Poland. She did not meet the
refugees before the voluntary work about which this interview is organized.
In order to have a common understanding about the topic at the beginning, refugees were
described as people who leave their country that is affected by war. Based on the information
she provided about the night shift she attended, people coming from various countries such as
Iran and Iraq were in majority compared to people escaping from Syria, the country that is
currently affected by war. Another contradiction was the picture that is painted in the media and
the reality she faced in the established refugee asylum namely the composition of men, women
and children. As opposed to the information provided by the media, a great proportion of the
refugees were made up of single, adult men, while there were only a few families.
She did not feel that refugees would like to form a part of Austrian society, as the desired final
destination for them is either Germany or UK. Among the people she met, no one could speak
English or any other foreign language that is why translators were needed.
She picked a specific story that probably made the biggest impression on her. It was about a
mother looking for a pyjama for her son. However, the lady was not satisfied with the given item
that was perfect in size and was clean, she started to look for a more fancy pyjama that was
described by my interviewee as a kind of late shopping. She did not feel thankfulness for the
offered pyjama and the attitude they approached and treated her made her sad.
She lacks the information that is given to public and made the impression that everyday people
are satisfied with and believe in what they hear in the radio and read in the news. She is eager
to discover personally and does not rely on one-sided information that is presented to us.
Also, food was offered for the refugees, though the majority had to be thrown out as no one ate
it. She felt shocked, because she was raised in a way to show respect for her family and
appreciate everything that she gets. She worked hard to have a living condition she has now
and she felt that the refugees take everything for granted and do not appreciate the effort that is
behind. Though she shows understanding about having a mobile phone that is described by her
as a device that is inevitable in today’s world.
I recognized helpfulness and empathy in her words, as staying in the conflict-affected country
does not seem to be a solution that she would propose. She wants to find a way that would be
good for the residents and the new-coming people for a given hosting country. According to her,
a greater level of organization and established processes are missing in the treatment of
refugees. She mentioned registration as a way of preparation for the future and ability to
establish a long-term plan for the refugees.
She noticed that for the latest terrorist attacks Muslim people were responsible. Although
terrorists are predominantly Islam believers, she claims that the majority of refugees is innocent
and has nothing to do with the recent events.
She does not have rejection towards the refugees, but she feels that currently the actions to
adapt and accept the conditions that must be obeyed to stay in a country are not followed by the
refugees. They have no intention to adapt to the customs and rules that of the hosting country,
but they wish to follow fully their way of living. Furthermore, due to the lack of proper

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organization and perspective for the future refugees do not want to settle down in a country
where uncertainty is so high.
What I felt during the whole interview was the concerns she has for the future. Before that night,
she had fierce discussions with other colleagues and she took the side of the refugees that they
can easily integrate and be useful parts of society. To my mind, after the volunteering she was
disappointed and regarded that night as a rather negative experience.
3.1.2. Evaluation
The view on refugees is very subjective and the opinions are based on the experience that
people have with refugees and the information that is presented in the public media. However,
what can be seen in the television and pictures shown in the newspapers might not reflect the
real situation. We cannot judge by only informing us through those channels.
My interviewee is driven to provide help for people who are in need. She is tolerant towards
different cultures and feels safe in multicultural environment. She is empathic and urges to
establish long-term plans and processes in order to foster the integration of refugees, so that
they can flee from their country that is a dangerous place to live nowadays. In case those
conditions are not provided, she expresses that she has concern regarding the future.
3.1.3. Consequences for further work
My interviewee did the voluntary work last year, therefore the situation could have changed
during the elapsed time. The interview is based on the happenings during one night with a given
number of people. In case she meets with refugees again, the different composition of people
might change her way of thinking and could get a positive opinion about refugees again. Asking
about the experience of other people who volunteered or got in contact with refugees might
encounter different settings and would result in different observations. Also, when we talked
privately, she mentioned right after the voluntary work other aspects that were not covered in
this interview. We could arrange in the future another interview in which the missing parts from
this interview could be covered.
3.2 Bendegúz
After the first question it was clearly seen that he has positive opinion about the recent events.
He claimed that Hungary has always been a country that welcomed people with different
nationalities and religious believes – this is the main reason for his positive attitude.
The responses for the further questions also supported his opinion: he fully understands the
intentions of the refugees and believe that in the upcoming years immigrants could boost the
economy of the welcoming countries. These people could also mean a solution for the low
population in the Eastern part of Hungary and could work in the agricultural sector due to the
fact that the quality of the field are superior in the country.
According to his responses, there is no clear disadvantage of the waves of refugees: although
they mean high expenses at the moment, but we should think about it as an investment: in short
term they will start to work and boost the economy.
When it came to personal experiences, it turned out that he didn’t have too much: he has seen
only a couple of groups of refugees in the previous years.
It was clearly seen that he is well informed: he follows not only the national but also the
international news.
Based on the information he has, he sees the future brightly: he believes that the refugees will
learn the language, educate themselves and work.

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When it came to the question about the current situation in the Middle-East and Syria, he said
that although he knows about the war and the events, he doesn’t know if the war will eventually
end.
Based on the situation, he would give more support to those who are in need and he fully
understands the people who are fleeing war: if there was such a situation in Hungary, he would
do the same and would expect the same behaviour he has from the other nations and countries.
3.2.2. Evaluation
According to what he said, he has a very positive opinion about the recent events in the EU. He
sees no clear disadvantage of the situation and no signs of a „refugee crisis”.
Although he has a very positive outlook regarding the future, he has some concerns based on
the lack of actions and support from the side of the government. He believes that this new
cultural group will adapt and can be fully integrated to the established system and can boost the
economy already in the short term
In my opinion, a broader qualitative research should be concluded in order to have a deeper
understanding of how people feel about the recent events. This qualitative research could also
be supported by a quantitative research in order to make the sample representative for Hungary.
The interviewee does not have personal experience with refugees due to the lack of
volunteering, so interviews with a Hungarian person who actually worked with these people or in
camps could give a new insight.
3.3 Julia
Sandra, the interviewee was very eager to help. She is working voluntarily for a refugee camp in
a small town in lower Austria (Gars am Kamp). Together with a very limited amount of people
she is mainly responsible for helping to integrate families that are allowed to stay in Austria. The
integration covers finding a home, knowing where to get help in case they need something,
helping them learn the language and also help the children integrate at school and with their
homework they get from school. She did not have a bad experience with refugees except for
one example where she realized the cultural differences: Arab men usually do not take advices
from females. Other than that Sandra said that they were very grateful for every help they
received and they also want to give something back. Moreover, they are very motivated to
integrate and learn the language. Still, she knows that they are also refugees that are totally
unmotivated, which she says is referred to how those people were raised or all the bad
experiences they have had in their early years.
The interviewee was very skeptical about what is going to happen in the future since there is a
vast amount of people from different cultural backgrounds coming to a small country like Austria.
Even though she did not have bad experiences with refugees she does not think that the
Austrian government was doing a good job when they opened all Austrian borders to let all
refugees enter the country, because they are unable to cope with all the administrative tasks
that are connected to it. She criticized the government for the long time it takes them to let the
refugees know whether they are allowed to stay in Austria or not. Furthermore, there is a lack of
help they receive with official channels and finding a home after they know they are allowed to
stay. Once they know they are allowed to live in Austria they have to leave the refugee camp
and find a flat. Unfortunately, there are specific requirements they need to fulfill in order to get a
flat, which they cannot fulfill in most cases. Moreover, due to the language barrier they are
having a really hard time to integrate, find a school for their kids, going to all the necessary
official channel, et cetera.

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Also, the interviewee emphasized that refugees are more likely to become criminal if they do not
feel accepted or welcomed. Until they do not know whether they are permitted to stay in the
country they are not able to work which can create boredom, which again may lead to crime.
Sandra, who is living in a small town in Austria, which is also the place of her volunteer work with
the refugees is disappointed in the people of her surroundings. Due to the bad refugee image
most people that have never actually talked to a refugee have the interviewee was actually
criticized from friends and relatives for helping them.
3.3.2. Evaluation
According to what was said during the interview I conclude that the government is very
overstrained with the refugee situation. There are so many administrative tasks the government
has to fulfill which takes them a long time. During that time refugees do not know what to do with
their time which could lead to crime.
Also, in order to remain in peace and not split the country into two halves it is important to accept
and tolerate them. Otherwise they may feel frustrated and tend to become criminal.
Talking about the refugees themselves, Sandra, who has actually met and worked with refugees
has had mainly good experiences with them. She describes them as friendly and motivated
people who are very grateful for all the help they receive from people in Austria.
According to this evidence, the bad image of refugees that people who have never met refugees
have might be a result of the image that the media creates for people.
Also, I learned that the biggest issue that Austria has with the vast amount of refugees arriving in
the country is that they cannot cope with all the connected administrative tasks. The government
is absolutely overstrained.
When it comes to the research question “How did people experience the recent migration of
refugees from the Middle-East?” I assume, after all I have learned during the interview, that
there are big differences of people’s perception depending on whether they have actually met
and talked to refugees or whether they just believe the picture the media creates in their minds.
In order to have a deeper understanding of how people have experienced the recent migration
of refugees from the Middle-East a broader qualitative research would have to be made,
interview two groups of people, people that have met and talked to refugees and people who
have only heard about them in the media. This qualitative research should be supported by a
quantitative research to make it representative for whole Austria.
All in all, it can be said that the government needs support in the coping with the whole refugee
situation. There is a big lack of help of integration since there is a language barrier refugees do
not know where to receive help and how to actually find a home, workplace or school for their
children. Furthermore, it takes the government way too long to let the refugees know whether
they are permitted to stay and live in Austria or whether they have to leave the country. During
that time they are not allowed to work which creates boredom, time inefficiency and could
possibly lead to crime. In order to change that, a work visa for refugees could be established
which enables them to work.
Moreover, in order to change people’s negative perception social events or something similar
could be organized to bring natives and foreigners together.

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3.4 Nina
The following summary covers both my interviews.
Both my interviewees, Jutta and Reinhard, are Austrian, and they volunteered to integrate a
group of 10 refugees into a village, teach them German and help them with anything they might
need. Both interviewees regarded their time spent with the refugees as a very positive
experience, and emphasized that they are people like us. They both criticized the Austrian
mindset to be afraid of something they don’t know and to not be more open and tolerant towards
foreigners. They further emphasized that the media plays a big role in making propaganda
against refugees and to make people scared and encourage the so called nationalism.
As to the refugees themselves, they were described as friendly, open people who want to
integrate themselves, are happy about any form of personal contact and are thankful about any
help you provide them with. Jutta stated that she has grown quite close to them over the months
and that she learned from them the same way as they have learned from her. They especially
told her about their religion and that their husbands are allowed to have four wives, and about
their traditions. She also emphasized that they had a lot of fun together.
They both said that Austria and the government were completely overwhelmed with the arrival of
so many refugees and that the whole situation should have been better organized. It has also
been mentioned that the whole topic should be discussed much more objective, without taking a
side, and it is necessary to find an EU wide solution to the problem. They regarded the private
initiative and the efforts of rescue organizations such as the Red Cross as admirable, but also
mentioned that the Red Cross warned not to welcome the refugees in a too friendly way else
many more will come.
Moreover, a big problem is also that the refugees arriving here do not tell their friends and
relatives who are still in Syria the truth. That this isn’t the paradise they hoped for. The whole
situation is portrayed in a most positive way and consequently, more and more people are
fleeing to Europe.
It was also mentioned that the registration process should be better coordinated, that you cannot
let millions of people roam through different countries without anyone knowing who they are.
Furthermore, the passports that the refugees carried were obviously fake, with all of them being
born on the 1st
of January. A reason for this is the culture, that the people lived on the country
side and nobody knows an exact birthdate, and that there are often up to 30 children per family,
due to one husband being allowed to have four wives.
Furthermore, in order to counteract the emerging nationalism, inhabitants of the respective
countries should be brought together with refugees to show them that these are people like you
and me, who just want to survive and live here in peace. The point was also stressed, that the
majority will most likely return to their home country as soon as it is safe again.
Other problems they pointed out is the communication, if they have to see a doctor it is
especially difficult for the elderly who do not even speak English. On the other hand, there are
many Syrians who studied medicine but aren’t allowed to practice here in Austria due to
accreditation and lack of documents. Jutta stated that it would be beneficial to have them
practice just as doctors for the refugees. Since there are many refugees here and they always
need a translator for these issues, it would be an advantage for everyone involved.
A very big issue is the fact that they are not allowed to work here and receive money from the
Austrian state. This leads to them feeling inadequate and getting depressed, and to Austrians
getting jealous of the money and accusing them of not working. Jutta suggested to the Red
Cross to pay the refugees a small amount for translation in the camps in order to give them the
feeling that they earned some money, but they refused even though they receive €10 per man
per day. It was also suggested that not all of the refugees should attend the official German
courses, but only those that are planning to stay here and that are of an age where it can still be

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helpful. The ones older than say 40 or 50 should be privately trained, and the others should
receive more intensive training in the official courses.
They are all in training courses of the job bureau and in German courses, so right now they have
hope to be able to find a job. The problem will be when they realize that it is very hard if not
downright impossible to find a job without fluent knowledge of German, then their hope of a
normal life and new beginning will be gone and depression will set in. She suggested that there
should be special jobs for refugees, jobs that won’t earn so much but will give them a feeling of
having done something and will be a starting point for them to feel more comfortable and regain
their confidence.
As to their psychological state, they are still traumatized. However, since we don’t have any Arab
speaking psychologists here, this is something that cannot be solved. Psychological treatment
only works in a person’s native language, everything else is too risky and can make the situation
worse than it is now.
In conclusion, they regarded the experience as very valuable, and provided very interesting
insights into what is and could be a problem and what went well in connection to taking care of
the refugees.
3.4.2. Evaluation
What I took from these interviews was that most people do not have anything to do with
refugees. However, it is often those people that are intolerant and against having refugees here
in the country. It was pointed out that the refugees are only a minimal percentage of the
population, that there is nothing to fear.
Those people open to helping refugees usually prefer to donate money or clothes. Very few are
willing to actually meet and take care of them and establish a personal relationship. This was
very surprising to my interviewee and it provided a valuable insight for me.
Based on the things mentioned, I conclude that if many more are to come, the organization of
the situation needs to be improved. Rescue organizations and private initiatives are doing their
best, but can only cover so much. And it was mentioned that the Red Cross has to take care of
so many people that they can only care for everyone a little bit and not in depth. Also, every
country has a different policy, there should be an EU wide solution.
What I also took as an issue is that the care and help extends only to the refugees’ physical
health, while the mental one is ignored. On the one hand, we don’t have Arab speaking
psychologists so psychological treatment is impossible. On the other hand however, there are
other way to improve a person’s psychological health. And this is by letting them start over, live a
normal life with the permission to work, to be independent and to take care of themselves.
Instead, we give them money and deny them work, and then accuse them of taking money and
not working. People say: they should be happy, they can stay here and receive money. What is
forgotten is that if people are cut off from their family and friends, are traumatized, don’t speak
the language and cannot work, they give up hope of ever living a normal life again. And once
hope is gone, mental health is deteriorating and often ends in depression. In order to be truly
happy, one doesn’t need to just be fed and have a roof over the head, but also needs to regain a
sense of self-worth, of dignity and of confidence. And this can only be reached by being able to
take care of yourself and be independent.
In conclusion, based on the interview, I’d suggest that if an effort was made to connect the
inhabitants of a country with the refugees, people would lose their fear and realized that they are
the same as us, just in a much worse situation.

14
The research question has in general been answered, however, if we were to interview more
people the study would of course be more valid and could be generalized. In order to close to
gap from where we are now (refugee situation) to where we could be (organization and EU wide
regulation and people living peacefully together), there would need to be more work done with
regard to
-how to solve their work situation
-how to more effectively reduce the language barrier, also with regard to medical aid
-how to care for both their mental and physical health, e.g. give them an opportunity to live a
normal life, start over.
-how to bridge the gap between inhabitants of the country and refugees, e.g. bring them
together, take away the fear and intolerance from both sides and make them realize we are the
same.
To my knowledge however, there is not one text that can bridge this gap. In my opinion, it would
be effective to collect the experiences of everyone who dealt with refugees and write this down
and use this as a starting point. After all, these are not theories developed by social scientists,
but they are actual experiences of people who have already done their best to contribute
towards solving this situation.

15
4) Comparison of individual findings
When it comes to comparing the individual findings, we can say that there are several aspects
that were mentioned by all our interviewees. First of all, out of the 5 people that were questioned
4 did voluntary work for the refugees. The timeframe ranges from one occassion to several
months. We have discovered that in most of the cases, meeting refugees was regarded as a
positive experience and our interviewees believe that they can comprise a valuable part of the
society.
A common point was also the attitude towards refugees meaning that people who actually do
not meet refugees, but inform themselves via various telecommunication channels are more
prone to having negative feelings towards refugees than those who spend time and try to get to
know the arriving people. The media plays a huge role in our current situation. As with most
issues, the truths in media articles are very hidden to not existent. Stories are twisted to put the
refugees into bad light, and the worst part of it, people believe it. They believe everything they
read in newspapers or see on television, and, as mentioned before, often those who are most
hostile towards refugees and their arrival in this country are the ones that have never even met
one and dont have any refugees living in their vicinity. Propaganda plays a big rule in people’s
attitudes towards this situation. People are afraid because media often portraits incidents far
worse than they actually are and especially older people have no objective means of retrieving
their information.
Many others believe that by donating money or clothes they have contributed to help the
refugees, but personally are not willing to visit a refugee camp to get in contact and help there in
order to improve the situation.
The major concerns arise due to the lack of proper government actions and time-consuming
registration processes if applied. Organizational developments and finding an EU wide solution
should be the priorities in order to solve the current issue.
Many of our interviewees have a negative outlook concerning refugees’ ability to find work and
live a normal life; lack of these aspects might lead to depression or worse. Some interviewees
mentioned that people are afraid that refugees are or will become crimnals, due to a number of
factors such as unemployment, poverty etc. Uncertainty not only prevents refugees from setting
up plans for their future, it also creates fear. If they have nothing to do, they might turn to crime
which in turn affects the perception about refugees in a negative way.
There is also a high uncertainty as to how many people actually want to stay here or are just
waiting for the war to be over. Our interviewees are also not sure how many more are to arrive.
It was mentioned that it is important that the refugees integrate themselves, follow our laws and
regulations, but that there is a limit. They should not be deprived of their own culture in order to
become super-Austrians – which we aren’t even ourselves.
Those interviewees who had personal contact with them stated that they enjoyed learning about
their culture, traditions and language. Also their religion was interesting to them, since Islam is
very different to Catholicism. Most refugees were described as open and not extremely religious.
It was also mentioned that in Islam, most families have a patriarchy, meaning the husband rules.
He is allowed to have up to four wives, and what he says is being done. Most interviewees
mentioned though that this attitude towards woman was not apparent in their encounters. Only
one or two said that they did feel that the men did not respect or take advice from them
(because they were women).
Some of our interviewees also mentioned that the refugees are good for our economy, since
they can contribute positively with their work. Among those who arrived, there are also very
skilled people like lawyers and doctors. Unfortunately, they are not allowed to practice here in
Austria due to lack of accreditation and documents. One interviewee suggested to allow some of
the doctors to practice and become „doctors for refugees”. Since communication is a big issue

16
especially in medical aid, Arab speaking doctors would be a great advantage for the many
refugees, and would also take some of the stress off of Austrian doctors.
5) Outlook and new insights
It has to be mentioned that our interviewees volunteered at different camps ranging from
integrating 10 refugees into a village to helping in huge camps with many hundred people.
Therefore, the experiences are different.
In general, the experiences of our interviewees are quite positive, describing the refugees as
open and friendly. The main concerns are due to uncertainty whether they will stay here, and if
yes, if they will be able to get a job and start over and live a normal life. Failing to do so could
end in depression or worse.
The government and organization was criticized; if many more are to come, it was suggested
that a restructuring of the whole organization and an EU wide solution is necessary. The main
help for refugees was from non-profit organizations and private initiative, the government failed
to take control of the situation.
The media also plays a significant role by exaggerating situations and twisting the truth, which
results in people being afraid and thus being hostile towards refugees without ever having met
one. Those people willing to help are more likely to donate money or clothes, rather than
actually meeting refugees and spending time with them.
As a solution to this mistrust between citizens and refugees, it was suggested that it is
necessary to bring them together, to show inhabitants that refugees are people like us, just in a
much worse situation.
6) Conclusion
To sum it all up, in general all of our participants who have actually met and talked to refugees
have made good experiences. It is mainly the people who have never met refugees that have a
negative opinion towards refugees, which is probably due to the bad image the media creates in
people’s minds.
A big issue that all participants mentioned is that the Austrian government is clearly overstrained
with all the tasks that are connected with so many refugees coming to Austria. It takes them a
long time to deal with all the administrative tasks to let them know whether they are allowed to
stay in Austria or whether they have to leave the country. This time period creates boredom and
frustration, which might lead to crime, depression or worse.
Therefore, there should be more help with those tasks and with the integration after they know
that they are allowed to stay in Austria.
Also, in order to have a united country where people feel comfortable and welcome events
should take place to bring natives and refugees together.

17
7) References, List of Abbreviations and Table of Figures
7.1 References
BBC. 2016. Migrant crisis: Migration to Europe explained in seven charts. Cited on 24.5.2016 at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34131911
Dictionary.com, LLC. 2016. Adaptation. Cited on 27.5.2016 at:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/adaptation?s=t
Dictionary.com, LLC. 2016. Culture. Cited on 27.5.2016 at:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/culture?s=t
Dictionary.com, LLC. 2016. Human rights. Cited on 27.5.2016 at:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/human-rights?&o=100074&s=t
Dictionary.com, LLC. 2016. Integration. Cited on 27.5.2016 at:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/integration?s=t
Dictionary.com, LLC. 2016. Mentality. Cited on 27.5.2016 at:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/mentality?s=t
Dictionary.com, LLC. 2016. Migrate. Cited on 27.5.2016 at:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/migrate
Dictionary.com, LLC. 2016. Refugee. Cited on 27.5.2016 at:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/refugee
Dictionary.com, LLC. 2016. Tolerance. Cited on 27.5.2016 at:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/tolerance?s=t
Eurostat. 2016a. Asylum quarterly report. Cited on 25.5.2016 at:
http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Asylum_quarterly_report
EUROSTAT. 2016b. Record number of over 1.2 million first time asylum seekers registered in
2015. Cited on 23.5.2016 at: http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/7203832/3-
04032016-AP-EN.pdf/
Rod Nordland. 2015. A Mass Migration Crisis, and It May Yet Get Worse. The New York Times.
Cited on 24.5.2016 at: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/world/europe/a-mass-migration-
crisis-and-it-may-yet-get-worse.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=second-
column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0
UNHCR. UNHCR Global Trends –Forced Displacement in 2014. Cited on 18 June 2015 at:
http://reliefweb.int/report/world/unhcr-global-trends-forced-displacement-2014
Wikipedia. 2016a. Guaranteed minimum income. Cited on 28.5.2016 at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guaranteed_minimum_income
Wikipedia. 2016b. Willkommens- und Anerkennungskultur. Cited on 28.5.2016 at:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willkommens-_und_Anerkennungskultur
7.2 List of Abbreviations
EU – European Union
UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
7.3 Table of Figures
FIGURE 1: REFUGEES IN EUROPE ................................................................................................... 4
FIGURE 2: ORIGINS OF REFUGEES.................................................................................................. 5

18
8) Appendix
8.1 Interview guideline
Interview Guideline
1.Experiences & Feelings
● How do you feel about people with a different culture living in your country?
○ What are good things about it?
○ What are bad things?
● Do you have any personal experiences with refugees?
○ If no, do you know someone who had?
2. Information:
Only subquestions:
● From where do you get information about news?
● What do you think will happen in the future?
● Do you know how many refugees came to your country during the last months?
● Do you know what the situation in their country is like?
3.
● How would you handle situations if you would be in charge of handling the refugee policy
for your country?
● Put yourself in the shoes of a refugee:
○ What would you do if there was a war in your country?
○ What would you expect from other people?
Interview Guideline - German
1.Experiences & Feelings
● Könnten Sie mir kurz etwas über Ihre Arbeit erzählen? Wie kamen Sie dazu?
● Welche Erfahrungen haben Sie mit Flüchtlingen gemacht? Gibt es irgendeine besonders
gute oder schlechte Erfahrung, die Sie gemacht haben?

19
● Wie fühlen Sie sich dabei, dass so viele Leute mit einer doch ziemlich unterschiedlichen
Kultur in Österreich leben?
○ Was sind Ihrer Meinung nach die Vorteile bzw. Nachteile?
2. Information:
● Was denken Sie wie sich die Situation entwickelt?
● Denken Sie, dass das Land Österreich bezüglich der Flüchtlingspolitik etwas besser
machen hätte können?
● Wissen Sie wie die Situation in den Heimatländern der Flüchtlinge sind?
● Wenn Sie sich selbst in einen Flüchtling hineinversetzen würden:
○ Was würden Sie tun wenn in Ihrem Land Krieg herrschen würde?
○ Was würden Sie von Mitmenschen erwarten?

20
8.2 Interview protocols
8.2.1. Dorina
Interview Protocol
Qualitative Empirical Methods
Interview conducted with: Beata Chmiel-Trescinska
Interviewer:Dorina Kovács
Date, time: May 10th
, 2016 / around 9am
Duration: 27 minutes
Location (room): Meeting room
Others present: Nobody
Initiation of the interview (first contact, evolvement,...):
We have been colleagues for a year, therefore I approached her and we agreed on to conduct
the interview sometime in the morning. On the day of the interview, we talked about the purpose
of the interview before the recording started.
Development of the interview, atmosphere during the interview:
The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.
Disruptions (e.g. calls, etc.):
During the interview we were not disrupted, the room where the interview took place was simple
without flashy decoration.
Characteristics of interviewee, noticeable behavior:
She is very helpful, expresses her ideas and beliefs. She is very talkative, therefore it is easy to
discuss a topic with her.
Happenings after the interview (after turning off the recorder):
We stayed for an additional few minutes to talk more about the topic.
Other relevant information, specifics (e.g. agreements about privacy, de-personalization,
transcript, contacts,...): Nothing

21
8.2.2. Bendegúz
Interview Protocol
Interview conducted with: László Keszei
Interviewer:Bendegúz Nyikos
Date, time: April 26., 11:12
Duration: 17 min
Location (room): Széchenyi István Secondary School
Others present: none
Initiation of the interview (first contact, evolvement,...):
I have know him for a while, but have never talked in depth
Development of the interview, atmosphere during the interview:
Friendly, calm
Disruptions (e.g. calls, etc.):
None
Characteristics of interviewee, noticeable behavior
Calm, strong opinions, fast reaction
Happenings after the interview (after turning off the recorder):
Talking freely about how he felt and what he thinks
transcript, contacts,...):

22
8.2.3. Julia
Interview Protocol
Interview conducted with: Sandra Markowitsch
Interviewer:Julia Schindler
Date, time: 23.4.16, ca 12:30h
Duration: 20 min
Location (room): Dining room
Others present: No
Initiation of the interview (first contact, evolvement,...): An interviewer’s relative knows her
and asked her if she is willing to do the interview and she immediately agreed because she
loves to help other people but the interviewer hasn’t seen or known her before.
Development of the interview, atmosphere during the interview: At the beginning she was
uncomfortable with being recorded, but after she forgot about the recorder she got more
comfortable and relaxed and talked about whatever came to her mind.
Disruptions (e.g. calls, etc.): She was checking her messages because her son wrote her.
Characteristics of interviewee, noticeable behavior: A little bit insecure about the recording
and not sure if what she says can actually help me
Happenings after the interview (after turning off the recorder): After the interview, we talked
about an hour about refugees because then the atmosphere was a lot more relaxed then it was
during the interview. I think during the interview she thought a lot about it before saying
something.
transcript, contacts,...): not applicable

23
8.2.4. Nina
Interview Protocol I
Interview conducted with: Reinhard Bergsmann
Interviewer:Nina Schmiedt
Date, time: 22.4.16, ca 17:30h
Duration: 20 min
Others present: no
Initiation of the interview (first contact, evolvement,...): Hello, and thanks that I can interview
you
Development of the interview, atmosphere during the interview: atmosphere was good
Disruptions (e.g. calls, etc.): no
Characteristics of interviewee, noticeable behavior:eager to help me
Happenings after the interview (after turning off the recorder): discussing the project
Interview Protocol II
Interview conducted with: Jutta Bergsmann
Interviewer:Nina Schmiedt
Date, time: 22.4.16, ca 18h
Duration: 1h

24
Others present: no
Initiation of the interview (first contact, evolvement,...): Hello, and thanks that I can interview
you
Development of the interview, atmosphere during the interview: received a lot of
information, atmosphere was good
Disruptions (e.g. calls, etc.): dog barking (once)
Characteristics of interviewee, noticeable behavior: eager to tell me everything
Happenings after the interview (after turning off the recorder): discussing the project and a
refugee initiative in my village

25
8.3 Transcriptions1
8.3.1. Dorina2
Start of interview3
4
This survey is about the refugees. Who do you think are the refugees nowadays? What are the5
characteristics of those people?6
From my understanding, refugees are people who are forced and obliged to leave their own7
country because of the conflict situation which nowadays, in my opinion, is war. So for me people8
living in Syria are refugees.9
10
In general, how do you feel about people with different culture living in your country?11
I am from Poland and I live in Austria, so obviously I have absolutely nothing against foreign people12
living in other country, because I am one of them. Also in the last 6 years I was living in Spain and13
I got the opportunity to get to know other cultures pretty well. And it is not that I just accepted, I14
am totally fine with this and I understand the concept and so far I had no issue with this I would15
say.16
17
So you also see good things about living together with different cultures?18
Yes, because I think we can learn from one another, but what I must say is that until now, I mean19
until I really moved to Austria, although I saw a lot of different nationalities, I did not see such a20
big cultural difference what I saw here in Austria. What I mean is mostly the difference in the21
Christian and Muslim world, because as you know in Spain, although there were a lot of people22
from South America, but from the cultural background they are quite homogenous. So the23
difference like I don’t know I prefer or I cook this meal is really not an issue, because it actually24
enriches the culture itself. From the religious point of view there were no conflicts. So I always25
thought and I still think that the multicultural environment is really something, something good and26
just simply has a very positive impact on your overview and your way of thinking, of seeing things27
because you can, you can learn. The only think and my biggest concern nowadays is just that28
sometime I feel like here in Europe we are trying our best really to be so tolerant and so open that29
at the end other people that just use this aspect that makes us feel really naïve. Because we are30
trying to really like understand other culture and give them freedom and also give the all the31
resources what they could not have in their countries, but here what they do is they come, use32
this, but they do not really integrate. That is my fear and that is something, sometimes I observe33
and it really concerns me.34
35
When I hear integration, I would like to refer to the refugee crisis now, sodo you have any personal36
experience or first let’s start with from where do you inform yourself about this issue?37
It is all over, as it is in the newspaper, it is on the news. I mean you see people discussing and38
those are really vivid discussions, so it is not something that you can really be totally (you cannot39
avoid)… Yes, no, not even avoid, but you just like regardless of you want to have this discussion40
or not, then you hear it and you know it is just like really over the news. The only thing is that I41
must say so far I saw is that the presentation was quite ** the way they presented was just them42
suffering and poor them, but really there is not somuchinformation about the difficulties they have,43
the integration. Also from the so to say the more practical approach like how can really help them44
like whether there is some kind of process established. And also with them coming, we just like45
within the last months or even year, what we just realized is that we did not set up any meaningful46
process so that we could just somehow control what is going on. Because it is easy to let people47
get in here, but we have to also think is about the future and to have some plan for them. Not just48
to let them be here and then once they are now it is your concern. So just do whatever you49
consider.50
51

26
Do you think that in the news and in the newspapers they reflect the real situation?52
No really for what I saw. I mean obviously if you do some deep dives and you try to read different53
newspapers, like you know those that are so to say more leftist or the ones that are more right-54
side or what have you, then you can have the overview. But what I am afraid of and what I also55
saw is that the news are rather treating this as a kind of attractive topic to present, rather than56
meaningful analysis of the current situation and also a bit forwards-looking solution. This is my57
observation and this is my feeling unfortunately.58
59
Have you had any experience with refugees? Have you met them?60
Yes, I did. Because as within our bank, we had the program of helping the refugees, so I61
volunteered to help.62
63
May I ask why did you apply?64
I had to reasons. One was what I actually mentioned that I was a bit confused with all the news65
and I just simply wanted to have my own personal overview of this and I thought that the situation66
could enlighten a bit my doubts or simply just to help me to understand the situation and the67
second one was I was simply willing to help. Although I must say that in this situation the curiosity68
and also the need of finding out by myself some things was maybe stronger than the first one. But69
I don’t know I used to volunteer and help people with difficult situation in Poland, so I really had70
experience and I thought it will be something similar. Even though I expected so to say from a71
psychological point of view something stronger given the situation, people that experienced war72
etc. Or at least that was my imagination.73
74
And did you have any expectations before going there?75
Not really expectations, what I thought is that they are going to be so to say the profile would be76
quite similar to the one I got to know in Poland once I worked there with the children from families77
in need, dysfunctional families actually. Yes, maybe that was not the expectation, but what I78
thought I might encounter.79
80
What did you see there? Where there mainly families or mainly single adults?81
What I must say first of all is that the whole experience and I am sorry to say this, but that is my82
totally subjective opinion, was very disappointing. It was very disappointing, because let’s start83
from the statistics. The night shift I attended there were 146 people, among those 146 people,84
there were 7 women and 11 children which is not the picture or not what we see in the news and85
all those photos around. Maybe it was a coincidence, but honestly I don’t think so, because I also86
asked some of my colleagues that were also participating in the program and the input was exactly87
the same. Another thing is that among those 146 people, the people from Syria were definitely not88
in majority. So there were much more people from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, even some from89
Turkmenistan, Chechenia.90
91
So they came from basically many different countries, not just the one affected by the war.92
Exactly, at least the group of people I was dealing with they were not mostly refugees. They were93
just the immigrants that came here for a better life and I can understand this, but still a lot of them94
were not coming from a country where there is civil war.95
96
So did they say or do they speak in English or were there translators who helped?97
Obviously, yes, there were translators. Most of those people, not mostbut the grand majority, they98
do not speak any other language but Farsi and Arab. So we needed people to really translate99
some things and the rest of the duties or tasks that we had been assigned were simply like by100
showing with the hands. What I noticed is that I don’t know maybe because of as I mentioned my101
previous experience in Poland, I saw really the family tragedies and the families struggling with102
the economic issues and also like I don’t know not having a complete family, not having really the103

27
right condition to bring up children etc. But somehow fighting for a better life for them and trying.104
And here and again I repeat that it is my totally subjective opinion, I might be totally wrong, I rather105
saw people that were pretty conscious about what they want and unfortunately most of them just106
wanted to go further to Germany, maybe to the UK. Not really asking about what is the ** I don’t107
know what are the chances for me to get this or that job or not even.. For example, even like **108
we had a situation when there was the family with two kids, they came and it was already pretty109
late, so it was time for them to go to bed and the woman asked for pyjama for one of her children.110
Which is like, we saw the kid, he was about 4, so we gave something that we had there. She said111
like she did not like the pyjama, so she asked for another one. We gave her another one and she112
did not like it either. Then she started just like you know she approached and started to look for a113
pyjama for him as it would be a kind of late shopping which was quite shocking, because she114
asked for a pyjama, we gave her this, it was clean, it was the right size, it really fit the purpose.115
Even though what she wanted just to I don’t know maybe to find a nice or I don’t know a good116
branded pyjama or ** I don’t know what the purpose of this was, but I was pretty shocked. We117
spent there like 20 minutes trying to attend her as it would be a late shopping and eventually she118
took something for her son and maybe also for the other kid, I don’t know because honestly after119
15 minutes I had to do something else, because I was already a bit disappointed with that attitude.120
And also I observed with the other men, because there were mostly men as I mentioned, they just121
came there, it was not the first time, so they rather treated it as a kind of hotel where they could122
just spend the night, they took because also there was food that we offered to all those people, so123
what I must say is that there was a great quantity of food that we had to throw away. They were124
not really hungry, they were not. I don’t say that all of them, but I don’t know. I was raised in a125
family where my mother always put the emphasis on not leaving the food. And if we do not want126
to eat, you can just say that you don’t want. It is one of the aspects that I keep in my mind and I127
have it as a kind of respect towards not just you know the values that my family was trying to give128
me, but also towards the world, because I am pretty aware that there are people who are really129
starving in this world. Those are the observations I had during that night. And then the rest, it is130
okay, what they say people with mobile phones and etc., but this I can understand, because we131
are living in the 21st century, so it would be ridiculous to pretend that they cannot use them or just132
give it as a main example of they are so bad. They are not. But what I did not see is really the133
suffering in their faces. There is no willingness to fight for their country to solve that problem, they134
just escaped and they program to stay here, but not really to get to know your culture, not really135
to integrate. I think they just want to find a new place to move and they will establish exactly the136
same rules as they had in their countries. That is of course my assumption which can be and137
probably is corrosive and I can be very, very wrong, but that was the impression and feeling that138
I got.139
140
Okay,so I would like to ask somepersonal-related questions. How would you handle this situation141
or what measures do you think can be done to help also them and what would be also good for142
the country where they arrive.143
I don’t know, I don’t know, because this is a very complex and difficult issue. Obviously, I would144
not let those people die in their country or just pretend that the conflict does not exist, but what I145
would definitely do is just to put some control in admitting them. Or at least some kind of146
registration or something and I am telling this from the perspective of a person who is from Poland147
in the European Union. Nevertheless, every time I go to the US I can do that with a visa, before148
coming here I need every type of registration or something and I understand this, because I guess149
from the organizational and governmental point of view each country should be aware and know150
the quantity of people that the country is dealing with. And also for the resources planning etc. and151
to establish a meaningful, long-term plan for those people, we need to know this.152
153
Is your country also affected by this issue?154

28
As a member of EU, yes, nevertheless as you know now we got a quite extreme right government155
in Poland and they are quite cautious regarding the refugee issues causing some internal156
discussionin Poland. I guess it is half becauseof the fear and may be also becauseof not knowing157
the culture which is definitely the case in Poland. But also it is some kind of conclusion they got158
after all those experiences that other more developed or maybe I don’t know more accustomed to159
deal with multicultural environment that other countries had. Because that is true you know that160
we cannot say that the fact that we are having refugees now is really the reason why we had so161
many cases of terrorism in the last year. And obviously not all refugees are terrorists, but162
unfortunately most of the terrorists nowadays are Muslims. And it is not really being a homophobic163
or really not wanting to see the good things. I am convinced and I am aware that most of those164
people are innocent and just here for a better life. Unfortunately, those who are responsible for165
the terrorist attacks lately, they were Muslims.166
167
What would you do if your country was affected by war?168
My country was affected by war for many years. For over 100 years we disappeared from the map169
of Europe. We were constantly struggling * WW1, WW2 and also from the psychological point of170
view, we were in the middle of all possible conflicts. The empires were fighting with each other171
and after WW2, the communist regime was not that drastic in Poland, but still people were really172
feeling the lack of resources and capitalism reached Poland in 1989. I think our situation was very173
complicated and we fought for our rights and the freedom of our country. We had the history that174
is quite complicated, but we are proud that we exist.175
176
If you were in a situation, what would you expect from other people, how would they treat the177
situation?178
I am living abroad, the question is whether I would expect from people from Austria to give me179
someadvantage only becauseI am from Poland, I don’t. WhetherI had, I don’t think so. Everything180
I have is thanks to the effort that I put, the education I got and also step by step just trying to adapt181
and to integrate with the society. Still, I don’t think that it was very complicated, because I don’t182
find the Austrian culture very different from the Polish one. But it was the same in Spain, I also did183
not feel being from Poland was a disadvantage. What I would expect * I would expect a fair184
treatment and just judging me by what I do and not because of my belief. What I would definitely185
not do is just to force the other to see my way or to think my way or to have the same belief I have,186
because it is something so personal that I would never ever force anyone to do unless they feel.187
188
End of transcription189

29
8.3.2. Bendegúz1
Start of interview2
3
How do you feel about people with a different culture living in your country?4
To be honest, I don’t have any problem with them. Hungary has always been known as a very5
diverse country, we always had people with all different nations, it’s just the same thing now. We6
have always had Germans, Jews and so on, I don’t see how a new culture could hurt now.7
8
What are good things about it?9
First of all, it feels good that we can help them. They are in need, they didn’t come here to have10
fun, they had to escape, run for their lives. There is a war in their country. Their homes have11
been destroyed, some of their relatives might have died in the war. This is something we can do12
for them.13
Secondly, they can work and boost our economy. Sweden has so many refugees now, they are14
studying, learning the language so in a couple of years they can make money for us. We should15
see them as possible future labour, which is good for the country.16
Last but not least, the Eastern part of the country has low population. They could live there, start17
their own life. Our fields are known for their high quality, it’s not difficult to grow their own food.18
19
What are bad things?20
Personally, I don’t see any big disadvantage. The news, the government and some people are21
talking about terrorism, but I don’t think that Hungary is a possible target.22
I also heard that refugees mean high expenses. We support them now and later on, the money23
will come back when they will start to work.24
25
Do you have any personal experiences with refugees?26
I saw some of them when I was in Budapest, at the train station. It was way after when they27
declared the crisis after the big waves, so not so many people were waiting there.28
Oh yes, and when I was driving to the border some months ago, I saw some of them walking29
towards Austria with backpacks and bags. That’s all.30
31
From where do you get information about news?32
I follow different kinds of mediums. I watch the news on TV, listen to the news on radio and, of33
course, read them online, both Hungarian and German ones, and some international. They say34
lots of things, positive and negative too.35
36
What do you think will happen in the future?37
What I just said before: they will get education, learn the language and start to work. I don’t know38
when the war in Syria will be over, but I don’t think that it matters. The big masses are already39
here and sooner or later they will assimilate and live, work, study and do everything with us, just40
like we do.41
42
Do you know how many refugees came to your country during the last months?43
Uhm.. To be honest, I cannot tell the exact number, but I think it’s less and less in every single44
months. Couple thousands? Or less? I don’t know, sorry. But I am sure that not huge masses.45
46
Do you know what the situation in their country is like?47
It is in a very bad one. War. They destroy everything: museums, schools, homes and kill48
innocent people. In this situation, I understand their intentions: they have to escape and run for49
their lives to save their family and children.50
51

How would you handle situations if you would be in charge of handling the refugee policy for52
your country?53
I would welcome them. All of them. Support them. Building a wall is a bad thing, we shouldn’t54
make barriers, and instead, we should help them.55
Put yourself in the shoes of a refugee: What would you do if there was a war in your country?56
The same thing: run away. Run fast and far to save myself and my family.57
58
What would you expect from other people?59
I would expect the same thing that I would do: feel what I feel and help. They must understand60
that I have to rescue my children.61

0
8.3.3. Julia1
Start of interview2
3
J: Können Sie mir kurz etwas über Ihre Arbeit erzählen, was sind dort so Ihre Aufgaben?4
S: Ja ich mach das eigentlich ehrenamtlich und bin durch meine Nachbarin dazu gestoßen.5
J: Mhm.6
S: Und… vielleicht stoppst noch einmal ganz kurz7
8
J: So. Ähm. Welche Erfahrungen haben Sie mit Flüchtlingen gemacht? Also, besonders gute9
oder besonders schlechte?10
S: Also ich persönlich habe keine schlechte Erfahrungen mit Ihnen gemacht, sondern eigentlich11
gute, dass sie sehr dankbar sind und auch wissen, dass sie auf die Hilfe von uns angewiesen12
ist. Das ist meine persönliche Meinung. Und ich habe auch keine Angst vor Männer oder13
irgendwie so wies halt in den Medien immer breit getreten wird.14
15
J: Ok also sie sind schon sehr dankbar für das?16
S: Ja sehr! Also ich kümmere mich halt hauptsächlich um Familien. Und die sind halt sehr17
dankbar, ja.18
19
J: Ok. Und was genau sind dort so Ihre Aufgaben und Tätigkeiten?20
S: Also ich bin jetzt bei einer Familie da gibt es Mutter und Vater und zwei Kinder, die sind 8 und21
2 Jahre alt, die 8-jährige geht in die 1. Klasse der Volksschule. Da ist halt ein großes22
Aufgabengebiet die Hausübungsbetreuung und das nimmt ungefähr täglich mindestens 223
Stunden ein wo wir uns abwechseln.24
25
J: Und wie fühlen Sie sich dabei, dass so viele Flüchtlingen auf einmal jetzt mit so einer26
unterschiedlichen Kultur in unser Land gekommen sind?27
S: Ich bin sicher nicht der Befürworter der sagt es sollen alle kommen weil wir sind die28
Gutmenschen und auch ich bin nicht der Gutmensch. Also für mich ist das schon sehr zu29
hinterfragen, nur bin ich der Meinung, die Flüchtlinge um die ich mich kümmere, die haben alle30
schon einen positive Bescheid und ich für mich sehe es als Auftrag wenn sich um die niemand31
kümmert sind sie zum scheitern verurteilt ja, vom Staat kriegen sie zwar die Erlaubnis, jetzt32
teilweise unbefristet, teilweise auf 5 Jahre befristet da zu leben aber eigentlich fühlt sich der33
Staat dann nicht mehr verantwortlich Integrationsarbeit oder irgendwas zu machen und das ist34
für mich der Auftrag. Ich bin aber nicht der Gutmensch, der sagt alle armen sollen alle zu uns35
kommen, das is absolut nicht mein Ding, sondern ich bin der Meinung wenn wir einen positiven36
Bescheid bekommen und hier leben muss ihnen eigentlich wer helfen, dass er ihnen die Regeln37
da lernt oder Behördenwege oder was auch immer, wie sollen die das schaffen?38
39
J: Sind das jetzt Flüchtlinge, die schon länger hier sind oder sind die erst in letzter zeit40
gekommen?41
S: Nein schon, jetzt mit dem großen Flüchtlingsstrom aber halt schon eher vor einem Jahr oder42
so. Also die Familie von der ich vorher gesprochen hab, die sind seit ca 1 Jahr in Österreich,43
aber erst seit 2 Monaten in Gars am Kamp.44
45
J: Sehen Sie irgendwelche Vorteile dabei, dass jetzt eben so viele Leute gekommen sind für46
Österreich?47
S: Vorteil für Österreich sehe ich nicht wirklich.48
49
J: Und Nachteile?50

S: Nachteile... ich denke mir halt schon dass die Finanzierung von dem Ganzen schwer wird,51
aber das ist auch so eine Pro und Contra Sache. Auf der einen Seite ist es nicht einzusehen,52
dass sie eine Mindestsicherung bekommen gegenüber einem Österreicher. Auf der anderen53
Seite, wenn er einen positiven Bescheid bekommt und kein Geld bekommt vom Staat dann54
müssen sie ja eigentlich stehlen gehen oder einbrechen oder weiß ich auch nicht. Wie sollens55
tun ja? Und es gibt aber, ich war jetzt am Donnerstag selbst auf einer Rückbildung, in56
Niederösterreich z.B. ist das jetzt neu, die kriegen jetzt diese Mindestsicherung immer befristet57
zwischen einem halben Jahr und Jahr und dann muss man einen neuen Antrag stellen und in58
Niederösterreich ist es jetzt schon neu ab 1. April: mit neuer Antragsstellung gibt’s keine59
Mindestsicherung mehr sondern nur mehr diese Grundversorgung und das sind 200€ pro60
(Erwachsene) Person, was halt auch wieder ein Wahnsinn ist, weil die haben sich jetzt das61
Leben darauf ausgerichtet haben eine Wohnung und werden sich das aber dann nicht mehr62
leisten können und haben dann natürlich wieder die Möglichkeit in der Grundversorgung wo sie63
dann z.B. wieder nach Traiskirchen müssen, was absurd ist und das ist Bundesländersache, ja.64
In Wien z.B. ist das noch nicht das Gesetz, oder ein großer Strom geht nach Wien.65
66
J: Und wir haben Sie die Kinder erlebt? Haben die irgendwelche Probleme in der Schule oder67
sonst irgendwo bzw. gehen die überhaupt in die Schule?68
S: Ja in Gars gehen die Kinder in den Kindergarten und in die Schule, je nachdem, wobei69
Schulkind haben wir momentan nur eines. Ähm, teilweise sind sie sicher traumatisiert. Diese70
spezielle Familie bei denen ich bin, die große ist eigentlich nicht traumatisiert und ist ein total71
liebes, offenes Kind, spricht auch relativ gut deutsch, weil die Eltern total auf das bestrebt sind,72
dass sie sich integriert und nicht auffällt. Der haben sie Lesehausübungen, das ist natürlich sehr73
mühsam weil sie muss das mal zusammenhängend lesen und ich muss ihr aber den Sinn von74
dem ganzen erklären weil sie natürlich noch nicht sinngemäß lesen kann und dann gibt’s da75
Lesetests am nächsten Tag, die sie natürlich absolut nicht beantworten kann, dann ist da alles76
rot und die Mutter verzweifelt weil sie nicht will dass ihre Kinder Außenseiter sind und auch das77
Kind selbst ist total ehrgeizig. Die schreibt die Ansage in einer Woche von Montag bis Freitag78
100 mal.79
80
J: Wow. Und ist sie das einzige Flüchtlingskind in der Klasse?81
S: Als direkter Flüchtling, ja ist sie alleine, wobei sie eine sehr strenge Lehrerin hat.82
83
J: Hat sie Probleme damit Freunde hier zu finden?84
S: Nein, eigentlich auch nicht. Ich hab heute lustigerweise die Tochter von einer Freundin85
getroffen und die hat total geschwärmt von ihr, dass sie so lieb ist und sie hat ihr am Freitag das86
halbe Käsestangerl geschenkt. Aber das ist glaube ich schon Familien- oder Personenbezogen.87
Das ist halt eine sehr offene Familie und so ist auch das Kind, wie bei uns, wie du es von den88
Eltern vorgelebt bekommst. Ich glaube nicht, dass das ein Mentalitätsding ist ob das Flüchtlinge89
sind oder Österreicher ich glaube, dass das schon Personenbezogen ist.90
91
J: Was denken Sie wie sich die Situation jetzt entwickeln wird?92
S: Keine Ahnung eigentlich.93
94
J: Haben Sie irgendwelche Befürchtungen oder Angst davor was in der Zukunft noch passieren95
wird?96
S: Angst richtig nicht nur was ich eben vorher schon gesagt hab ich glaub dass unser System97
das halt auch nicht wirklich finanzieren wird können und was passiert dann mit denen, die dann98
in einem Jahr vielleicht oder in 2 Jahren da sind und sich integriert haben und die Kinder da in99
die Schule gehen und die die Wohnung da haben und vielleicht mit den Nachbarn ein tolles100
Verhältnis haben und können sich das in 2 Jahren aber nicht mehr leisten und was wird mit101

denen dann sein? Aber jetzt, was ich von dem ganzen halten soll das bin ich mir selber102
eigentlich nicht sicher.103
J: Ja das ist auch schwer zu sagen. Denken Sie dass Österreich bezüglich dieser104
Flüchtlingspolitik irgendetwas anders machen hätte sollen?105
S: Ich glaube schon dass die Regierung prinzipiell versagt hat weil ja z.B. es gibt in Gars einen,106
der ist seit einendhalb Jahren hier und hat noch keinen Bescheid ob er jetzt abgewiesen wird107
oder ob er einen positiven Bescheid bekommt und wenn das dann einendhalb Jahre dauert ist108
das für mich schon ein Versagen der Regierung weil die ja auch in der Grundversorgung Geld109
von Österreich bekommt und vielleicht kommt aber ein negativer Bescheid und er wird110
abgeschoben nach Italien.111
112
J: Woran liegt das dann ob dieser Bescheid positiv oder negativ ist?113
S: Überforderung vom Ministerium weil so viele Bescheide zu bearbeiten sind. Also es gibt114
keinen konkreten Grund.115
116
J: Erzählen die auch viel davon wie die Situation in ihrem Heimatland ist?117
S: Viel.. Sie erzählen immer wieder. Z.B. war das jetzt auch vor kurzem hat das Telefon geläutet118
und dann habens telefoniert und haben erfahren dass jemand aus der Familie erschossen119
wurde und das ist halt schon immer eine riesen Betroffenheit. Oder was eigentlich alle Familien120
tun, schon von der Flucht erzählen, was zb bei der Familie war wo eben das Kind vor einem121
Jahr und die Mutter hat das Kind gestillt und die sind halt so typisch mit dem Schlauchboot was122
man in den Medien sieht gekommen und die hat zb einenthalb Tage nichts zu trinken gehabt123
und die hat halt erzählt das Kind hat nur geschrien weil sie keine Milch mehr gehabt hat und124
nichts zum trinken gehabt hat und das muss schon ganz ganz schlimm eigentlich sein. Und125
diese Geschichte von der Flucht das ist schon allen ein Bedürfnis dass sie über das sprechen.126
J: Und sind die Erzählungen anders als man in den Medien ein Bild davon bekommt?127
S: Nein ich glaub schlimmer. Und es is halt auch immer.. wenn dir das jemand erzählt den du128
halt ein bisschen kennst, zu dem baust du auch eine Beziehung auf einfach und der erzählt dir129
das und dem kullern dabei die Tränen runter, dann ist das für mich schlimmer als ein130
Medienbericht im Fernsehen.131
132
J: Wenn Sie sich in einen Flüchtling hineinversetzen würden, was würden Sie tun wenn in Ihrem133
Land Krieg herrschen würde?134
S: Keine Ahnung. Das ist für mich so unvorstellbar eigentlich. Das ist ..135
136
J: Hängt wahrscheinlich auch davon ab ob man Familie hat...137
S: Richtig. Ich kann jetzt es nicht verstehen wie diese Familie mit einem einjährigen Kind z.B. ,138
die müssen ihr ganzes Hab und Gut verkaufen weil sie ja ein Vermögen an die Schlepper139
zahlen weil ohne ca 1000 Euro pro Kopf geht garnichts, wenn du Schwanger bist zahlst du für140
eine halbe Person sogar, ein Beispiel nur ja, und für mich ist das halt unvorstellbar mit einem141
Säugling ins Ungewisse gehe. Aber wahrscheinlich ist es für mich unvorstellbar weil wir halt uns142
das garnicht vorstellen können was sich dort abspielt aber auf der anderen Seite muss es so143
schlimm sein dass sie das auf sich nehmen. Wobei vielleicht ist das auch naiv von mir aber.144
145
J: Was würden Sie von ihren Mitmenschen dann erwarten? Würden Sie das selbe erwarten was146
Sie für die Flüchtlinge leisten?147
S: Ich glaub das darf man nicht erwarten, wahrscheinlich hoffen. Und das ist halt, ich erleb das148
auch öfter, dass ich auch angefeindet werde von Bekannten weil ich das mache.149
J: Echt?150
S: Ja das heißt nicht, dass das jeder gutheißt. Nur ich denke mir, das ist meine Zeit in der ich151
das mache und ich muss das meiner Familie gegenüber rechtfertigen aber das geht sonst152
niemanden was an aber ich für mich sehe das halt schon irgendwie als Auftrag weil ich mir153

denke wir leben hier im Schlaraffenland ja wir haben alles und wenn ich denen einen bisschen154
was geben kann und das muss Wertigkeitsfrei sein ja also ich darf mir für das jetzt keine155
Gegenleistung erwarten. Und das hat ein Mensch oder hat er glaub ich nicht. Und ich verstehe156
auch wenn Leute über die Flüchtlinge schimpfen ja aber dann sollens halt auch akzeptieren,157
dass ich das halt mache und eigentlich sehe ich nicht ein, dass ich mich rechtfertigen muss158
warum ich das mache. Aber mit dem wird man halt immer wieder konfrontiert.159
J: Wow. Arg!160
S: Schon. Das sind auch teilweise Bekannte wo ich selber dann schlucken muss weil ich die161
einfach nicht so eingeschätzt hätte.162
163
J: Ja aber ich meine die haben dann ja wahrscheinlich noch nie Flüchtlinge getroffen oder?164
S: Genau. Ja, genau.165
166
J: Und das ist halt dann das Bild was sie von den Medien haben.167
S: Ja so ist es. Z.B. die Familie bei der ich manchmal bin die sind alle total Gastfreundlich und168
die kriegen ja noch kein Geld weil sie auch so lange auf den Bescheid gewartet haben und da169
haben wir ihnen jetzt Vorhänge und so aufgehängt und jetzt wollen sie halt unbedingt uns zum170
Essen einladen und fragen dauernd wann wir denn jetzt kommen und jetzt haben wir endlich171
den Montag fixiert weil Ihnen das total wichtig ist weil das halt für sie eine Wertschätzung uns172
gegenüber ist weil die sind dich schon bewusst was wir für sie tun.173
174
J: Gab es eine Situation wo Sie doch gemerkt haben ok das ist doch eine andere Mentalität oder175
Kultur?176
S: Ja immer wieder. Also bei dieser Familie nicht, aber das ist immer wieder. Was z.b. immer177
wieder vorkommt ist, dass sich Männer halt von uns österreichischen Frauen, das ist ganz178
schwer, dass sie sich was sagen lassen. Das ist immer wieder, das sind auch banale Sachen.179
Das kommt eben auch darauf an wie offen sie sind oder nicht. Aber prinzipiell ist das schon ein180
Problem, dass sich die Männer nichts von uns sagen lassen wollen obwohl sie zu uns kommen181
und fragen zb wie man ein Fliegengitter montiert. Da ist eine gestanden und wollte das182
Fliegengitter außen mit einem Tixo montieren. Da habe ich gesagt: Nabil das funktioniert so183
nicht das ist morgen in der Früh weg. Nein, hat er gesagt, sicher nicht! Hab ich gesagt: Sicher184
schon und sicher nicht mit Tixo. Nein, hat er wieder gesagt. Hab ich gesagt ich bring die morgen185
Klebeband für innen für Fenster. Ok, hat er gesagt. Nach einer halben Stunde gehe ich dort186
vorbei, hat er es außen mit Tixo draufgeklebt weil das geht nicht, dass ich ihm als Frau sage wie187
das gehört. Und ich hab das dann meinem Mann erzählt weil ich mich so drüber ärgere188
manchmal. Dann ist mein Mann hingefahren und dann ihm das gebracht und gezeigt und dann189
hat es gepasst.190
191
J: Anteilsmäßig, sind bei Ihnen mehr Männer oder Frauen?192
S: Naja es gibt einige Familien und dann gibt’s schon viele Männer die alleine da sind auch193
wobei mit denen habe ich nicht viel zu tun. Wir sind ja quasi so eine Außenstelle von194
Traiskirchen die, die auch noch auf einen Bescheid warten und wenn sie einen positiven195
Bescheid haben müssen sie von dort weg. Mit denen habe ich nicht direkt zu tun wobei wie196
schon vorher gesagt, ich habe auch kein Problem damit wenn ich dort rein gehe und dort sitzen197
15 Männer ich hab keine Angst vor denen. Es kann sein, dass ich reingehen müss um zu fragen198
ob jemand ein Fahrrad oder so braucht aber ich war noch nie in der Situation, dass mir unwohl199
dabei war.200
201
J: Und die sind auch alle dankbar?202
S: Ja die sind dankbar und sind auch alle... die haben schon auch Wertschätzung einer Frau203
gegenüber z. B. was das tragen angeht aber sie lassen sich halt nicht gern bevormunden von204
Frauen.205

206
J: Gibt es sonst noch irgendetwas was Sie los werden möchten und mich fragen möchten?207
S: Ja ich glaube schon das für viele natürlich der Mentalitätsunterschied ein Problem ist. Für208
meinen eigenen Sohn z.B. ja der ist jetzt 18 und das war am Anfang halt ein Thema, dass die209
Frauen den Männern nicht die Hand geben. Und das hat mein Sohn eigentlich nicht eingesehen,210
er findet die leben jetzt bei uns und bei uns ist das so und es gibt viele Leute die das so sehen211
und ich denke mir halt da müssen auch wir unseren Horizont ein bisschen erweitern und man212
muss denen vielleicht auch ein bisschen zeit geben. Weil man kann auch irgendwie nicht213
verlangen dass die jetzt kommen und das alles ablegen und da fehlts ein bisschen an Toleranz214
von uns Österreichern eigentlich. Und ich hab meinen Sohn auch immer gesagt dir tut das ja215
nicht weh wenn dir die nicht die Hand gibt oder? Und jetzt bei uns bei den Familien gibt’s216
eigentlich nurmehr eine die nicht mehr die Hand gibt und sonst machens jetzt alle. Aber man217
muss ihnen halt zeit geben. Man muss sich halt ein bisschen in die hineinversetzten weil das in218
ihrem Glauben halt beschmutzend ist und ein No-Go. Das ist ein Religionsproblem eigentlich.219
220
J: Mhm. Das ist halt die Frage wo das dann in weiterer Folge hinführt.221
S: Na ich glaub schon, dass der Großteil aber sicher nicht alle das von uns annehmen. Aber das222
geht nicht von heute auf morgen. Und in Gars habe ich die Entwicklung gesehen.223
224
J: Sprechen Sie mit denen Deutsch oder Englisch?225
S: Deutsch. Englisch können die wenigsten. Also das ist auch etwas was von den Medien halt226
oft komische hingestellt wird.: In Gars ist der Großteil nicht von der sehr gebildeten Schicht also227
hier haben wir einen Arzt, der spricht sehr gut deutsch und das merkt man halt schon von228
welcher Bildungsschicht der kommt wie schnell die deutsch lernen wie gut sie deutsch können229
und wenn sie vorher schon englisch können lernen sie auch schneller deutsch das ist einfach230
so. Aber das ist ja bei uns das selbe. Also wir sprechen deutsch mit Händen und Füßen und231
dem Wörterbuch.232
233
J: Wie viele seid Ihr denn jetzt die das machen?234
S: Sehr wenige, leider zu wenig.235
236
J: Und die machen das alle ehrenamtlich?237
S: Ja. Bei der Familie die ich betreue sind wir nur zu zweit. Das heißt ich bin 2-3 Mal pro Woche238
2 Stunden mindestens dort. Aber bei der Familie ist sehr viel Motivation da die Sprache zu239
lernen und das pusht einen selbst natürlich auch zu helfen. Bei der Familie wo ich vorher war240
hat man gemerkt dass sie nicht wirklich motiviert waren und da denke ich mir halt schon ok241
warum soll ich mir da so viel Mühe geben wenn die selber nicht viel beitragen.242
243
J: Ok, dann würde ich sagen wir beenden hiermit das Interview. Vielen dank!244
S: Ja sehr gerne, ich hoffe ich konnte helfen.245
246
End of transcription247

0
8.3.4. Nina1
Interview I:2
Start of interview3
4
Ok, also, danke, dass ich das Interview machen konnte. Ich hab mal Fragen bezüglich5
Flüchtlingen. Ah, welche Erfahrungen hast du mit Flüchtlingen schon gemacht?6
Na, wir haben Flüchtlingen betreut.7
Aha8
10 Flüchtlinge in Berndorf, haben einen direkten, persönlichen Kontakt gehabt. Und damit weiß9
ich, dass zumindest die Flüchtlinge, die ich kennengelernt habe, ordentliche und anständige10
Menschen sind.11
12
Ok, und was heißt betreut genau?13
Uh, wir haben Deutschunterricht gegeben, noch während des Asylantrages. Da gab es noch14
keinen Deutschkurs für die Asylwerber.15
Ok.16
Und wir sind auch ab und zu mit ihnen zusammen gewesen, haben gegrillt, oder geplaudert17
oder sich einfach mit ihnen unterhalten und ihnen genauso geholfen, wie sie dann Asyl gehabt18
haben, Wochenkarten zu kaufen, Monatskarten zu kaufen oder auch einkaufen gehen.19
20
Ok, und die Flüchtlinge, die leben jetzt alle in Berndorf?21
Nein, 3 sind nach Wien gezogen, ah 5 sind in Berndorf noch, und 3, äh, 2 sind in Wiener22
Neustadt.23
24
Ah ok. Und die haben jetzt alle mittlerweile Asyl bekommen?25
So ist es, sie haben alle Asyl bekommen.26
27
Und sie sind alle aus Syrien?28
Nein, 7 aus Syrien und 3 aus dem Irak.29
30
Aha ok.äh, und gibt es irgendeine besondere Erfahrung, die du mir erzählen willst, während der31
Zeit, wo ihr sie betreut habts?32
Naja, im Prinzip ist es so, dass die Leute aus meiner Sicht mit einer zu hohen Erwartung, was33
sie hier bekommen können, was sie hier machen können, nach Österreich kommen. Ah,34
eigentlich ist es ja so, dass sie überhaupt erst das Schreiben lernen müssen, da sie arabische35
Schriftzeichen und arabische Sprache haben, äh, dass sie überhaupt Deutsch erlernen müssen,36
dass sie davon ausgehen, dass sie nach kurzer Zeit hier eine Arbeit finden werden und dann37
soviel verdienen, dass sie auch die Familienmitglieder, die noch zu Hause geblieben sind,38
unterstützen können, und dass es eine Erfahrung ist, die sie dann machen müssen, dass dem39
nicht so ist, also dass sie rasch einen Job bekommen können, noch, dass ihnen dann Geld40
überbleibt, und dass sie vermuten, dass das was sie jetzt als Übergangshilfe und als41
Mindestsicherung bekommen, davon bleibt einiges über, dass sie Geld nach Hause schicken42
können, und das funktioniert nicht. Und da merkt dann schon, dass die Enttäuschung groß ist,43
weil sie sich eine andere Erwartungshaltung gemacht haben, aber im Prinzip kann man sagen,44
das Gro der Flüchtlinge, die wir kennengelernt haben, hat sich bemüht und bemüht sich auch45
heute noch, die deutsche Sprache richtig zu erlernen, auch im Deutschkurs und versucht halt46
dann zu studieren, oder irgendeinem Beruf nachzugehen.47
48
Ok, und wie seid ihr eigentlich dazu gekommen, dass ihr diese Flüchtlingsbetreuung gemach49
habts, wie hat sich das ergeben?50

Na das war eine Freundin von der Jutta, die hat gesagt, sie hat in Berndorf die Möglichkeit, 3 äh51
10 Flüchtlinge zu betreuen, ob wir mitmachen wollen, und da hama gesagt, ja, wenn es sich52
zeitlich ausgeht, gerne, und so hat sich das ergeben.53
Ok…uund also man kann sagen, dass ihr gute Erfahrungen gemacht habts, mit den54
Flüchtlingen.55
Ja.56
57
Uund wie fühlst du dich dabei, dass soviele Leute mit unterschiedlichen Religionen und58
kulturellem Hintergrund nach Österreich kommen und also gekommen sind?59
Also grundsätzlich hab ich kein Problem damit, dass Leute mit anderen Kulturen und Religionen60
zu uns kommen und die Erfahrung ist auch, dass die Flüchtlinge, die wir zumindest61
kennengelernt haben, nicht fanatische Moslems sind, sondern die zwei syrischen waren eher62
aufgeklärtere, westlich orientierte…bei den irakern, also die waren halt eher streng gläubiger,63
hat aber auch damit zu tun, dass sie ursprünglich aus Palästina gekommen sind und dann in64
den Irak ausgewandert sind und von dort dann geflohen sind.65
66
Aha, ok. Und wie alt waren, also waren das eher jüngere oder eher ältere Leute?67
Wie alt ungefähr?68
Also es war ein Vater mit glaub ich 52, eine Mutter mit auch so um die 50 und dann die 3 Iraker69
würd ich sagen so um die 30, 35 und dann waren Jugendliche so von 17 bis 22, 23 und ein70
Mädel mit 13 Jahren dabei.71
72
Ok. Uh, was glaubst du, wie sich die Situation in Syrien, in Irak, in der Gegend weiterentwickeln73
wird?74
Also hoffen tu ich, dass es irgendwann zu Friedensverhandlungen, Friedensgesprächen kommt,75
im Moment schaut es jetzt wieder eher schlecht aus .76
Ok77
Weil der Waffenstillstand sozusagen wieder aufgekündigt wurde , wichtig wäre es, dass sich in78
dieser Region wieder der Friede ausbreitet, weil es für die Leute wichtig ist, denn eins ist klar,79
wenn sie nach Hause könnten, und dort wieder leben und arbeiten könnten, würden sie sofort80
wieder zurückgehen.81
82
Und...wie glaubst dass sich die Situation in Österreich und Europa mit den Flüchtlingen83
weiterentwickeln wird?84
Also grundsätzlich glaube ich, dass es weder eine Gefahr für das Abendland ist, noch für uns,85
denn wir reden von einem minimalen Prozentsatz, also nicht einmal von einem Prozentsatz der86
europäischen Bevölkerung, die davon betroffen ist, also ich glaube da wird auch sehr viel in87
Unkenntnis, weil man eben mit den Leuten keinen Kontakt hat, weil man nichts mit ihnen zu tun88
hat, in Unkenntnis vermutet, und über die Vermutungen dann ein Resortiment aufgebaut.89
90
Ok. Also du glaubst, dass viele Leute in Österreich eigentlich nicht genau wissen und dann…91
Ja.92
Und dann einfach glauben, was sie hören und lesen93
Mhm, richtig.94
und die Medienhetzte usw.95
Ja, Ja.96
97
Ähm, glaubst du, dass Österreich etwas besser machen könnte bezüglich der Flüchtlingspolitik?98
Also das Einzige, was wir gesehen haben, was man besser machen sollte, wäre bessere99
Koordinierung der zuständigen Behörden und Dienststellen, es ist zum teil so gewesen, dass die100
Asylwerber zu 3, 4 zuständigen Stellen geschickt wurden, bis sie dann wieder bei der ersten101
Stelle waren. Wenn es jetzt darum ging, einen Deutschkurs zu haben, wenn es darum ging, eine102

How-do-refugees-affect-our-everyday-lives-6

How-do-refugees-affect-our-everyday-lives-6

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