Language Training and Refugees' Integration

Jacob Arendt, Iben Bolvig (), Mette Foged, Linea Hasager and Giovanni Peri
Additional contact information
Iben Bolvig: VIVE - The Danish Centre for Applied Social Science

No 14145, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: We evaluate a Danish reform focused on improving Danish language training for those granted refugee status on or after January 1, 1999. Using a Regression Discontinuity Design we find a significant, permanent, positive effect on earnings. This effect emerged after completion of language classes and was accompanied by additional schooling and higher probability of working in communication-intensive jobs, suggesting that language training, rather than other minor aspects of the reform, produced it. We also find evidence of higher completion rates of lower secondary school and lower probability of crime for male children with both parents exposed to the reform.

Keywords: second generation; refugee integration; language skills; regression discontinuity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E64 I30 J24 J60 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 71 pages
Date: 2021-02
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-lma
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

Published - published online in: Review of Economics and Statistics, 23 June 2023 (adults) and as 'Intergenerational spillover effects of language training for refugees' in: Journal of Public Economics, 2023, 220, 104840 (children / intergenerational effects)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Language Training and Refugees’ Integration (2024)
Working Paper: Language Training and Refugee Integration (2021)
Working Paper: Language Training and Refugees' Integration (2020)
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