About your first appointment
Yes. The colleagues at Amal speak several languages. We can also contact a public service interpreter.
- Your valid passport, identity card or residence documents.
- Your employment contract (if you are currently employed).
- Your degree or proof that you are studying.
- Certificates from OCMW, VDAB, reception center, civic integration or Dutch language certificates. This is not compulsory.
- Payment means through Payconiq, Bancontact, Maestro or Visa/Mastercard to pay for the courses and/or books.
- Are you staying in an reception center? Bring along the document that proves that you receive material assistance.
About the civic integration programme
You can follow the civic integration programme if:
- You are new to Belgium or have been living in Belgium for some time.
- You are 18 years or older.
- You are officially registered in the city of Ghent.
Are you a European Union citizen?
You have the right to follow the civic integration programme.
Do you come from a country outside the European Union?
The civic integration programme is compulsory for you. If you don’t enroll in the civic integration programme, you will be fined.
Civic integration is not something you do on your own. The Integration and Civic Integration Agency can support you. Make an appointment with Amal. You will receive a personal programme counsellor.
- When you are obliged to follow a civic integration programme.
- If you are unemployed, are not enrolled in higher education or are not following professional training.
You will receive a civic integration certificate after succesful completion of the civic integration programme. This certificate can help you obtain the Belgian nationality. With this certificate, you will pay less for Dutch language courses of B1 level. You are still welcome at Amal. Amal’s coaching centre will guide you whenever you have any questions. You can also participate in our activities.
You have to repeat the test. In some cases you have to pay again. You can find more information about the price on this page.
The total price and payment for the civic integration programme differs from person to person. During the first appointment at Amal, a staff member will check your personal situation. The staff member speaks your language or a language you understand. You can find more information about the fees on this page.
About Dutch and Social Orientation classes
If you follow a civic integration programme with Amal, we will help you find childcare.
For Dutch classes, you need to buy coursebooks. The prices of course material and books depend on the level. Prices range between €60 and €80.
If you take Dutch classes at the Universitair Centrum voor Talenonderwijs (UCT), you can apply for a scholarship with the City of Ghent or via the Flemish Community. With a scholarship, you pay a reduced registration fee.
PLEASE NOTE: to apply for a scholarship, you must meet several conditions. Make an appointment to check this together with a staff member at Amal.
About studying in Belgium
- Do you want to have your degree recognised? Send an email to diploma.erkenning@amal.gent for an appointment.
- Do you have a question about studying in Belgium? Send an email to studeren@amal.gent for an appointment.
- Some fields of study involve more practice, while others are more theoretical.
- There are also evening courses.
- The fields of study organised by a school can be consulted through the school’s website.
- In order to complete 1 year in a programme, you need to obtain 60 credits.
- The school year starts at the end of September and ends early July.
- A personalized programme offers more flexibility.
Do you want more information? Make an appointment at studeren@amal.gent.
This varies per course or field. The options are:
- Attest: document that testifies someone’s attendance/participation
- Certificaat: document that certifies course completion or acquisition of knowledge and skills
- Getuigschrift: document that certifies course completion without qualification
- Diploma: Official document issued by an educational institution testifying that someone has successfully completed a course of study that is awarded with a qualification.
Yes, the following elements play an important role:
- How long did you go to school?
- What did you learn?
- Did you do an internship or volunteer work?
- Do you have a secondary school diploma or “getuigschrift”?
Do you want more information? Make an appointment at studeren@amal.gent.
Amal can help you get your qualification recognised in Belgium. A recognised qualification gives you more opportunities: to find a job, to continue studying, etc. Make an appointment with a staff member at Amal at diploma.erkenning@amal.gent.
About public service translation and interpreting
No. As an individual, you cannot request an interpreter for yourself or anyone else. Only employees of organisations who have a contract with Amal can request an interpreter.
No. Only employees of Ghent-based organisations who have a contract with Amal can request a translation.
Yes, but only with a referral letter from an organisation. You can find more information here.
Over promo en intervieuws
Ben je student, journalist of onderzoeker? Wil je graag meer weten over de ervaringen van nieuwkomers of andere Gentenaars met een migratieachtergrond? Of wil je promotie maken voor een event voor onze doelgroep?
Dat kan. Onze vacatures voor stages vind je hier.
Vind je geen vacature die jou aanpreekt? Mail jouw cv en motiviatiebrief naar stages@amal.gent en wij bekijken of we jou kunnen helpen.
We krijgen heel veel aanvragen voor interviews en het maken van promo voor events.
Alle info om hiervoor een aanvraag in te dienen vind je hier.