Sundsvall

What is SFI (Swedish for Immigrants)?

SFI, or Svenska för invandrare, is a free language education program in Sweden designed to help immigrants learn Swedish and integrate into Swedish society. The program focuses on teaching practical language skills for everyday life, work, and further education. It is an essential step for many immigrants to build a foundation for living and working in Sweden.

---

Purpose of SFI

• To provide immigrants with basic Swedish language skills.
• To help participants understand Swedish culture and society.
• To prepare individuals for further education or employment in Sweden.

---

Eligibility Requirements

To enroll in SFI in Sundsvall, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
   • If you are under 20, you may need to enroll in a different program through the Swedish upper secondary school system.
2. Residency: You must have a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) and reside in Sundsvall.
3. Immigration Status: You must be a registered immigrant in Sweden. This includes:
   • Refugees and asylum seekers with residence permits.
   • EU/EEA citizens who have moved to Sweden.
   • Family members of Swedish citizens or residents.
4. Language Background: SFI is for individuals who do not have Swedish as their first language.

---

Costs

• SFI is completely free of charge for all eligible participants.
• The program is funded by the Swedish government to support integration.

---

Enrollment Procedures in Sundsvall

1. Contact the Municipality (Sundsvalls Kommun):

   • SFI in Sundsvall is managed by the local municipality. You need to register through the Sundsvall municipality's adult education services (Vuxenutbildning Sundsvall).
   • Website: Sundsvalls Kommun - Vuxenutbildning
   • Phone: +46 (0)60-19 10 00
   • Email: [email protected]

2. Submit an Application:

   • Applications can be submitted online or in person at the municipality's adult education office.
   • You will need to provide:
     • Your personal identity number (personnummer).
     • Proof of residency in Sundsvall.
     • Any relevant documents related to your immigration status.

3. Placement Test:

   • After applying, you will be invited to take a placement test to determine your current level of Swedish proficiency.
   • Based on the results, you will be placed in one of the following SFI levels:
     • SFI A: For beginners with no prior knowledge of Swedish.
     • SFI B: For those with basic literacy skills in Swedish.
     • SFI C: For those with some prior knowledge of Swedish.
     • SFI D: For advanced learners preparing for further education or work.

4. Class Schedule:

   • Classes are offered during the day, evenings, or even online to accommodate different schedules.
   • You can discuss your availability during the enrollment process.

---

Program Structure

• Flexible Learning: SFI in Sundsvall offers both in-person and online classes, depending on your needs and availability.
• Individualized Pace: You can progress through the program at your own pace, depending on your learning ability and time commitment.
• Focus Areas:
  • Reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Swedish.
  • Practical language skills for daily life, work, and further education.
  • Cultural and societal knowledge about Sweden.

---

Local Considerations for Sundsvall

1. Location of Classes:

   • SFI classes in Sundsvall are typically held at the Vuxenutbildning Sundsvall center or other designated locations within the municipality.
   • Address: Norrmalmsgatan 4, 852 34 Sundsvall, Sweden.

2. Transportation:

   • Sundsvall has a reliable public transportation system, making it easy to commute to SFI classes.
   • You can use Din Tur, the local bus service, to travel to class locations. Visit Din Tur for schedules and ticket information.

3. Childcare Options:

   • If you have young children, you may be eligible for subsidized childcare through the municipality while attending SFI classes. Contact Sundsvalls Kommun for more information.

4. Support Services:

   • Sundsvall offers additional support for immigrants, such as:
     • Study and Career Guidance (Studie- och yrkesvägledning): Advisors can help you plan your education and career path after SFI.
     • Integration Programs: Sundsvall has programs to help immigrants integrate into the local community, including cultural orientation and job-seeking workshops.

5. Job Market in Sundsvall:

   • Sundsvall has a growing job market, particularly in industries like IT, forestry, and manufacturing. Completing SFI can help you access these opportunities.

---

Additional Resources

1. Language Practice:

   • Sundsvall has several organizations and community groups where you can practice Swedish outside of SFI, such as:
     • Språkcaféer (Language Cafés): Informal gatherings where you can practice Swedish with locals.
     • Volunteer Organizations: Groups like the Red Cross or local churches often host language and integration activities.

2. Digital Tools:

   • While attending SFI, you can supplement your learning with free or low-cost apps and websites, such as:
     • Duolingo (Swedish course).
     • Lexin (Swedish dictionary for immigrants).
     • SVT Språkplay (Swedish TV with subtitles for language learners).

3. Libraries:

   • The Sundsvall City Library (Sundsvalls Stadsbibliotek) offers free access to books, language learning materials, and computers. It’s a great resource for SFI students.

---

Key Takeaways

• SFI in Sundsvall is a free, government-funded program designed to help immigrants learn Swedish and integrate into society.
• To enroll, you must be at least 16 years old, have a Swedish personal identity number, and reside in Sundsvall.
• The program is flexible, with classes offered at different times and levels to suit your needs.
• Sundsvall provides additional resources, such as childcare, career guidance, and community support, to help you succeed in your language learning journey.

For more information or to begin your enrollment, contact Vuxenutbildning Sundsvall directly. Good luck with your Swedish language learning and integration into Sundsvall!