International seminar: The Perception of immigrants and the Integration Process

The seminar was held on Friday 25 September 2009 between 10.00 – 14.30 in Zielna Centre, Zielna Street 37, Warsaw. The working language were English and Polish (simultaneous translation was provided).

During this seminar we looked into how the press shape the perception of immigrants as well as what measures can be used to promote a more positive image of foreigners in Poland and other countries.
Successful integration of immigrants, to a large extent, depends on their positive perception in the host society. Undoubtedly the press can shape the way immigrants are perceived in a society by focusing on chosen aspects of immigration and promoting various stereotypes. Public institutions, embassies of the sending countries or immigrants’ associations also have an array of activities that they can undertake in order to improve foreigners’ perception.
Our seminar was an excellent opportunity for experts and practitioners to hear the results of recent research as well as discuss various issues related to immigration, integration and public policy. During the seminar the IPA experts presented the results of our studies on the perception of Polish workers in the German press as well as the image of immigrants in the Polish press.
Our guest speakers talked on the public opinion towards immigrants in Poland; migration flows from Poland to Germany; as well as the self-perception of Polish migrants in the United Kingdom. The presentations were followed by two panel discussions.

Project: „Polish Integration Forum” is co-financed from European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals and state budget.

Programme of the seminar