The beginning of life in exile is a period of transition with a profound change of life trajectory. It requires adaptation to a new context and initiates profound identity processes. In this situation, investing in a vocational training project means a particular commitment to construct a new life course. This paper looks into asylum seekers’ various motivations to get engaged in a training or education project. Based on a qualitative study conducted in Switzerland, three main motivations were identified with direct connections to the process of transition: these are training for a way to integration and financial independence, self-revalorization and personal development.

DOI: 10.4000/osp.12522
ISSN: 0249-6739