WELCOME PACKAGE 2012-06-30 Carinthian International Club · A-9020 Klagenfurt, Dr. Franz-Palla-Gasse 21 P: +43 (0) 650 260 81 95 · [email protected] · www.cic-network.at Dear You! It´s a pleasure to welcome you to Carinthia. The CIC - Carinthian International Club has been created to offer useful information to expatriates and to make contact possible and strengthen links between people interested in benefiting from an international and multi- cultural experience. Advisory service enables people to take informed decisions in relation to work, living or the schooling of children in their new environment. Regular events and activities offer a platform for social networking and information exchange. Some of the benefits you can enjoy as a member of the CIC are: − CIC contact hours Come along and get help with settling in in Carinthia, appointments on demand. Please send an e-mail to [email protected] − CIC guidance and support service (e.g. work opportunities for family members and advice on schools). Meetings by appointment. − CIC get togethers – these are events for you to come along to. They offer opportunities to make contact with other expatriates and locals. − CIC summerkids – a childcare scheme (age 5 to 14) offered in August − CIC networking sessions - monthly meetings to chat and get to know each other, held in the evenings. − CIC language swap: One to one language coaching. − Opportunities to get involved and have your say e.g. translations, writing articles for the website, ideas. Carinthian International Club · A-9020 Klagenfurt, Dr. Franz-Palla-Gasse 21 P: +43 (0) 650 260 81 95 · [email protected] · www.cic-network.at − A diverse programme of activities - regular opportunities to take part in (e.g. excursions, cultural events, family events, book club). − CIC coffee mornings Once a month in the morning, for employees’ partners. − Provision of German and English tuition for more information please send an e-mail to [email protected] − CIC international toddler playgroup In this CIC welcome package you can find key information about your new host country and help for your first steps in Carinthia. More detailled information about life and work in Austria please find at the CIC website: www.cic-network.at We wish you lots of luck in your new home! Mag.a Rosalia Krautzer Executive Director CIC The CIC is an association that is financed through membership fees. A list of current member companies and institutions is available at www.cic-network.at Interested individuals may acquire membership for themselves and their family. Employees from member companies benefit from a reduced rate. Membership costs: 20 € for employees of CIC member companies 50 € for any other members More information: www.cic-network.at. Carinthian International Club · A-9020 Klagenfurt, Dr. Franz-Palla-Gasse 21 P: +43 (0) 650 260 81 95 · [email protected] · www.cic-network.at TABLE OF CONTENTS MORE INFORMATION: WWW.CIC-NETWORK.AT TABLE OF CONTENTS .....................................................................................1 CARINTHIA....................................................................................................3 Population and Language ............................................................................... 5 The political system ...................................................................................... 5 Geography and Climate ................................................................................. 6 Time zone ................................................................................................... 6 Culture and Religion...................................................................................... 7 NATIONAL INSURANCE IN AUSTRIA ............................................................10 Health insurance ........................................................................................ 10 Retirement pension insurance ...................................................................... 10 Unemployment insurance ............................................................................ 11 Accident insurance...................................................................................... 11 National Insurance contributions................................................................... 11 Co-insurance.............................................................................................. 12 EVERY DAY LIFE ..........................................................................................14 Cost of living.............................................................................................. 14 Flat-/house-hunting .................................................................................... 14 Shopping................................................................................................... 15 Markets..................................................................................................... 15 Opening times............................................................................................ 16 Public Holidays ........................................................................................... 17 Helpline / Information Point - Austrian Administration...................................... 18 Document disappearance............................................................................. 18 Newspapers ............................................................................................... 18 Waste Separation ....................................................................................... 18 IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS .............................................................19 HEALTH........................................................................................................21 Doctors ..................................................................................................... 21 Special Theme: FSME.................................................................................. 22 Special Theme: Cold Temperatures ............................................................... 22 TELEPHONE .................................................................................................23 Fixed network connection ............................................................................ 23 Mobile Cell Phone Providers.......................................................................... 24 Internet .................................................................................................... 26 CHILDCARE..................................................................................................27 Childminders.............................................................................................. 27 AVS (Arbeitsvereinigung der Sozialhilfe Kärntens) ........................................... 27 Hilfswerk Kärnten ....................................................................................... 28 Grandma Service ........................................................................................ 29 KINDERGARTEN ...........................................................................................30 Klagenfurt ................................................................................................. 31 Villach....................................................................................................... 32 Multi-lingual childcare groups in the surroundings of Villach.............................. 32 SCHOOLS .....................................................................................................33 School holidays .......................................................................................... 34 School year 2012/13................................................................................... 34 1 AFTERNOON CARE FOR CHILDREN OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL-AGE ..............35 MUSIC SCHOOLS ..........................................................................................35 LEISURE TIME..............................................................................................36 CIC activities.............................................................................................. 36 CIC networking sessions .............................................................................. 36 CIC coffee mornings.................................................................................... 36 CIC language swap ..................................................................................... 36 Further Education ....................................................................................... 38 Career-oriented education and training.......................................................... 39 Adult education centres ............................................................................... 40 SPORTS .......................................................................................................41 Sports-Clubs .............................................................................................. 41 Golf-Clubs ................................................................................................. 42 ACTIVITIES WITH CHILDREN ......................................................................43 Playgrounds............................................................................................... 43 Various ..................................................................................................... 43 PARENT-CHILD