Cultural Orientation in Refugee Resettlement Process

In May 2019, the Migration Policy Institute published a report titled, Preparing for the Unknown: Designing Effective Predeparture Orientation for Resettling Refugees which explained the intended outcomes of predeparture orientation programs, or cultural orientation. Refugees planning for resettlement in the United States receive Cultural Orientation before traveling and after their arrival to support their transition. Covering a wide range of topics, this training provides vital knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to adopt to a new life and achieve self-sufficiency.

Hosted on July 30, 2021, this session provided an in depth overview of the Cultural Orientation process, including the content covered, as well as the roles of volunteers and community partners in the implementation. The session was facilitated by the Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE), a technical assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), and administered by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). CORE’s work focuses on connecting and supporting refugee resettlement staff globally to deliver effective Cultural Orientation.