About Cultural & Community Orientation

Orientation for refugees is a process that begins overseas and continues in the U.S. communities where refugees are resettled.

Generally known as cultural orientation overseas and community orientation after a refugee's arrival, the purpose is the same: to provide refugees the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need in order to resettle and adjust to a new life in the United States.

It is important to note that orientation is not confined to simply imparting relevant and accurate information. Orientation also provides refugees with the opportunity to develop realistic expectations regarding their resettlement, to consider different situations that might arise in a new country, and develop skills and attitudes that will facilitate their adjustment and wellbeing.

The COR Center works with partners domestically and overseas to develop tools and lesson plans that engage refugees during orientation, so that they are more likely to understand, and to retain, the key messages regarding resettlement in the United States. The COR Center also develops and disseminates staff training resources to strengthen orientation providers' ability to design and deliver relevant and engaging orientation.

See the sections to the left to learn more about Overseas Orientation, Domestic Orientation, and orientation resources, such as an orientation toolkit, tools for trainers, and staff training.