Refugees from Burma in the United States

The video features interviews with refugees from Burma, talking about their challenges and accomplishments dealing with learning English, employment, housing and community, rights and responsibilities, and the long process of resettlement.

Transcript of Refugees from Burma in the United States Video (English)

Reflection Questions

1. Some of the speakers in the video talked about their concerns when thinking about coming to the U.S. Do you have similar concerns? How do you feel about those concerns now?

2. While the speakers in the video talked about their challenges when they first came to the U.S., most felt that things got better over time. What were some of these challenges?  Do you think things get better over time?  Why or why not?

3. What did the speakers in the video say about learning English?  Why is it important?  What are some ways you can learn English?

4. If you need help, what did the speakers in the video recommend doing? How do you feel about asking for help?  Who could you ask?

5. How do you think the speakers in the video feel about their decision to resettle in the U.S.? What were some of the key messages in the video?  How do some of these messages relate to you and your experiences?

[I]t’s much different from the first week when we arrived…we had no knowledge whatsoever. However, later on we went to school and met some friends. We became friendly with each other and the children also went to school…so things are getting a lot better than before.

Mar Koe