Activity Bank
Explore a variety of activities, complete lesson plans, and access additional resources for different Cultural Orientation topics. Use the information to create Cultural Orientation sessions that meet the different language and literacy needs of your participants, while also applying adult-learning principles, student-centered learning, and integrating digital technology. All Cultural Orientation topic activities are designed to be delivered in-person, virtually, or both. Have an activity you’d like to contribute? Fill out the form at the end of this page for CORE’s consideration. Please note that the topics below are not a complete list and CORE will be updating topics periodically.
Featured Resource
Whole-Office Approach to Cultural Orientation
During the resettlement process, refugees need vital information to prepare for and adjust to life in the United States. They need this information when their attention may be divided as their living circumstances are significantly changing and their mental resources are likely stretched. While the term “Cultural Orientation” usually refers to a specific class or set of sessions in the refugee resettlement program, refugees hear key Cultural Orientation messages at all stages of the resettlement journey. As such, it’s important that all resettlement staff contribute to reinforcing key Cultural Orientation messages and provide the same accurate information to limit the spread of misinformation. When all resettlement staff work together to ensure key Cultural Orientation messages are delivered to refugees, we call that the Whole-Office Approach.
Activity Bank Topics
Resource Gallery
Safety
Learning about safety in the United States is a critical component of Cultural Orientation. Explore activities, complete lesson plans, and additional resources that address key messages in the Safety Objectives & Indicators.
Newcomer Rights and Responsibilities
It is important for newcomers to learn about their rights and responsibilities related to refugee status and status adjustment. Explore a variety of activities, complete lesson plans, and additional resources that address key messages from the Newcomer Rights and Responsibilities Objectives & Indicators.
Digital Technology and Literacy
The use of digital technology is an important aspect of daily life in the United States, from staying connected with family and friends to applying for employment or completing school assignments. While refugees arriving in the United States may have a range of experience with digital technology, certain basic digital skills could benefit all refugees. Cultivating these skills will ultimately contribute to self-sufficiency.
Cultural Adjustment
Refugees arrive in the U.S. with a wealth of cultural experiences, beliefs, and norms that may differ from those in their local community. Being patient, keeping an open mind, and learning healthy ways to cope with cultural shock can help ease the adjustment process. It’s important for refugees to remember that cultural adjustment takes time and varies for each person. Visit this page to explore a variety of activities and additional resources that address key messages in the Cultural Adjustment Objectives & Indicators.
Budgeting and Personal Finance
Refugees arrive in the United States with a range of experiences in money management. During their initial resettlement period they experience many firsts in money management, often at an accelerated rate. A key component of being successful requires that refugees not only become self-sufficient by finding employment as soon as possible, but that they develop knowledge, attitudes, and skills that will allow them to navigate the complex financial system in the United States. Visit this page to explore a variety of activities, complete lesson plans, and additional resources that address key messages in the Money Management Objectives & Indicators.
Employment
Achieving self-sufficiency is critical for the success of refugees in the United States. As such, all adult refugees (18-64) who are able to work should make finding employment a priority. As refugees start to navigate employment in the United States, it is important to be mindful of the factors that can contribute to their success. Refugees come from a wide range of countries, bringing with them different cultural norms and expectations, as well as varying levels of prior work experience, education, and language ability. Visit this page to view activities that teach refugees key information about employment in the United States and address key messages in the Employment Objectives & Indicators.
U.S Laws
Laws in the United States protect the rights of all people. Refugees should have a basic knowledge of their rights and responsibilities under U.S. law and of the process they will need to go through to adjust their legal status. They should also know common personal safety practices. Visit this page to explore a variety of activities, complete lesson plans, and additional resources that address key messages U.S. Laws Objectives & Indicators, and teach refugees about their basic rights and responsibilities in the United States.
Transportation
Most refugees will use public transportation within their first months in the United States. It is important for refugees to understand different types of transportation and what options are available in their local community. It is also important for refugees to understand the cost of different types of transportation, how to use certain forms of transportation, and how to do so safely. Visit this page to explore a variety of activities that address key messages in the Transportation Objectives & Indicators.
Role of the Resettlement Agency
Refugees arriving in the United States are assigned a Resettlement Agency that is responsible for providing basic services and assistance. Resettlement Agencies are refugees’ guide to their new communities and help connect refugees to services that may offer additional help. Resettlement Agencies provide critical support to refugees and their families, and as such, these activities teach refugees key information about basic resettlement services, reception and placement, and working with their local agency. Visit this page to view activities that address key messages in the Role of the Local Resettlement Agency Objectives & Indicators.
Learning English
Explore a variety of activities, complete lesson plans, and additional resources that address key messages in the Learning English Objectives & Indicators.
Housing
Housing in the United States is often expensive and finding a suitable place to live can be difficult. Though housing and basic necessities are provided by the local Resettlement Agency upon refugee arrival, it is important for refugees to learn about their housing rights and responsibilities. Refugees should also understand how to maintain home safety, how to use basic household products and appliances, and housing hygiene practices. Visit this page to explore a variety of activities that address key messages in the Housing Objectives & Indicators.
Education
The United States offers a range of educational opportunities, from traditional Kindergarten through 12th-grade schooling to higher education and post-secondary vocational training. Understanding the different school systems can be challenging. However, refugees should know that public education is available to all, regardless of ability, gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or social class. Additionally, they need to know that school is mandatory for children, although the exact ages for mandatory education are determined by each state. Visit this page for a variety of activities, complete lesson plans, and additional resources that address key messages in the Education Objectives & Indicators.
Health and Hygiene
In the United States, refugees will need to understand the impact of hygiene on health, interpersonal relationships, and finding and keeping a job. In some cases, refugees may find that American hygiene norms differ from those in other places they have lived. Visit this page to explore activities that address key messages in the Health & Hygiene Objectives & Indicators, and teach refugees basic U.S. healthcare principles, personal hygiene practices, and other health and hygiene norms in the United States.
