Research and Evidence

Resettled refugees learning English during a cultural orientation class. IRC/EHockstein

Research and Evidence

CORE is committed to effective Cultural Orientation programming that is grounded in research and evidence-based approaches and that applies effective practices. This page provides details on what this means and links to resources that support these outcomes.

Current Research and Evidence for Cultural Orientation

Based on recent literature mapping, which considered 30 articles, guides, framework documents, and studies from 2010 to 2021, Cultural Orientation programming should:

1.  Be iterative in nature, with repetition across resettlement journey and a focus on skills, knowledge, and attitudes.

2. Delivered as a part of bundled services instead of a stand-alone form of programming.

3. Leverage social capital (i.e. community members and volunteers) to disseminate cultural orientation messaging and encourage better community integration.

4. Utilize digital learning platforms to disseminate cultural orientation messaging and give participants control of their learning process, including when and how they engage with the materials provided.

5. Recognize the diversity of refugee populations. Providing programming that uses a demographic-specific approach, allowing for better engagement, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Taking an evidence-based approach involves using the best available practices, including well-researched evidence and interventions to design and deliver Cultural Orientation programming. Using an evidence-based approach signals a commitment to meet the unique needs of those receiving Cultural Orientation. In taking an evidence-based approach Cultural Orientation providers can optimize outcomes related to refugees obtaining the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to successfully integrate into the United States.

The term “effective practice” is the term used to describe best, promising, or innovative (or emerging) practices.

A best practice is a method or technique that has been proven to be highly effective and validated through the collection of comprehensive evidence obtain through research and evaluation. While a promising practice can also be highly effective, it has not undergone the same level of research validation as a best practice. There is still a level of evidence, but it’s generally less rigorous.

Promising Practices

Each promising practice includes step-by-step guidance, examples from the field, and tips for success. Promising practices use research and a thorough set of interviews with field practitioners.

How to Guides

Each how-to guide provides key principles for implementation, resources, and examples from the field. How to guides use research and when available, interviews with field practitioners.

Online Courses

 CORE offers free self-paced online courses and webinars that cover a range of topics that align with best practices for delivering effective Cultural Orientation.

Additional Resources

Looking for more research and evidence? Review these websites to find additional effective practices, reports, evidence studies, and policy briefs on other refugee resettlement topics.