Lived Experiences of Puerto Rican University Students Displaced to South Florida After Hurricane Maria

• In Event: Learning Through Disruption: Experiences of Transnational and Displaced Youth

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to document the experiences of displaced university students from Puerto Rico and to offer recommendations to educational and community agencies regarding effective integration after a natural disaster. This qualitative phenomenology study consisted of oral histories of six displaced Puerto Rican university students who relocated to Florida after Hurricane Maria. The analysis of the data indicated three themes, including (1) trauma after hurricane, (2) challenges and needs during relocation, and (3) conflicting feelings about the homeland and the United States. Although immediate, basic needs were met after relocation, social-emotional needs, such as dealing with trauma and acculturating in the new culture, remained insufficiently addressed. Recommendations are provided to higher education administration, educators, and community agencies.

Authors

• Tunde Szecsi, Florida Gulf Coast University

• Debra Giambo, Florida Gulf Coast University