The Refugee Context and Acculturation Into U.S. Schools and the Community (Poster 42)

• In Event: Thursday Poster Session 9:00 am
  In Poster Session: Examining Varied Educational Contexts and Communities From Multiple Perspectives

Abstract

When refugees enter into our school doors, they have probably faced challenging conditions with the hope of making new lives in the U.S. Schooling in the U.S. is the primary acculturating space where refugees make their first contact with the host country. Unfortunately, schooling is also a paradoxical place where students’ foreignness also makes them stand out in their classrooms (Sarr & Mosselson, 2010). The intent of this study was to provide an accounting about refugees’ previous living experiences in refugee camps prior to coming to their permanent home. For schools to assist with their acculturation, teachers and leaders should be aware of where these refugees lived and the quality of their living conditions.

Authors

• Sami Jabarkhail, Texas A&M University

• Jean Madsen, Texas A&M University