Step 4: Cultural Orientation

Updated: 10/29/2024
At some point before your departure to the United States, the Resettlement Support Center will also schedule you to attend a Cultural Orientation class where you will receive valuable information about your journey to the United States and what to expect when you arrive. Learn more about Cultural Orientation below.
Cultural Orientation

Step 4: Cultural Orientation

Cultural Orientation will prepare you for resettlement by providing practical information on the culture and laws of the United States. Cultural Orientation will assist you to develop realistic expectations and learn the skills and attitudes needed to succeed in your new environment. USRAP has developed the Cultural Orientation curriculum based on decades of experience. The Cultural Orientation classes are taught by multilingual, multi‐ethnic staff who will help you anticipate integration challenges and provide answers to most questions you may have about resettling in the United States.

Two women are sitting at a table, engaged in a discussion. One woman, wearing glasses and a blue shirt with a lanyard, is pointing at a book. The other woman, wearing a hijab and a black dress, is attentively looking at the book. A laptop is open on the table beside them.
The image depicts two scenes of groups of people in discussions. On the left, three individuals, including a bald man, a woman with an updo, and a young man, are gathered around a table reviewing documents. On the right, four individuals, including a woman in a blue shirt and a man in an orange striped shirt, are engaged in a conversation, possibly in a classroom or meeting room setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cultural Orientation training sessions are meant to help you adjust to your new life in the United States. The topics covered include:

  • The Role of the Resettlement Agency 
  • Employment
  • Housing
  • Education
  • Health
  • Community Services
  • Rights and Responsibilities
  • Learning English
  • Money Management
  • Transportation
  • Cultural Adjustment

For you to gain the most benefit, CO classes are designed to be participatory and interactive. We highly encourage all eligible family members to attend.

There are some occasions when attending CO is not possible. In these situations, you will receive written material to help prepare you for life in the United States. You are encouraged to review all the materials well before your departure. You will receive additional Cultural Orientation in the United States.