Blooming Out of Concrete: Burmese Refugee College Students' Resettlement Approach and the Role of Social Support.

Abstract

Purpose: The United States is the world's top resettlement country for refugees and the third largest community of Burmese refugees lives in the state of Indiana. Many refugee families strive to enhance the well-being of their college-age children. Utilizing the Conservation of Resources (COR) theoretical framework, this study examined the lived experiences of Burmese refugee college students' resettlement approach and the role of social support.

Materials and methods: A total of 32 Burmese refugee college students aged 19-26 were interviewed using a qualitative exploratory approach with thematic analysis.

Results: Thematic analysis identified two key themes - the resources of social support and resettlement experiences - to provide a comprehensive understanding of participants' resettlement narratives. The social support from the co-ethnic community and people in the host country both affected the participants' successful resettlement. Co-ethnic community also plays an important role in the pursuit of higher education.

Discussion: Understanding the lived experiences of refugee communities can enhance the effectiveness of resettlement policies and services. This study highlights the importance of social support resources and serves as a foundation for improving refugee resettlement experiences.

Conclusion: Refugee students actively cultivated their life and showed aspirations of being successful members of this new environment. Despite a variety of barriers and prejudices, Burmese refugee students bloom and flourish in their new environment in the United States. They are beneficiaries but also currently benefactors for newly arrived refugees. The perspectives on refugees need to change and move from victims to the citizens of the world.