Questions to Ask Refugees
Sensitive and respectful questions to ask refugees to understand their experiences, needs, and perspectives while showing empathy and support.
1How are you adjusting to life in your new community?
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How are you adjusting to life in your new community?
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Why this works
Shows genuine care for their wellbeing and helps you understand their current challenges and needs.
2What has been the most helpful thing for you since arriving here?
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What has been the most helpful thing for you since arriving here?
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Why this works
Reveals what support systems are working and helps you understand what kind of help is most valuable.
3What do you miss most about your home country?
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What do you miss most about your home country?
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Why this works
Shows respect for their cultural identity and helps you understand what they value most from their homeland.
4What has been the biggest challenge in starting over?
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What has been the biggest challenge in starting over?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their struggles and provides insight into how you might offer support.
5What would help you feel more at home here?
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What would help you feel more at home here?
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Why this works
Shows you want to help and provides practical guidance on how to make them feel welcome and supported.
6What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
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What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their aspirations and helps you understand their goals and motivations.
7What skills or talents do you have that you'd like to share?
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What skills or talents do you have that you'd like to share?
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Why this works
Recognizes their value and contributions, and may reveal opportunities for them to contribute to the community.
8What has surprised you most about life here?
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What has surprised you most about life here?
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Why this works
Reveals their perspective on cultural differences and helps you understand their adaptation process.
9What would you like people to know about your culture or background?
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What would you like people to know about your culture or background?
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Why this works
Shows respect for their cultural identity and provides an opportunity for them to share their heritage.
10What has been the most difficult part of learning a new language?
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What has been the most difficult part of learning a new language?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of their language challenges and may reveal ways you can help with communication.
11What do you enjoy most about your new community?
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What do you enjoy most about your new community?
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Why this works
Reveals positive aspects of their experience and helps you understand what they appreciate about their new home.
12What would help you feel more connected to others here?
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What would help you feel more connected to others here?
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Why this works
Shows you want to help them build relationships and provides guidance on how to support their social integration.
13What are your children's experiences in school?
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What are your children's experiences in school?
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Why this works
Shows concern for their family's wellbeing and helps you understand their children's adaptation challenges.
14What would you like to learn about life here?
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What would you like to learn about life here?
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Why this works
Shows you want to help them learn and may reveal opportunities for you to share knowledge or resources.
15What has been the most meaningful support you've received?
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What has been the most meaningful support you've received?
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Why this works
Reveals what kind of help is most valuable and helps you understand how to provide effective support.
16What would help you feel more confident in your new environment?
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What would help you feel more confident in your new environment?
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Why this works
Shows you want to help them build confidence and may reveal ways you can support their empowerment.
17What are your favorite memories from your home country?
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What are your favorite memories from your home country?
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Why this works
Shows respect for their past and provides an opportunity for them to share positive memories and cultural heritage.
18What would you like to contribute to your new community?
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What would you like to contribute to your new community?
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Why this works
Recognizes their desire to contribute and may reveal opportunities for them to share their skills and talents.
19What has been the most difficult part of leaving your home country?
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What has been the most difficult part of leaving your home country?
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Why this works
Shows empathy for their loss and helps you understand the emotional challenges of displacement.
20What would help you feel more hopeful about the future?
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What would help you feel more hopeful about the future?
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Why this works
Shows you want to help them build hope and may reveal ways you can support their emotional wellbeing.
Supporting Refugees with Respect
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Respectful Refugee Conversations
Show Empathy and Respect
Approach conversations with genuine empathy and respect for their experiences, avoiding judgment or assumptions.
Listen Actively
Give them your full attention and listen to their responses without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice.
Be Patient and Understanding
Recognize that they may be dealing with trauma and stress, and be patient with their responses and needs.
Key Areas to Explore
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Ask About Trauma
Avoid asking about traumatic experiences or the reasons they left their home country unless they volunteer this information.
Don't Make Assumptions
Don't assume you know their experiences or needs. Ask questions and listen to their responses.
Don't Be Patronizing
Treat them as equals and avoid talking down to them or making them feel like they need to be grateful for basic support.