Step into the lived reality of global displacement in Thrive International’s IRL Refugee Immersion Experience, a group paid-for program designed to help universities, businesses, and organizations deepen their understanding of diverse cultures and global communities. Built on real stories from Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and informed by Thrive’s work with legal refugees and asylum seekers in Washington State, this simulation offers an authentic look into the refugee journey.
Participants move through the three stages of displacement:
Pre-migration: Explore the forces that drive people from their homes, conflict, persecution, violence, and the trauma, loss, and fear that often accompany these experiences.
Migration: Navigate the perilous, uncertain journey where safety is never guaranteed and basic needs like food, water, shelter, and family connection are at constant risk.
Post-migration: Experience the relief and challenges of resettlement, from language barriers and cultural adjustments to finding housing, employment, and community. Through these scenarios, participants witness the resilience and hope that fuel refugees’ determination to rebuild their lives.
Developed with Eastern Washington University, this program is ideal for high school and university groups, faculty, businesses, faith communities, and civic organizations. It fosters empathy, strengthens cultural understanding, and inspires meaningful action
Interested and want to learn more?
Thrive's IRL Refugee Immersion Experience: an interactive, hands-on educational initiative is designed to deepen awareness, foster empathy, and inspire action for refugees and asylum seekers. This three-step approach—Educate, Experience, and Engage—equips you with essential context, immerses you in real-world scenarios, and challenges you to navigate the complexities of displacement, resilience, and hope.
IRL Refugee Immersion Experience Preview Event (1-1.5 hr)
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Gain insight into Ukraine and step into a refugee’s shoes as you journey through a powerful experiential learning activity, followed by the real-life outcome of their story. Discover how this approach weaves together a Facilitator Presentation and Resource Guide (Educate), an interactive refugee journey experience (Experience), and a call to action within our community (Engage) to foster deeper understanding and meaningful impact.
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If you are an administrator, faculty member, community or faith leader, we invite you to explore this transformative learning experience and discover how it can be integrated into your institution to foster meaningful dialogue and action.
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For inquiries or to schedule a presentation, please contact Pamela Thuswaldner at pamela@thriveinternational.org.
Program 1
Facilitator Presentation + IRL Refugee Immersion Experience (two separate sessions)
Program 2
IRL Refugee Immersion Experience Retreat (3 hour)
