Program 2

IRL Refugee Immersion Experience Retreat (3 hour)

Step into the refugee story with Thrive's IRL Refugee Immersion Experience, an interactive, hands-on educational initiative designed to deepen awareness, foster empathy, and inspire action. This three-step approach—Educate, Experience, and Engage—provides essential context, immerses participants in real-world refugee scenarios, and challenges them to navigate the complexities of displacement, resilience, and hope.

  • A facilitator-led presentation explores the root causes of migration, putting a human face and cost to understanding refugee journeys. This session provides essential context on the global and local impact of forced displacement, highlighting both the challenges refugees face and the valuable contributions they bring to our communities. This foundational knowledge prepares participants for a deeper, more meaningful immersion experience.

  • Engage in four immersive learning activities, stepping into the real-life journeys of refugees. Through interactive, hands-on scenarios, navigate the uncertainties, difficult decisions, and challenges faced by displaced individuals. After the activities, a guided group debrief reveals the real-life outcomes of the refugees whose journeys you have experienced, fostering deeper reflection, empathy, and discussion.

  • Creatively explore meaningful ways to impact the community through volunteerism, community involvement, or donation opportunities to support refugees through Thrive International.

Who it’s for: Professional Development, Humanitarian Training for Staff and Volunteers, Educators & Faculty, Businesses & Corporate Teams, Faith Communities, Civic Organizations & Nonprofits, Social Work & Healthcare Professionals, Law Enforcement & First Responders, Student Groups & Leadership Programs.

This experience is designed for any group seeking to build cross-cultural understanding, strengthen community engagement, and gain a deeper awareness of the refugee experience.

Cost: $55 Participant

Minimum Participants: 12