Uncovering the Experiences of Teen-aged Bhutanese Refugees in the United States: a Case Project Towards Relevant Refugee Youth Guidance

Abstract

This case ethnography uncovered insights from the resettlement experiences of Bhutanese 7th to 10th grade refugees who had arrived in Seattle, WA, from six months two years prior to the research. The researcher collected and interpreted ethnography from three sources: an assets-building workshop based on the 40 Developmental Assets youth development model that was facilitated through Action Research principles; semi-structured interviews with Bhutanese community leaders and the students’ teachers; and research from the Nepal-based refugee camps as well as prior refugee youth resettlement research. English-language learning; social integration; and family and community dynamics emerged as the central themes in the Bhutanese youth case. Findings from the case study and from the very process of uncovering the resettlement experiences of young Bhutanese refugees implied that youth leaders, especially those working in non-profit organizations, ought to enhance English-language support, intentionally involve parents in programming, partner with refugee community leaders, adapt youth development models, and get to know students on an individual basis.