Transforming Character of Community College Students Through Refugee Simulations

Given the rising number of refugees in the United States, it is becoming increasingly important for individuals to understand the lived experience of refugees and foster their inclusion. World Relief refugee simulations were designed to raise awareness about the refugees' rehoming process, and these immersion activities may be powerful experiences to improve participants' character. Furthermore, these simulations may aid individuals in shifting their preconceived perceptions about this population, and as a result, participants may become more inclusive of refugees. However, minimal research has been conducted on the value of refugee simulations. This convergent mixed-method study examined the difference between community college students' character strengths before and after a refugee simulation and explored their experiences in the refugee simulation. The quantitative data were collected using the VIA Character Strengths Survey. The results revealed that community college students' character strengths such as bravery, curiosity, fairness, judgment, kindness, love of learning, social intelligence, and zest were statistically higher after this intervention. The qualitative data were collected with an adapted version of the Guide for Reflective Practice. The results indicated that community college students' participation in the refugee simulation was transformative. These findings suggest that refugee simulations aid in character development and change participants' perspectives about refugees.