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Community Orientation Workshop

Learn About Life in Minnesota

Adjusting to a new country brings many changes. We help you transition to life in Minnesota.

In this free class, we teach useful topics like transportation, jobs, money management, health care and more. Our supportive teachers will also help you practice reading, writing, listening and speaking English (classes can be interpreted for qualifying students).

Community Orientation Workshops are offered online and in-person and repeat every eight weeks. The topic changes every week. You can begin class any time. You are welcome to repeat classes.

About This Class

We will cover different topics every week. You can join any time. Here’s an outline of what you can expect:

  • Week 1: Transportation
  • Week 2: Housing
  • Week 3: Community resources and navigation
  • Week 4: Financial literacy
  • Week 5: Health literacy
  • Week 6: Education and family adjustment
  • Week 7: Job readiness
  • Week 8: Community bridges and progress toward citizenship
Image of a highway road sign in the shape of the state of Minnesota. It says Minnesota Welcomes You.

Choose Your Class

  • Community Orientation Workshop (English)

    Monday – Thursday
    11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    In-person

  • Community Orientation Workshop (English)

    Monday and Tuesday
    1 – 3 p.m.
    Online

  • Ukrainian Interpreted Community Orientation Workshop

    Fridays
    10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    Ukrainian American Community Center: 301 NE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55413

  • Swahili Interpreted Community Orientation Workshop

    Thursday and Friday
    1 – 3 p.m.
    George Latimer Central Library, 90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Who Can Take Classes?

Adults with humanitarian protection immigrant status who have been living in the United States for five years or less can attend Community Orientation Workshops. This includes people with refugee, asylee, certified victim of human trafficking, special immigrant visa, Amerasian or Cuban/Haitian entrant status. Classes are free.

*Community Orientation Workshop is offered in partnership with the Minnesota Council of Churches with the support from the MN Refugee Program Offices (MN DHS).

Other Classes and Programs

  • Housekeeping Training

    Learn and practice skills to work in the hospitality and cleaning industry. Graduates receive help finding a job.

    Learn More
  • English Class

    Learn how to read, write and speak in English. We teach adults at all levels: beginning, intermediate or advanced.

    Learn More
  • Dietary Aide Training

    Learn about food safety, basic nutrition, special diets and communication skills. Graduates receive help finding a job.

    Learn More

Contact Us

Please call or email us if you have questions about our Community Orientation Workshops.

Kaija Bergen
Instructor and Program Support
(651) 377-8100