Cultural orientation programs prepare refugees and humanitarian entrants for
life in countries of resettlement. Cultural orientation programs are conducted by fully trained personnel with a sound understanding of the legal, cultural and skills requirements in the country of resettlement to promote successful integration. Sessions are delivered in the language of the refugees or through a qualified interpreter. The sessions are very interactive and dynamic and a variety of teaching resources including audio-visuals are used. Teaching methodologies are learner-centered and vary according to the profile of groups being trained.

IOM Pakistan implements the following cultural orientation programs:

  • Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) started in 2004 and is specifically designed for refugees accepted for resettlement in Australia. 
  • Cultural Orientation Abroad (COA) started in 2001 and offers tailor-made curricula for refugees and skilled workers going to Canada.

Planning for Canada (PFC) is a FREE pre-arrival service offered to all selected immigrants to Canada. In Pakistan, the program is offered through the Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) program and facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The COA program is entirely funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is implemented world-wide. Planning for Canada offers two essential services: A Group Orientation (GO) session followed by a one-on-one counseling session with immigrants. These individual sessions are called “My Action Plan” (MAP), and they are performed by our experienced team of trainers. In order to attend a Planning for Canada session, access our database through the following link and complete an online Registration form: