eprintid: 4536
rev_number: 6
eprint_status: archive
userid: 1
dir: disk0/00/00/45/36
datestamp: 2024-07-02 13:27:49
lastmod: 2024-07-02 13:27:49
status_changed: 2024-07-02 13:27:49
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
sword_depositor: 1
creators_name: Rienstra, Birgitte
creators_id: S4506766
creators_email: b.rienstra@student.rug.nl
title: Exploring volunteers' perspectives on integration processes of asylum seekers in rural areas
ispublished: unpub
full_text_status: public
abstract: This research explores how citizen initiatives contribute to the integration process of asylum seekers. It takes the perspective of volunteers in citizen initiatives in rural villages in the municipality of Het Hogeland. Literature on cultural-religious aspects of integration, particularly the development of social networks and relationships which highlighted a two-way integration process. However, studies on volunteers' experiences are limited, making this research a valuable contribution to current research. Semi-structured interviews with volunteers near asylum seeker centers (AZC) in Winsum and Uithuizen were conducted to explore integration experiences. Main findings in this study were that the rural setting did not significantly impact integration opportunities. Further, social contact and purposeful activities support asylum seekers' sense of belonging and well-being. Moreover, in cases of sustainable contact between asylum seekers and volunteers increases future integration opportunities. Future research could focus on the organization of citizen initiatives and the inclusion of formal institutions like the municipality and COA or focus on locations with a larger distance between a rural area and the nearest city.
date: 2024
pages: 30
thesis_type: bachelor
degree_programme: SGP
tutors_name: Haartsen, T.
tutors_name: Salemink, K.
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Basiseenheid Culturele Geografie
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Basiseenheid Culturele Geografie
tutors_email: T.Haartsen@rug.nl
tutors_email: K.Salemink@rug.nl
security: public
keywords_local: Asylum seekers
keywords_local: experiences
keywords_local: integration
keywords_local: asylum seeker center
keywords_local: volunteers
keywords_local: perspectives
language_iso: en
date_issued: 2024-07-02
citation:   Rienstra, Birgitte  (2024) Exploring volunteers' perspectives on integration processes of asylum seekers in rural areas.  Bachelor thesis.   
document_url: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4536/1/Bachelor-thesis-OHkeeyyyy-lets-go.pdf