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Immigrants and Refugees
Finding Your Way
Upon arriving on American soil, immigrants and refugees must live in their new home for a long time, sometimes for years, in order to fully integrate into the community.
The Office of International Affairs assumes a vital role in the process of integration, serving as a clearinghouse of information on all services available to newcomers.
Interpreters and Translators
Learning the English Language can take a long time. During this time of learning, a non-native English speaker may require services that involve a higher level of English proficiency. Therefore, he or she may require an interpreter (verbal) or a translator (written).
Click here to access the Community Language Bank and other related resources in the OIA International Directory.
Social Services
Louisville has three resettlement agencies which provide sponsorship and comprehensive integration services for immigrants and refugees. There are also more specialized community and public affairs groups that offer services.
Click here to search the OIA International Directory.
Education
Learning the English language is one of the most challenging obstacles for an immigrant to overcome in order to successfully integrate into the community. Language proficiency is essential for the integration and growth of an immigrant. Louisville offers English As A Second Language classes for newcomers of any age and economic level.
It is also important for many immigrants to continue their education. Louisville offers a high quality education system for residents of all ages. From elementary to graduate school, Louisville offers quality options in superb private and public institutions.
Click here to search the OIA International Directory
Career Opportunities
Many international newcomers are educated and equipped with high-level occupational skills.
In 2003, Entrepreneur magazine called Louisville the "Best U.S. city for small business growth" and ranked Louisville 15th nationally and 2nd in the Midwest on its list of best cities for entrepreneurs.
Louisville is the host to several major international companies including: UPS, Ford, GE, and Yum! Brand foods (home of KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut).
For more information,click here to search the OIA International Directory
Click here to access the official Louisville Job Search website.
Leadership Opportunities
The Mayor is committed to appointing citizens to the various boards and commissions who represent the rich diversity of our new community - across gender and ethnic lines and across geographic boundaries. Click here if you are interested in serving on a board and/or commission.
The Leadership Louisville Center offers programs which foster interest in and promote educational, civic and social service activities. The program started to ensure that Louisville's future leaders would be knowledgeable about community issues, well networked, and passionate about the success of the community.
For information about workshops and scholarships for immigrants, contact OIA staff or visit the Leadership Louisville website.
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