On Thursday, October 29, Dr. İpek took 17 students from Anthropology of Refugees (ANTH 331) and Global Humanitarianisms (GLOA 615) on a field trip to the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC), the headquarters of a national refugee resettlement agency in Arlington supporting displaced individuals and families. The four-hour visit provided students a firsthand look at the complexities of refugee resettlement and the vital role local humanitarians play in helping newly arrived refugees build lives. As with the past four trips Dr. İpek led to the ECDC in Arlington, Lullit Paulos, the Director of Communications & Knowledge Management, orchestrated an eye-opening immersive experience for Mason students.
During the visit, students met with Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, President and CEO of the ECDC, as well as case managers and program specialists. They learned how the agency continually adapts to support refugees amid policy changes and funding cuts. Staff members, many of whom are former refugees, discussed the obstacles newcomers face, such as securing housing, finding employment, addressing mental health needs, overcoming language barriers, and struggling with identity and belonging. Students also learned about the day-to-day operations of the programs that provide professional training and cultural adaptation workshops for refugees. Through interactive question-and-answer sessions, students explored refugees’ daily struggles and how humanitarian work addressed these. Lullit Paulos led an office tour, allowing students to speak informally with Dr. Teferra and staff while enjoying refreshments provided by the ECDC.
The visit enabled students to apply concepts from their coursework to real-world humanitarian efforts in Virginia. In post-visit reflection essays, students expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to engage closely with dedicated ECDC staff. “It was truly an unforgettable experience and something that will stay with me for a long time,” said one student. Other students echoed this sentiment and emphasized the significance of experiential learning.
Dr. İpek expresses immense gratitude to the ECDC staff for their hospitality and continued support of Mason students. Students interested in internships or volunteer opportunities with the ECDC can contact Dr. İpek (yipek@gmu.edu) for more information.
