Link: International Seminar Homestay Accomodation Refugees
ISRF website

International Seminar Homestay Accomodation Refugees
ISRF website

Partecipanti:

Andrea Pettrachin - University of Padua

Elisa De Matteis - University of Padua

Clément Luccioni - Université Paris-Est/Institut Convergences Migrations, France

Anna Benvegnù - University of Milan, Italy

Nadine Camp - Synergies Migrations, France

Aleksandra Grzymała-Kazłowska - University of Warsaw, Poland

Liam Haller - Deutsches Zentrum für Integrations- und Migrationsforschung (DeZIM), Germany

Evangeline Masson Diez - LIRTES/Institut Convergences Migrations, France

Fiona McQueen - Edinburgh Napier University, United Kingdom

Pierre Monforte, University of Leicester, United Kingdom

Anna Oliinyk, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Oksana Oliinyk - Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine

Jenny Phillimore - University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

Marisol Reyes Soto - University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

Ramona Rischke - Deutsches Zentrum für Integrations- und Migrationsforschung (DeZIM), Germany

Elise Roche - Université Lyon II – Laboratoire Triangle, France

Zeynep Yanaşmayan - Deutsches Zentrum für Integrations- und Migrationsforschung (DeZIM), Germany

Abstract:

The recent influx of refugees into Europe has spurred a range of solidarity initiatives, transforming the landscape of refugee accommodation. Among these, homestay accommodation stands out as a distinctive practice where private homes are opened to refugees, creating spaces of sanctuary and support. This project examines the complex dynamics of homestay accommodations across Europe, focusing on their evolution from grassroots initiatives to structured programs, and the ethical and social implications they entail.
Homestay accommodation not only provides immediate relief but also introduces a set of interactions and relationships that are layered with social, political, and ethical complexities. These accommodations are often positioned at the intersection of personal commitment and public policy, offering a unique lens to view the integration of refugees into host societies. The project investigates how these private spaces function as public arenas where policies are negotiated and social norms are challenged and redefined.
Through a qualitative analysis involving multiple European countries, this study explores how homestay arrangements impact the lives of both hosts and guests. It focuses into the categorization of refugees by hosts and organizations, the alignment or conflict of these categorizations with official policies, and the resultant social narratives that shape public perception and policy.
The findings aim to contribute to the broader discourse on migration and integration, highlighting the potential of homestay accommodations to foster genuine social integration while also addressing the risks of reinforcing social hierarchies and exclusions. By understanding the nuanced realities of homestay accommodations, the project seeks to inform policy and practice, ensuring that these initiatives effectively support refugees while fostering inclusive and equitable communities.

Obiettivi:

1 To analyze the practice: Understand the various models of homestay accommodation, from informal arrangements by individual households to more structured programs coordinated by NGOs and governmental bodies. This includes assessing the motivations of hosts, the expectations of guests, and the operational frameworks of facilitating organizations.
2 To evaluate the impact of homestay: Explore how these living arrangements affect the social, economic, and psychological well-being of both refugees and hosts. The project seeks to uncover the benefits and drawbacks of such accommodations, considering factors like cultural exchange, personal security, privacy, and community integration.
3 To investigate the alignment with and influence on public policy: Examine how homestay practices interact with local and national policies on refugee accommodation. This involves studying the congruence or conflict between private initiatives and public strategies, and how one may inform or undermine the other.

Piano delle attività:

Phase 1: Establishment of Research Framework (months 1-2) Formulate a unified research framework, including objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
Phase 2: Data Collection (months 1-5)
The project will cover the following countries:
Phase 3: Synthesis and Knowledge Sharing (6-7 months) Draft the first version of the paper to synthetize findings Present findings at the 21st IMISCOE Annual Conference. Beginning of the comparative analysis
Plan subsequent research projects or follow-up studies based on the findings.
Phase 4: Comparative Analysis & Revision (months 8-9) Development of the comparative analysis
Revision of the papers presented at the IMISCOE conference
Phase 5: Workshop (months 9)
Workshop in Padua for peer review and feedback on the comparative works.
Phase 6: Finalization and Dissemination (10-12 months)
Finalize research papers and prepare for publication.

Contatti:

matteo.bassoli@unipd.it