This guidebook provides Somali-speaking refugees being resettled in the United States with general information about what they will encounter and the services they can receive in their first months in the country. The book is distributed to overseas processing agencies, refugees overseas who have been approved for U.S. admission, and service providers. Refugees are advised that most Americans value self-reliance and individual responsibility, but that in general people respect those who ask questions about the new culture they are entering. All refugees are assigned to a relocation agency as they arrive in the United States, and housing is made available for the first month. The following topics are addressed: (1) pre-arrival processing; (2) the role of the resettlement agency; (3) community services; (4) housing; (5) transportation; (6) employment; (7) education; (8) health; (9) managing your money; (10) rights and responsibilities of refugees; and (11) cultural adjustment. Among the topics discussed is that of the American educational system, both for children and adults. A general outline of the public school system includes a discussion of the American tradition of public participation in education. A map of the United States is included. (SLD)