Oral History Interview Questions
Edinger House
Fall 2008
Old Country
Where did you come from and when?
What was the reason you came to America?
What was your old country like? (customs, climate, food, childhood/special memories)
Did you leave anyone or anything behind? If so, would you like to tell us more about it?
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your old country?
Journey
What was it like traveling to America? Did you come straight here or stop in another country first? If so, why?
How did you get here? (Car/boat/train/plane/other, time it took,) Did anything interesting happen en route (that is, while on the way)?
Did you travel with anyone and if so, who? Tell me more if you wish.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about the journey?
Arrival
Where did you go when you first arrived and what was it like?
Where did you finally settle and why?
What did you think America would be like? Was it what you expected? Why or why not?
Did you know anyone here, family or friends, and if so whom?
Did you know English? If not, how did you learn it and adjust to the new language?
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your early days in your new country?
New Country
What are the big differences between your old country and the new country?
Have you been back to your old country? If so, what was that like?
What do you miss about your old country?
What are you doing now? (job, school)
What is your current status in the citizenship process? (Are you a citizen? If not, do you plan to become one? )
Is there anything else you want to tell me?