Perhaps the hardest space of all for both refugees and locals to traverse is the liminal space.  This is a space where individuals and communities need to let go of what they know and move forward into a new normal. 

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This can be very hard to do.  People who are displaced cling to the old ways of life fearing that they will lose their cultural identity. Host nations fear how the newcomers will change theirs. 

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Initially the liminal space will affect all stakeholders, so a great deal of support will need to be offered.  Negotiation will need to be calm and considered so that all parties are respected and decisions and policies are developed that are equitable and beneficial for all students. Members of the community that are opposed to the integration of refugee students need to be heard and their fears allayed with informed responses and positive action.

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As the community becomes more educated and accepting, the liminal space, in regard to the school environment, becomes smaller. However, newly arrived refugee children will experience huge liminal spaces and will each need extensive support and guidance by the community, teachers and other students to settle into their new education. Teachers and staff need to be trained on how to support these children.  This may be through personal development, connecting with appropriate professionals for advice and counsel or by communicating and collaborating with the leaders of the community.