Refugees face dramatic challenges as they’re forced to leave their home countries and land in unfamiliar places that may or may not be welcoming.

Immigrants who choose to move to a new nation often have had time to consider when to go and why. Some who come to the United States may even have friends or relatives to help them get settled. That doesn’t mean the transition is easy and without obstacles.

We spoke with Sandra Mattar, primary supervisor at the Center for Multicultural Training at Boston Medical Center, and Tatiana Mutu, who moved from Moldova to the Valley.