Make sure you're prepared.

• Set a date, time, and place for the interview.
• Find out some information about your interviewee and the country he or she comes from.
• Allow plenty of time for the interview.
• Bring a tape recorder if you can. Make sure that it works and that you have enough tape and batteries.
• Even if you're taping, bring pen and paper. Be prepared to take notes.
• Be prompt and respectful.

Get background on your interviewee.

• Find out about the country the person came from: its language, customs, and location.

This information will help you understand your interviewee. Ask the person to bring along pictures they may have.

Write a list of questions.

Write a list of open-ended questions. Keep in mind the reporter's basics: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Here are some questions you might ask. Be sure to add your own. Refer back to this section during your interview.

• What's your name?
• Where were you born?
• What country did you emigrate from?
• What year did you come to the United States?
• Why did you come to the U.S.?
• Did any members of your family come to the U.S. before you? Who, when, and why did they come here?
• What was your trip to the U.S. like?
• What was your first impression of the U.S.?
• Did you bring anything special with you? Why did you bring that item?
• (For adult immigrant) What did you do for a living before you came here? What do you do in the U.S.?
• (For child immigrant) How does school in the U.S. compare with your old school?
• What did you do for fun in the country where you used to live?