Whether you are
returning after a summer, semester, or year abroad, you are undoubtedly
experiencing some differences in yourself, your family and friends, your
surroundings, and at the University of Idaho (or other home institution).
Life at home has moved on while you were away, and you have moved on
(perhaps at a faster pace than life here). All of this “moving on” can
result in your feeling a little disjointed, or out of place at home. This
is probably a new feeling for you, but rest assured it is normal, and it is
called “re-entry” or "reverse culture shock." Some
students feel that reverse culture shock is harder for them to deal with
than the culture shock they experienced when they first went abroad, while
others may not feel the effects of reverse culture shock at all, or perhaps
they just don't recognize the "symptoms."“Welcome back! We missed you!”
These might be the only things that sound familiar to you as you re-enter
the culture and environment that you knew as “home.” Readjusting to your
surroundings may be more stressful than you realized. Here are some hints
to make that transition easier.
- Remember the transition to your
host culture. You may encounter similar experiences returning to the
United States. The stages of re-entry include: initial euphoria,
irritability or hostility, gradual adjustment, and adaptation.
- Remember that most students
experience some stress readjusting to United States culture.
Typically, the more you immersed yourself in the host culture, the more
difficult you may find re-entry. Find someone who can update you on
the university, local, and national changes that might have taken place
while you were away.
- You may recognize that many of
your values and beliefs have changed. Learn to incorporate new and
meaningful values and beliefs into your life.
- Understand that your friendships
and relationships might change as a function of your new experiences.
Explore new places and people with whom you can share your international
experiences.
- Recognize that you may need some
time to adjust to the hectic pace and pressures of university life. Learn
to gradually increase the pace of your academic studies and
extracurricular activities. You may notice that the “old ways” of
managing your time and stress are no longer appropriate. Seek counsel
from academic advisors, “veteran” study abroad students, and other
supportive faculty and staff.
-
Accept the reality
that re-entry is a time of transition! Learn ways to take care of
yourself and ease into your surroundings.
- Check out the
links on the left of this page, which include opportunities to mentor
students thinking about study abroad, ways to get involved on campus, how
to get a job in international education, and more.
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