RE-ENTRY SHOCK

Just as living abroad requires you to make some adjustements, so does coming home.  For some students, this may be the most difficult phase of all. By this time you have new knowledge and attitudes and you may have changed intellectually and personally. You may find difficult to find people who understand your new perspective. However, try to find students who have studied abroad, or try to meet new international students. Also, check out this article by CNN

The following is a list that may help you re-adjust your life after study abroad:

• Try to think how you have changed and what is now important to you.
• Be patient with your friends and family; they are trying to understand your experience abroad.
• If you have some negative feelings about your culture, it’s normal. You are now viewing your culture from a different perspective.
• Think about how your experience will help your professional career.

Find some ways to keep the “international” aspect in your life:

• Volunteer to assist the International Office in study abroad orientations for students going to the country you studied in.
• Get to know the international students on campus.
• Consider adding a minor in international business.
• Read online newspapers from your host country.
• Consider how you can use your international experience in your academics or future career.
• Start planning how you might go abroad again, either through personal travel, work/volunteer, or internship

If you are experiencing any emotional stress or are having a difficult time readjusting, please contact Counseling Services at 614.823.1250