Transitioning Back to the U.S.
Reverse Culture Shock can be broken down into four general categories. The "stages" of reverse culture shock are unique to each individual person. Some people experience only a few minor effects that last for a short amount of time. Others experience multiple stressors at a deeply emotional level that take a long time to work through. Please remember that these thoughts and feelings are normal-and they will pass with time, just as culture shock did when you entered your host culture. The Education Abroad Office is available to assist you with this transitional process, and we have listed some strategies below to help.
Reverse (Re-Entry) Culture Shock Stages
- Disengagement: preparing yourself for your return to the U.S.
- Euphoria: excitement about returning.
- Dampened Euphoria: feeling aliened-like an outsider; experiencing frustration and/or anger with friends, family, US society and culture, politics, and the education system; boredom; lack of direction, challenge, or adventure.
- Gradual Adjustment: begin to synthesize your international experience, identify what aspects of your experience you want to integrate into your life now, adjust your values.
Transition Strategies
- Revisit the Putting It into Perspective activity that you were encouraged to complete while preparing to return to the US. Compare your original responses to those you have now. What brought about those differences? Do you think they will change in a month, in six months, or a year?
- Identify strategies that you used abroad to make adjustments to your host culture and use the same strategies to transition back to the US. Strategies might include information seeking, observations, listening, patience, and a sense of humor.
- Revisit the While You Were Away activity that you were encouraged to complete while preparing to return to the US. Make additions to what you know changed while you were away and changes you would like to inquire about. Make notes about your thoughts and perspectives on what you have learned.
- Talk to your friends and family about the changes you have undergone. Share your thoughts and reservations about returning.
- Complete any program evaluations that have been requested from you.
- Get involved! (link to Stay Involved page)
- Peer Advising : A great chance to share your experiences and help other students who want to study abroad!
- Global Perspectives
- International Center
www.wsu.edu/~isctr - International Student Council http://www.wsu.edu/%7Eisctr/docs/Intl-Center_involvement-opportunities.pdf
- Conversation Partners http://www.wsu.edu/%7Eisctr/docs/Intl-Center_involvement-opportunities.pdf
- Peer Mentor (link to http://www.wsu.edu/%7Eisctr/docs/Intl-Center_involvement-opportunities.pdf
- International Education Week http://www.wsu.edu/%7Eisctr/docs/Intl-Center_involvement-opportunities.pdf
- Get to know other students returning from abroad-talk to them about your experiences and thoughts.
- Locate stores and libraries that carry international magazines, newspapers, and books.
- Locate restaurants that specialize in international cuisine.
- Take language and/or culture classes from the Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures and the History Department.
- Take intercultural communications courses from the School of Communications.
- Participate in the International Film Series sponsored by the Department of Foreign Languages.
- Put your experience on your resume. Identify skills that you have developed and qualities that you posses as a result of studying abroad that you can use on your resume and in cover letters to potential employers.
- Go abroad again!
While You Were Away
Download the While Your Away activity to help reflect upon your experience and prepare to transition back home
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