Going back home after a studying abroad experience…

Returning home after studying abroad, as strange as it sounds, can be tough. It is hard to bounce back to reality. Reality that, as you, also has changed while you were gone. Friends and family have also lived different experiences while you were abroad…While you were away certain events took place, and things happened not only to you.

Some “study abroad” returnees do not find re-entry to be difficult, but most experience some degree of stress doing so. This does not mean you are not «happy» to be back home. It’s just that home is different than what it was when you left.

After studying abroad, you were exposed to a new culture. You met new friends and had new «adventures.» You get back to your routine and feel strange, readjusted, or even sad.

Getting back home can be a time of stress and confusion. Although hard to believe, it is another phase of your cultural adjustment.

Most returnees say that family and friends are the most difficult issue to deal with. Sometimes they even want you to “revert“ to the person you were before your study abroad experience. But change is the name of the game. Everything has changed. You, and, them!

Believe me. I see it as a therapist and, went through it myself as a returnee. I can still recall my youngest sister complaining about my changes. This happened when I got home after my own experience of studying abroad. She was furious…She missed her «old sister».And that one was gone. This one was different.

Conclusion…

Getting back home can be a time of stress and confusion. Happy and painful. Sometimes even disappointing… Home sweet home can have a bitter taste.

So, take it as what it is, just another phase of your cultural adjustment. And, as a result, you will gain tremendous personal growth!

Good Luck and, please let me know what you think!

Regards, Ines