Coming Home 

If you are just returning from time abroad let us be the first to say — WELCOME BACK!

Coming home from an extended period of time abroad can be a challenging process. Many students have trouble readjusting to the surroundings they were used to before they left. Some find it difficult to relate to friends and family and often have trouble reacclimating to American culture. They may even experience what is known as "reverse culture-shock."

The MU School of Journalism Global Programs Office can help students readjust to life back on campus. If you need help reacclimating feel free to contact our office, check out the tips and information below, and check out the MU International Center video - Back to the Columns. 

Reverse Culture Shock 

"Reverse culture shock" or "return shock" is much like the initial shock you feel when you enter a new culture. "Reverse culture shock", however, can be doubly confusing because you're returning to a culture that you were previously accustomed to. It's kind of like jet-lag in that it takes time for your mind and body to catch up with your new location and surroundings. 

Many people experiencing "reverse culture shock" initially feel out of place upon returning. They often feel like their normal routines have been turned upside down or that they have trouble relating to family and friends. Others find that it takes them awhile to readjust to cultural norms or simply need more time to reflect on their trip than they anticipated. The good news is that it will pass. Here are some tips and ways to beat the "back-home blues."   
  • KNOW THAT IT WILL PASS. Although it may take a little time to get comfortable, eventually you will be back to your old self and won't feel out of place.
  • WRITE. Write about your trip in a journal.
  • READ. Check out some other resources that help with the readjustment process. One we recommend is Pacific University's What's Up with Culture?. Check out Module 2. 
  • START A BLOG. Starting a blog about your experiences abroad will allow you to share your thoughts and emotions about your trip while simultaneously networking with people who have similar interests. If you're willing to share, we'd love to link to your blog from our webpage, Twitter, and Facebook.  
  • MEET OTHER STUDENTS. Often times students have trouble relating because their friends and family haven't experienced the same things they have. Finding students who have traveled abroad or are on exchange may be a good way to ease the transition. To communicate with students from other countries you might try the International Center's Email Partner's Program or their International Friendship Program. 
  • JOIN. Find an international student group and get involved.  
  • CONTINUE. Continue studying foreign languages and cultures that interest you. Global Scholar, an online learning community for study abroad, offers a course to help students work through reverse culture shock. 
  • COMMUNICATE. Stay in touch with new friends from around the world. Although they may be across an ocean you can always Skype, Tweet, Facebook message, etc. 
  • VISIT. Make time to check-in with both your academic advisors and international programs advisors.  
  • ASK. Ask friends what they were up to while you were gone. Their life went on too, you know. 
  • VOLUNTEER. Find a cause or organization related to your international interest and volunteer some of your time. The MU School of Journalism Global Programs Office and the International Center are always looking for volunteers to help with our abroad programs and to speak to students thinking of studying abroad. 
  • Or look for volunteer opportunities that could take you abroad again. Organizations like International Volunteer HQ are always looking for individuals to work in locations all over the globe. Programs like this often have costs as low as $10 a day, and give you the freedom to choose any length of participation time. 
  • TELL YOUR STORY. The MU School of Journalism Global Programs Office always wants to hear about and publish student experiences abroad. Send your story/blog post/pictures, etc., our way and we'll publish them on our website.    
  • ATTEND.  Join other returning study abroad students from the Missouri Valley region at the Lessons From Abroad Conference on Sunday, October 5, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri.  Attendees will learn how to talk about newly acquired global skills in a job interview, discover how to work or study abroad after graduation, network with professionals working in internationally focused jobs, and share stories about study abroad experiences. 

Reverse Culture Shock isn't the only side effect though. Keep in mind that you'll also return: 
  • more independent
  • more cultured
  • more open-minded
  • more tolerant
  • more creative
  • ...and more competent in a foreign language!
Before, during, and after your abroad experience, be sure to refer to our Study Abroad Checklist for great tips, recommendations and important details on your term abroad. 
MU Journalism Abroad