You may think that adjustment ends when you have successfully assimilated into the life of your host country, but the cycle of cultural adjustment continues even after your return to the U.S. “Culture shock” and re-entry shock are not isolated events, but rather part of the total adjustment process that stretches from predeparture to reintegration at home. We will provide you with a packet of information regarding the process of re-entry upon the completion of your program.
You will have to readjust to life in the U.S. For some, this can be difficult. This process will affect every student in a different way. You may find that relationships with friends and family members have changed, or that you don’t have the same views you had before you left. It is important to know that it is normal for you to desire to hold on to the person you have become. Your international experience will now be a part of you and reflect who you are. Both you and your friends and family may need to make adjustments to continue to build on your existing relationships.
Levels of readjustment
No study abroad experience is the same for everyone. Likewise, no re-entry experience is the same for everyone. There are several variables that may affect the degree of difficultly you might face during your adjustment upon return home. Some of these variables include:
- Age and academic level
- Previous cross-cultural experience
- Length of stay in the host culture and degree of interaction with the host culture
- Readiness to return home
- Degree of similarity between the home and host culture
- Changes, or lack thereof, in the home environment
- Job situation upon return
- Individual awareness
- Availability of a support group
- Length of the readjustment period.
- You can read more about these levels of readjustment in the re-entry packet you receive from AHA.
COPING STRATEGIES
Acknowledging Your Adjustment
First, and foremost, acknowledge the re-entry phase as part of the overseas experience. Just as you had to give yourself time while going through the culture shock phase, you must give yourself time to go through the re-entry phase. Acknowledging that reverse cultural adjustment is real will help you avoid feelings of guilt that might occur if you are feeling depressed or unhappy about being home. As one returnee stated in the survey, “Don’t blame yourself, give yourself time. . . . I’d have felt less guilty and peculiar if I’d realized it was a common phenomenon.”
Sharing Your Adjustment
Educate your family and friends about this phase of adjustment. Many people have never heard of reverse cultural adjustment and are not aware of its existence. If the people around you know a little about what you are experiencing, then, hopefully, they will be more patient and understanding. If you have difficulty communicating your feelings, then share this manual with your family and friends. Remind them that you cannot unlearn what you have learned and that you need time to reintegrate new, often conflicting components within yourself.
Staying in Contact with your Host Culture
Keep in contact through letters, telephone calls, or e-mail with the friends you made in your host country. Build upon your newfound interests and knowledge by reading the local newspaper from the area where you studied and continue to nurture your language skills whether it is at home, with a friend, or in a formal class setting. Some returnees have the feeling of never having been abroad after their return to the home country, so this will help you feel that what you experienced was real and not one big dream.
Seeking Out Others and Getting Involved
If possible, seek out other returnees that live nearby. If you return to your university, find others who have also studied abroad to share experiences with. The fact that they have gone through (or are going through) re-entry adjustment and can offer support and advice about how to cope will be helpful. Other returnees often want to hear about your overseas adventure because they have a multicultural and international perspective, allowing them to more fully appreciate your experience. Participate in study abroad fairs and talk with students who are interested in participating in your program.
