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Study Abroad Program

Re-entry and (re)adjustment issues

Re-entry, or "reverse culture shock" as it is known, is very common among students returning from time spent abroad. If you are experiencing any of the following you may be going through reverse culture shock:

* Restlessness, rootlessness,
* Boredom, depression,
* Isolation, wanting to be left alone
* Uncertainty, confusion
* Homesick for your host community: missing the people, places, attitudes or lifestyle of your host country
* Change in goals and priorities
* Negativity or intolerance towards the U.S. including American behavior, attitudes, and customs

Often the hardest aspect of reverse culture shock is being aware that you have it. Once you recognize the feelings (or symptoms) and are able to understand that you are in a state of transition you can get through your discomfort.

Remember what your first few days were like in your new environment? Chances are you developed new coping skills to deal with all the differences you were experiencing. The coping skills and strategies that were successful in helping you adjust overseas will be just as helpful coming home: get involved, identify a support group of other study abroad students, suspend judgment until you understand a situation, and always keep a sense of humor.