Preparing for Re-Entry and Readjustment Back Home

A. Coping with reverse culture shock

Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, but many students face a new challenge upon their return home: reverse culture shock. This is the experience of feeling disoriented or disconnected from your home culture after spending an extended period of time in a different country. Here are some tips to help cope with reverse culture shock:

1. Acknowledge your feelings: Recognize that feeling a sense of disorientation or frustration is a normal reaction to the experience of returning home. Allow yourself time to process your feelings and don’t be too hard on yourself.
2. Stay in touch with your host culture: Try to maintain connections with the people and culture of your host country. This can help you feel more connected and grounded, even while you’re back in your home country.
3. Share your experiences: Share your study abroad experiences with friends and family members. This can help you process your experiences and can also help others understand what you’ve been through.
4. Find a support network: Seek out other students who have studied abroad or international students in your home country. They may be able to relate to your experiences and can offer support and understanding.
5. Get involved in international activities: Join clubs or organizations that focus on international issues or cultures. This can help you stay connected to the global community and maintain your interest in other cultures.
6. Keep an open mind: Try to keep an open mind about your home culture and be patient with the differences you may notice. Remember that you have changed and grown during your time abroad, and that it’s okay to see your home culture in a new light.
7. Take action: Use the skills and knowledge you gained during your study abroad experience to make a positive impact in your home community. This can help you feel like you’re still making a difference even though you’re no longer abroad.

In conclusion, coping with reverse culture shock after a study abroad program can be a challenge, but it’s important to remember that it’s a normal experience. By acknowledging your feelings, staying connected to your host culture, finding support, getting involved in international activities, keeping an open mind, and taking action, you can help ease the transition back to your home country and continue to grow and learn from your study abroad experience.

B. Evaluating your study abroad experience

Studying abroad is an exciting and rewarding experience that can change your life in many ways. As your program comes to an end, it’s important to take some time to evaluate your study abroad experience. Here are some tips to help you assess your time abroad:

1. Reflect on your goals: Take some time to think about what you hoped to gain from your study abroad experience. Did you achieve your goals? Did you learn new things about yourself or the world around you? Write down your reflections in a journal or talk with a trusted friend or mentor.
2. Assess your academic performance: Think about how you did academically while studying abroad. Did you find the coursework challenging or rewarding? Did you feel like you made progress in your field of study? Consider how your academic experience abroad may impact your future career goals.
3. Evaluate your cultural competency: One of the most significant benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to gain cultural competency. Think about how you adapted to a new culture and what you learned about the people and customs of your host country. Consider how this knowledge may impact your future personal and professional interactions.
4. Review your personal growth: Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. Reflect on how you grew during your time abroad. Did you develop new skills or discover new interests? Did you gain a new perspective on your own culture or the world?
5. Consider your future plans: Think about how your study abroad experience may impact your future plans. Do you plan to pursue a career that involves international work or travel? Are you interested in continuing your education abroad? Consider how you can use your study abroad experience to help achieve your future goals.
6. Provide feedback to your study abroad program: Your feedback is valuable to your study abroad program. Let them know what worked well and what could be improved to help future students have a successful experience.

In conclusion, evaluating your study abroad experience is an important part of the process of studying abroad. By reflecting on your goals, assessing your academic performance, evaluating your cultural competency, reviewing your personal growth, considering your future plans, and providing feedback to your program, you can gain a better understanding of the impact your study abroad experience has had on you and how you can use this experience to shape your future.

C. Transferring credits back to your home institution

Studying abroad can be a valuable experience, but it’s important to ensure that you receive academic credit for your coursework completed abroad. Here are some tips to help you transfer credits back to your home institution:

1. Start early: It’s important to start the credit transfer process early to ensure that you have enough time to complete all the necessary paperwork and meet all the requirements. Talk to your study abroad advisor and academic advisor at your home institution about the credit transfer process and deadlines.
2. Understand the requirements: Each institution has different requirements for transferring credits from study abroad programs. Make sure you understand the requirements for your home institution and the study abroad program. Some institutions may require a minimum grade for credits to transfer, while others may require pre-approval for specific courses.
3. Keep track of your coursework: Keep track of your coursework and syllabi from your study abroad program. You may need to provide this information to your home institution as part of the credit transfer process. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your transcript from the study abroad program.
4. Meet with your academic advisor: Meet with your academic advisor at your home institution to discuss how the credits will fit into your degree program. They can help you determine which courses will transfer and how they will count towards your degree requirements.
5. Submit paperwork on time: Make sure to submit all the necessary paperwork on time. This may include a credit transfer form, syllabi, transcripts, and any other required documentation. Be sure to follow up with your home institution to ensure that your paperwork has been received and processed.
6. Keep copies of all paperwork: Keep copies of all paperwork related to the credit transfer process, including emails and other correspondence. This can be helpful in case there are any issues with the credit transfer process.

In conclusion, transferring credits back to your home institution is an important part of the study abroad experience. By starting early, understanding the requirements, keeping track of your coursework, meeting with your academic advisor, submitting paperwork on time, and keeping copies of all paperwork, you can ensure that you receive academic credit for your study abroad program and stay on track towards graduation.

D. Identifying opportunities to share your experience

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that offers many opportunities to learn, grow, and explore new cultures. Once you return from your study abroad program, you may want to share your experience with others. Here are some ways to identify opportunities to share your experience:

1. Talk to your study abroad advisor: Your study abroad advisor can provide you with information about how to share your experience with others. They may have contacts with alumni associations, student organizations, or other groups that are interested in hearing about study abroad experiences.
2. Connect with your university’s study abroad office: Your university’s study abroad office may have events or programs that allow you to share your experience with others. These events may include study abroad fairs, information sessions, or panels.
3. Join a student organization: Many universities have student organizations focused on international issues or cultural exchange. These organizations can be a great way to meet like-minded students and share your study abroad experience with others.
4. Volunteer in your community: Consider volunteering in your community to share your experience with others. You can give presentations at local schools, community centers, or other organizations.
5. Start a blog or vlog: Starting a blog or vlog can be a great way to share your study abroad experience with a wider audience. You can share your thoughts, experiences, and advice with others who are interested in studying abroad.
6. Attend conferences or events: Look for conferences or events focused on international education, study abroad, or cultural exchange. These events can provide opportunities to network with professionals in the field and share your experience with others.

In conclusion, there are many opportunities to share your study abroad experience with others. Whether it’s through your university’s study abroad office, a student organization, volunteering in your community, starting a blog or vlog, or attending conferences or events, sharing your experience can help inspire others to pursue their own study abroad opportunities and broaden their horizons.

E. Using your study abroad experience to further your career goals

Studying abroad can be a transformative experience that not only broadens your horizons but also enhances your career prospects. Here are some ways to use your study abroad experience to further your career goals:

1. Highlight your international experience on your resume: Make sure to include your study abroad experience on your resume, highlighting the skills and competencies you developed while studying abroad, such as intercultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.
2. Network with professionals in your field: While studying abroad, take advantage of opportunities to network with professionals in your field. Attend industry events, connect with alumni in your field, and seek out informational interviews to learn more about job opportunities and career paths.
3. Develop language skills: If you studied abroad in a country where a different language is spoken, make sure to highlight your language skills on your resume. Language proficiency can be a valuable asset in many industries, particularly in today’s global economy.
4. Consider internships or volunteer work: While studying abroad, consider internships or volunteer work in your field of interest. These experiences can provide valuable hands-on experience and help you make connections in your industry.
5. Reflect on your study abroad experience: Reflect on your study abroad experience and how it has influenced your career goals. Consider how your experience has shaped your interests, values, and professional aspirations.
6. Seek out study abroad scholarships and fellowships: Many organizations offer scholarships and fellowships for students who have studied abroad. These opportunities can provide funding for further study, internships, or other career-related experiences.

In conclusion, studying abroad can provide many opportunities to enhance your career prospects. By highlighting your international experience on your resume, networking with professionals in your field, developing language skills, considering internships or volunteer work, reflecting on your study abroad experience, and seeking out study abroad scholarships and fellowships, you can use your study abroad experience to further your career goals and stand out in a competitive job market.