We hope that you had a memorable and amazing experience abroad. Chances are that you're wondering what to do with yourself now that you're back. We in the EAC are dedicated to continuing to provide services and resources that support your academic, professional, and personal development.

Returnee Support
Reverse culture shock is a very common reaction for students coming home from studying abroad. It can be described as that unsettling feeling students often experience as they are readjusting to their "old life." One student's reactions may differ from that of another but can include one or more of the following:

• Restlessness
• Boredom
• Changes in life goals and priorities
• Reverse homesickness
• Negativity towards the US, including behavior, attitudes and customs
• Frustration that you can't express your experience

We have anticipated these common reentry reactions and offer students the following support in order to address readjustment issues.

Be Prepared for Culture Shock
We offer these resources as places where you can find out more about the re-entry process.

• “What’s up with Culture” UOP Cross-Cultural training online (has returnee section)
• Global Scholar - The Global Scholar web site has useful information and resources for returning study abroad students. Course Three: “Once You Return” gives them the opportunity to continue reflecting on their experience, deal with cultural re-adaptation and the integration of their international experiences personally and in their career preparation, following their return to the U.S. An important part of this course has students complete a home campus and other outreach presentations about their study abroad experiences, so that they can share their enthusiasm with others and reach out to their respective communities.
• Suggested readings for re-entry/culture shock

Academic and Work Resources

• Returnee Workshops. These include topics such as “How to Market your Study Abroad Experience” and “Going Abroad Again”. A list of these workshops will be available in the fall.
• UC Davis Global and International Studies Minor - A minor designed to acknowledge study abroad classes and experiences.
• Study abroad again! The EAC offers summer, quarter, semester, and year-long programs world-wide.
• Work, Intern, or Volunteer Abroad
  The UC Davis Internship and Career Center’s comprehensive list of work, intern, and volunteer activities abroad.

Looking for ways to stay involved? Look no further!

Opportunities at the EAC

• Check-in with an EAC staff advisor. We would like to hear about your experience abroad and welcome advice for future participants.
• Buddy Program - become a friend to an EAP international student. Contact the EAC at the beginning of fall or winter quarters.
• Be a Returnee Contact - Are you willing to have potential study abroad students contact you about your experience? Would you like to present in classes or table at events to let people know about the study abroad experience. Contact the EAC.
• Become an EAC Student Assistant. You can work in the EAC in a paid position. Applications generally open each summer.
• Check out Welcome Week Events - during welcome week we offer an open house where you can connect with other returnees and international students.
• Attend Returnee Workshops. These include topics such as “How to Market your Study Abroad Experience” and “Going Abroad Again”. A list of these workshops will be available in the fall.
• Submit your photos to our Annual EAC Photo Contest - submit your favorite photo! The top 3 photos will be awarded UCD bookstore gift certificates. These photos may be used in future EAP/EAC publications.
• Check out the EAC Media Web Page – Check out the Café Abroad information, student blogs, and more!
• Attend International Education Week events - Week long International Education Fair in November.

Campus and Community Opportunities

• The International House offers evening language conversation classes. If you'd like to continue practicing a language, this is an excellent opportunity to do so.
• Join the Club International Facebook group! The group organizes events for international and UC Davis students.

Other Campus Language Resources:

• The Language Lab in the basement of Olson records news broadcasts from around the world. Check with them for broadcast times.
• Shields Library carries a wide variety of international newspapers on the lower level.
• Be a PAL: The PAL (Partners in Acquiring Language) Conversation Program pairs up U.S. students with new international students at UC Davis for informal conversation practice for approximately 1 hour per week. If you are able to work with two students, you can receive 1-unit of credit (LIN 99 if you are a freshman or sophomore; LIN 197T if you are a junior or senior. To sign up please come to the English as a Second Language Program Office in 108 Sproul Hall. We ask that you sign up as early in the quarter as possible, preferably in the first or second week of the quarter.