Cultural Re-Adjustment

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

These sites can support your readjustment process:

• 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.
• "What's up with Culture" UOP Cross-Cultural training online (has returnee section)
• Suggested readings for re-entry/culture shock
• Austin, Clyde. “Cross-Cultural Re-entry: A Book of Readings”. Abilene, Texas: Abilene Christian University Press, 1986.
• Bruce, A. “Culture Shock at Home: Understanding Your Own Change - The Experience of Return”. Transitions Abroad. January/February, 1997, p. 79-80 ( http://www.transabroad.com ).
• Citron, James. “Short-Term Study Abroad: Integration, Third Culture Formation, and Reentry”. NAFSA: Association of International Educators ( http://www.nafsa.org ).
• Hogan, John T. “Culture-Shock and Reverse-Culture Shock: Implications for Juniors Abroad and Seniors at Home”. Paper presented at the Annual Convention of the American College Personnel Association (Houston, TX, March 13-16, 1983).
• Howell, Leah. “Coming Home: Sustaining the Experiences of Studying Abroad”. The Vermont Connection. 1999.
• Kauffman, Norman L., Martin, Judith N., and Weaver, Henry D. “Students Abroad: Strangers at Home”. Yarmouth, Maine: Intercultural Press, 1992.
• Kepets, Dawn. “Back in the USA: Reflecting on Your Study Abroad Experience and Putting it to Work”. NAFSA: Association of International Educators, 1995 ( http://www.nafsa.org ).
• Kohls, L. Robert. “Survival Kit for Overseas Living”. Yarmouth, Maine: Intercultural Press, 1996.
• Martin, Judith N. “Patterns of Communication in Three Types of Reentry Relationships: An Exploratory Study”. Western Journal of Speech Communication. v50 n2 Spring 1986, p.183-99.