For many students, returning home after a semester abroad can be much more difficult than expected. Although you are probably happy and excited to see friends and family, it can be hard to leave behind the life you grew to know abroad. Don't leave that life behind!
Even though you cannot physically be abroad, you can understand how your experience has affected you, share your adventures with others and expand on the values and ideas you learned abroad.
Be prepared...again — preparing to come home is just as essential as the preparation of leaving to study abroad. Although you are familiar with what your home, university and family are like; you have undergone a lot of changes that may affect the way you react to your “old” life.
What’s Up with Culture? Will again assist you in the transition of coming home. Even if you are sticking around to travel after your semester ends, make sure to take a look at Module 2 before returning home.
Module 2 includes tips on how to say a “good” good-bye, ways to capture the memories you will treasure most, tips on how to deal with reverse culture shock and the Top Ten Re-entry Challenges college students face. Also, remember how you were supposed to grow as an individual during study abroad? This section will also help you realize what changes have taken place.
Your family and friends can find tips under Module 2.5.1 to help you on your journey home.
Dr. Bruce La Brack, Professor of Anthropology and International Studies at School for International Studies, is the primary author and editor of What’s Up With Culture?See the full acknowledgements
One of the top ten re-entry challenges is that no one wants to hear about all the amazing, difficult and life-changing experience you just had. Luckily, there are many outlets the OIE has created to help you share your stories and memories with the Willamette community.
A yearly student publication that asks international students and study abroad students to reflect on their experiences abroad.
See winning photos and essays and learn how to submit your own. Winning essays and photos are highlighted in TellUs.
Volunteer for a program to share language and culture in the public schools of Salem.
Peer Advisors help incoming CLA international students as they initially integrate into the Willamette University community.
Are you interested in helping advise students who will be studying where you spent a semester? Email Stacy to volunteer to answer email questions or to meet with prospective study abroad students.
After returning from study abroad many students find their priorities and interests have changed. Are you more concerned with world events? Would you like to be more active on campus?
Bringing your new perspective to Willamette’s community is not only a good way for you to deal with reverse culture shock, but it also enriches our university immensely.
Upcoming events of interest. Bookmark this page!
Check out WU’s multicultural clubs, events and news.
Tips on how to present your study abroad experience to potential employers.
Tips and Resources for getting abroad again.
