Upon Return

Whew!!  What a ride!  And welcome home...

Your time abroad was without a doubt something to remember.  We hope that it is an experience that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.  You had some exciting times, some challenging moments, some new experiences and some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.  We hope that you made the most of the wonderful chance to study abroad.  It is a rare glimpse as a student, into a different country, living immersed in another culture, sharing a new life.  You might almost consider yourself "fluent" in your host environment.

Now, you may be thinking to yourself; "Yes, I did have a great experience, but what in the world do I do now?".  Well, the ride is not yet over, and we hope that this is just the first step of many along your international path.  This section of the website is designed to help you readjust to your life "back in the states" and to make the most of your study abroad experience.

Reverse Culture Shock

Coming home can be a very exciting time as you reunite with all of the people, places and things that you craved while abroad.  It can also be a tough transition as you find yourself longing for the sights, sounds, smells and feelings that you had immersed yourself in during your time abroad.  This phenomenon is called reverse culture shock.  It can affect travelers at different times and to varying degrees.  Some students may feel profoundly impacted by reverse culture shock; while others seem to be barely scathed, as they transition easily back to their lives in the US. 

Almost all travelers expect to experience some degree of culture shock when they leave the US, but not as many anticipate the difficulties they may experience upon return.  News flash: the world did not stop while you were abroad.  Your family, friends, roommates, coworkers and classmates continued on with their lives while you were gone.  They have had many experiences, just the same as you have.  (Ok, so maybe they didn't get to stand on the top of the Eiffel Tower, or climb the Great Wall of China, or dwell in Nelson Mandela's cell on Robben Island, or live with an aboriginal family in Broome!)  But they did have experiences, and it is important to honor the important events which took place in their lives.

The most important thing to realize about reverse culture shock is that it is a normal part of the process.  Missing what you left behind means that you really embraced your experience abroad.  It is important to recognize it and seek out ways to share your experiences with others and stay connected with your "abroad life".  And don't worry, it shall pass.

And life goes on...

After you concur the hurdle of reverse culture shock, you realize that the show must go on.  But what in the world are you going to do with this vast knowledge and experience that you just acquired?  The challenge before you now is to make the most of it.

• Attend the Re-entry Fiesta  This will be the first chance for you to learn about ways to stay involved with international education at CSB|SJU and begin to formulate a bigger plan for your international portfolio.  Watch your email for more details.
• Become an ambassador  Do you find that your friends and family are sick and tired of listening to your stories, but you still want to talk more?  There are many students who are interested in going abroad and they want to hear your stories.  Sign up to be an ambassador and attend many events where you can share your experiences!
• Continue to blog  Even though you are back, you do not lose your privileges to blog.  You may find it helpful to blog, journal, sing, write poems or just share your transition (either in private or in public).
• Join the photo contest  You can submit photos to the CSB|SJU photo contest.  Relive your experiences while perusing for the best photos and share these with the campuses.  You may even win a great prize!
• Make the most of your study abroad experience  Colleges and universities from around the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin have joined forces to offer and annual conference to help you take your international experience to the next level.  This is a one day jumpstart to Coming Home: Making Personal and Professional Use of Your Study Abroad Experience
• Connect with International Alumni  You now belong to a special group of CSB|SJU alumni and this link will stay with you forever.
• Go abroad again  The most common reaction from students upon return is "When can I go back?!"  So, when can you?  Consider visiting your host country again to participate in a work, intern or volunteer experience.  Or venture into uncharted territory and expand your international portfolio.