Reverse Culture Shock

Welcome back to the US! We know that your study abroad experience has provided you with lasting memories and a greater sense of yourself in this world. Right about now you are probably sharing some of your fondest memories of your study abroad experience with your friends and family, and enjoying the feeling of being back in your previous environment.

As with the original culture shock that you may have experienced while studying abroad, it is also very common for students to experience something called "Reverse Culture Shock." As silly as this may sound, many students may find that they can no longer relate to their friends and family on the same level as they did before studying abroad. It can be difficult to re-adjust into your life previous to the adventures of studying abroad.

Don't worry! This experience is only temporary, as was your initial culture shock. Your friends and family may not be able to relate to your experiences because they weren't there with you and they may have their own feelings of being left out of an important stage of your life.

Dealing with Reverse Culture Shock

•  Go to Welcome Back!  Now What? on the What's Up With Culture? website.
• Become a Peer Counselor or Study Abroad Ambassador
• Relive your trip from beginning to end by scrapbooking.
• You may want to create a journal of your feelings about being back, as a way of expressing yourself without feeling like people can't relate to you.
• Become involved! There are plenty of international students studying in America who could use some friendly faces. You have more in common with them than you think.
• Become a conversation partner for ESL students. 

Sharing Your Experiences | Transcripts
Reverse Culture Shock | Study Abroad Home