Navigating Re-Entry and Re-Entry Shock

Returning home from a study abroad program is often more difficult than we anticipate. Some may experience reverse culture shock or re-entry shock, which is the unexpected confrontation with the familiar ¹. What was once familiar may feel completely unfamiliar to you right now and it is important to recognize that you are not alone!

The following resources provide first-hand student accounts of managing reverse culture shock.  We hope you take the opportunity to read some of their stories, reflect on your experience, and consider how you will use what you have learned in you life moving forward. It is important to note that taking time to process your journey will prevent you from shoe boxing or putting away your memories, connections, and personal growth from life abroad.

• "Dealing With Reverse Culture Shock & Mental Health During COVID-19" is an article by the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) that lists helpful tips for re-entry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Small Planet Studio is providing free resources to students who experienced sudden reentry due to COVID-19 and the cancelation of study abroad programs around the world. 
• "What's Up With Culture" by University of the Pacific provides helpful information about re-entry and has reflective exercises for students.
• The Center for Global Education has a three-part course called the Global Scholar Program. Course 3 focuses on returnees. 
• Diversity Abroad provides a Guide to Coming Home & Re-Entry, which you may find helpful in learning about the re-entry experiences of fellow study abroad participants from around the world.
• GO Overseas provides a series of resources to assist students in reflecting on their experiences coming home from abroad.
• Lessons From Abroad (LFA) is dedicated to helping students make sense of their abroad experiences upon re-entry.
• "Don't let it catch you by surprise!" is an article with helpful tips on managing reverse culture shock. 

¹ Paige, R. M. (2002). Maximizing study abroad: A students' guide to strategies for language and culture learning and use. Minneapolis, MN: Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition, University of Minnesota.