When students return from studying abroad, they sometimes have a second period of culture shock (commonly called “Reverse Culture Shock”) as they adapt to being back in their home country. Fortunately, study abroad students have adjusted to a different culture once, and with a little support, they can use strategies and coping mechanisms from their first culture shock experience to navigate this second culture shock experience, if experienced.
Additionally, students will want to consider how to speak professionally about their study abroad experience, turn it into a leadership/networking opportunity and how to articulate it on a resume. The sections on career enhancement and on campus involvement below help meet that need.
- On Campus Involvement
- Study Abroad Photo Contest
- Career Enhancement Resources
- Cultural Adaptation Tips
- Social Media
- Going Abroad Again
Keeping Your International Experience Alive
On Campus: Opportunities Abound
- Become a Study Abroad Ambassador! Click "Apply Now" at this link and when prompted select the current academic year. Study Abroad Ambassadors will be notified of their candidacy before new student orientation each year.
- Many student organizations are internationally focused
- Study abroad alumni have the exclusive opportunity to speak about their experiences on panels (admissions open houses, pre-departure orientation, etc.), at the study abroad fair, to students interested in studying abroad formally as a Study Abroad Ambassador or informally as a volunteer. Email studyabroad@case.edu if you are a study abroad alumni who hasn’t already notified us of your interests!
- In Ohio (and beyond) there are many internationally focused companies looking for volunteers, interns and more. Here is a short list: Global Ties, Cleveland Council for World Affairs, Refugee Response, the International Institute of Akron, US Together Inc., Peace Corps, etc.
In Print: Enter the Study Abroad Photo Contest
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Do you have amazing photographs from your time studying abroad? Share them with us and win up to $300! Each year, the Study Abroad Photo Contest opens in February for all students who studied abroad between Summer Break (starting in May) of the calendar year prior to Spring Semester of the current calendar year. Check your eligibility and submit your masterpieces via the Photo Contest Webpage.
Resource Toolkit
Career Integration
- Professionalizing Your International Experience - PPT of tips for interviews, elevator pitches, speaking professionally about your study abroad, and putting your study abroad experience on your resume
- Study Abroad on Your Resume - PDF of examples
Cultural Adaptation
- Reverse Culture Shock YouTube Video by CWRU Students
- Turning Your Frustrations Into Action
- How to Help – Advice from Students to Parents
- Top Ten Challenges of Returning Home
Social Media
- CWRU Study Abroad Instagram, bringing the study abroad student experience right to your screen
- CWRU Study Abroad Facebook, explore all of our study abroad photos, events, and more
- CWRU Office of Education Abroad Campus Groups page to be the first to know about new opportunities