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Re-Entry Shock

Difficulty Re-Adjusting Might Include

  • Restlessness
  • Rootlessness
  • Depression
  • Boredom
  • Uncertainty or confusion about the future
  • Changes in life goals and priorities
  • Alienation, isolation, wanting to be alone
  • Others don't seem to understand you
  • Negativity or intolerance toward the U.S. or your home country, including common behaviors, attitudes, and customs
  • Reverse homesickness: missing people, places, attitudes or lifestyles of your host country

  • Re-entry shock can be surprising and challenging in a different way
  • You expect to go through an adjustment period when living in a new country, but you don't expect to need to re-adjust to life in your home country
  • Sometimes you don't realize how much you've grown and changed until you return home

Even though your experiences abroad may have been transforming, some friends or family may tune you out when you want to talk about it with them.  This is a very common experience - don't take it personally.  Here are a few questions of what you can do instead:

  • Meet up with people who have had similar experiences, such as international students or other study abroad alumni, to share your experiences, frustrations and joys
  • Share your experience with others who are eager to hear about it: apply to become a Study Abroad Ambassador!

  • Be flexible and expect the unexpected
  • Let yourself be sad and miss the people and places from your study abroad experience
  • Keep up with current events from your host country
  • Get involved with international organizations or clubs
  • Give yourself time to reflect on how this experience has changed you
  • Focus on the positive ways you have grown because of the experiences you had and what you have learned
  • Keep a journal of your observations, memories and reflections - and don't forget to keep a sense of humor!
  • Accept that you have changes and things won't be the same as when you left - and that's OK!
  • Don't isolate yourself - stay involved with activities that you enjoy!
  • Give yourself TIME!

  • Did you come in contact with new and different values, beliefs or attitudes during your time abroad that resonate with you?
  • What values, beliefs & attitudes from home to you continue to identify with? 
  • In what ways do your new values, beliefs & attitudes confict with your old ones?
  • In what ways can your old values, beliefs & attitudes be redifined and intigrated with the new in your daily activities, interactions and relationships?
  • Are there any old values, beliefs & attitudes that you feel you need to give up? How would that affect your daily life and relationships?