Returning Home
On this page:
- Welcome Back: Transitioning Home
- Understanding the Re-Entry Phase
- Overcoming Reverse Culture Shock
- Academic Next Steps 听
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Welcome Back: Transitioning Home
Welcome back from your amazing experience abroad! We hope your journey was filled with unforgettable moments, new friendships, and valuable learning experiences. As exciting as it is to return home, it鈥檚 important to recognize that re-adjusting to life back home can be just as challenging as your initial adjustment to your host country. This process, often referred to as 鈥渞everse culture shock,鈥� can catch many travelers by surprise.
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Understanding the Re-Entry Phase
The re-entry phase is a critical part of your study abroad experience, and the University Center for International Education (UCIE) is here to support you every step of the way.
"No one cares about the changes I鈥檝e experienced.鈥� It鈥檚 not uncommon to feel this way after returning home. You鈥檝e had incredible experiences that have likely changed your perspective on the world, and it can be frustrating when others don鈥檛 seem as interested or cannot fully relate. Remember, it鈥檚 not that they don鈥檛 care鈥攐ften, they just haven鈥檛 shared the same experiences and might not know how to engage with your stories.
To share your experiences:
Get Active
Join UCIE鈥檚 vibrant community by sharing your photos and stories on our social media platforms.
Participate in Events
Enter your best photos in the annual UCIE photo contest, and join us at events like the International Friendship Affair, where you can connect with others who understand the value of your journey.
Engage with Your Community
Consider giving presentations or talks about your experiences, volunteering with international students, or mentoring future study abroad participants.
By actively sharing your journey, you not only help others understand your experiences but also keep the memories alive and continue growing from them.
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Overcoming Reverse Culture Shock
Just as you adapted to a new culture abroad, you now face the task of re-adapting to your own culture鈥攁 process that can be unexpectedly challenging. You may find that things that once felt normal now seem strange or that you miss certain aspects of your host culture. This reverse culture shock can manifest in feelings of restlessness, frustration, or even sadness.
- Be Patient with Yourself.听Adjusting takes time, and it鈥檚 important to be patient with yourself during this process. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with re-entry, and don鈥檛 rush the transition. Engage in activities that bring you joy and comfort, whether it鈥檚 spending time with loved ones, indulging in your favorite hobbies, or simply relaxing in familiar surroundings.
- Reflect on Your Experience.听Give yourself the space to process everything you鈥檝e been through. Continue writing in a journal or blog, and take time to reflect on how your worldview has shifted. These changes may be subtle or profound, but each is a testament to your growth. Whether your perspective has altered in small or significant ways, the impact of these changes is deeply meaningful.
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Academic Next Steps
For students who participated in External Partner Programs or Exchange Programs, it鈥檚 important to stay connected with your study abroad advisor:
Notify of Course Changes
If there were any changes to your proposed course sheet while abroad, please inform your advisor promptly. This ensures that your academic records are accurate and that your credits are properly transferred.
Grade Processing
Your grades will be sent from the foreign institution to the UCIE, and once 糖心原创 has finished processing your international transcript, your grades will be posted online.
Graduating Soon?
听If you鈥檙e graduating the semester after your return, let your study abroad advisor know. This allows us to expedite the processing of your international transcript, so your graduation plans remain on track.
