Change is difficult. It affects people at different times and in different ways. During your last week at home and first couple of weeks in your new study abroad city, you probably experienced culture shock, that “what am I doing here, what is going on, get me home right now,” type of feeling. It’s normal. People rarely ever talk about the reverse culture shock of returning home, though. So…let’s discuss a little bit about what reverse culture shock looks like and how to deal with it. 

The summit of Mt. Cook 

Cradle Mountain National Park 

Upon returning home, your first couple days back should be awesome. It will be nice to see your family and friends, sleep in your own bed, and eat a home-cooked meal. But, that first time sitting on the couch with nothing to do may be pretty difficult. As it was an adjustment to move across the world, slowing down and returning to your old way of living may be just as taxing. This is normal. 

My friends and I in Hà Giang, Vietnam 

Class trip to the Opera House 

If the memories of the last semester start to fade and feel more like a dream than a lived experience, it can help to re-read old journal entries or look back through pictures. During these difficult or low points at home continue to reflect; these feelings and events are all included in your study abroad experience. 

A day trip to Royal National Park

Roar and Snore at the Taronga Zoo 

You may feel out of place. Like no one can relate to your experiences or understand them. When family and friends would ask about my experience, I had trouble explaining the experiences of my last three months, because of how unique they were. In this case, it can help to keep in touch with friends you made abroad. Fostering the memories in your new community of friends can give you a place to relive experiences with people who shared them with you, those who can truly relate to your travels and life abroad. 

Summit of Mt. Wellington 

Sydney’s skyline at sunrise 

Focus on two or three things that you learned or areas of growth during your study abroad experience and apply them to your life at home. Returning home can sometimes feel like you are being morphed unintentionally back into a younger version of yourself. By intentionally applying a few principles or lessons to your life, you won’t feel as overwhelmed by the drastic change between cultures and your way of life.