This page will address issues you might be facing when returning from an extensive time spent abroad, how to cope with them and provide you with useful tips on how to market your study abroad experience on the international job market.
Reverse Culture Shock:
- The process of re-adjusting to life in your home country after living abroad
- This is often unexpected and difficult, but it is unique to each person. It may be more difficult than going abroad.
Some Symptoms you might be feeling:
- Alienation/Withdrawal
- Boredom, frustration, uncertainty
- Negativity towards American behavior
- Reverse homesickness
- Feelings of resistance toward family and friends
Some skills you have gained:
- Personal growth and change
- New knowledge, skills and behavioral patterns learned while abroad
- New Relationships with family and friends
- Different academic system and academic independence
Stages of Reverse Culture Shock
- 1st stage: excited to return home. Still in host country
- 2nd stage: out of place, irritable and frustrated, depressed, disoriented
- 3rd stage: gradual readjustment to life at home and fall back into old routines
Coping Strategies
- Acknowledge your adjustment
- Share your experiences with others
- Talk to people who understand your situation and to other students returning from studying abroad
- Keep in touch with friends from your host culture
- Maintain sense of humor!
Getting involved at IIT!
- Share your experience with prospective study abroad students
- Participate in activities within Multicultural affairs and the International Center, such as Study Abroad Fair, International Fest
- Get to know international students on campus!
Stay Multicultural in Chicago
- Cultural Center’s activities
- Volunteer/Community Service
- Continue to take language courses
- Join international groups/organizations
- Keep up with international issues through newspapers, television, films
Career Development
- Market your international experience on your resume and in your interviews
- Work/volunteer overseas
- Consider a career with an international component
- Visit the CMC for resources: www.cmc.iit.edu
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