Reverse Culture Shock
What is reverse culture shock?
Just as many students experience some degree of culture shock upon arrival in their host country, students may also find that they have trouble readjusting to American culture and their previous lifestyle when they return home.
Reverse culture shock is more commonly experienced in students who have spent extensive time abroad, but it may also be experienced by students returning from short-term study abroad programs as well.
How can reverse culture shock manifest itself?
- Students may have trouble reconciling the person they were before the study abroad experience and the new way they have come to self-identify.
- Students may feel frustrated by not knowing how to use the new skills they acquired abroad (e.g. language and cultural skills) back home.
- Students may have trouble coping with how relationships with family and friends may have to readjust upon return. Some students feel as though everything and everyone back home has stayed the same, while they have changed dramatically from their study abroad experience.
- Students may have trouble readjusting to a faster paced American lifestyle and may have gained new perspectives on American culture and politics as a result of living in another country.
- Students may feel overwhelmed by impending decisions regarding career and post-graduation plans, especially if they studied abroad during their senior year.
- Students may be unsure as to how they can incorporate their study abroad experience into their lives back home and how they can preserve the excitement they still feel for international education.
What are some of the ways to deal with reverse culture shock?
- Realize that it will take time to adjust to returning home just as it took time to adjust to your host country. The readjustment may be physically and emotionally draining, but in most cases the frustrating feelings you may be experiencing are temporary and will subside.
- Talk to the Education Abroad's staff. We are happy to discuss any issues you may be having in transitioning back home and can offer a helpful perspective on the reentry process.
- Become involved in study abroad again by being a peer advisor.
- Learn how to market your study abroad experience.
- Write about your study abroad experience. Transitions Abroad, Abroad View and Glimpse all accept submissions from students.
- Contact NKU Counseling Services if you feel you need professional guidance in coping with your return home.