10 Tips To Keep In Mind After Coming Back From Study Abroad

Readjusting back to life after studying abroad can be difficult and challenging. Other than getting your body back to your regular sleep cycle, who wouldn't be excited to share their experiences and catch up on everyone? Transitioning back takes time, some longer than others, and it can make you feel vulnerable of your "lost" independence of guilty of the things that you once took for granted. There will be times where you will miss your host country and want to go back but the way how you cope with reverse culture shock and the acute stress of readjusting can make a difference in this transition. Here are 10 tips to help you cope with this transition after study abroad life when trying to find familiarity in what seems to be an unfamiliar place.

1. Time

It will take time to readjust to life after coming home from abroad and take as much time as you need to. It is okay to reflect on your abroad experience and know that you do not need to fully take on the responsibilities and roles that you used to fill right away. You will need time to readjust back to your old routine and continue the relationships with your friends and families.

2. SLEEP

Sleep is essential! For every time zone that you cross, you will need that many hours of sleep for your body to fully recover from jet lag.

3. Coping with Reverse Culture Shock

Knowing that reverse culture shock is real can help you cope with the changes and the transition period of coming back. You may sometimes feel sad, depressed or even mad about certain things or aspects of American life that make you miss your time abroad. Talking to others about what you saw or experienced can help filter any built up guilt or anger inside of you.

4. Reconnect and Keep in Touch

No one will understand what you are going through other than those who have also studied abroad before. Reaching out to them may seem hard but it can help you release your emotions and connect with someone who have already walked in your shoes. It is also important to keep in touch with the friends who you made abroad. You are all going through similar situations trying to readjust and it can be very meaningful in giving each other support and advice. You are not alone.

5. Plan Things To Do When You Get Back

You may feel like there is nothing left for you to do or that there is no sense of freedom and independence anymore. Take the time to plan dates with friends and family to catch up and most importantly be in each other's spaces. It will help remind you of why it's great to be back home.

6. Keep Doing What You Do

If you kept a journal or kept in touch with a close friend back at home while you were abroad, continue to do that. By doing this, it will help you find stability and familiarity no matter how hard or rocky the transition period may be.

7. Academics Will Be Different

The academic culture and expectations of your host country may be different from America and will take time to readjust to academic life and relearn your study habits. It's normal to feel lost or even confused on the first week of classes when you are back from abroad and you may even feel lazy or do not want to put in effort to your academics. If you need an extra push to get back onto your feet, it does not hurt to talk to your academic advisor or friends or even find a peer tutor.

8. Not Everyone Can Study Abroad

There is no harm in telling others about your study abroad experience but it is important to be modest about it. Not everyone is able to afford to study abroad nor is everyone suited to the study abroad life. Don't ridicule them for not understanding cultural aspects of your host country or events that you encountered when you are trying to explain it to them.

9. Put Your Experience and Expertise to Use

Assist others who are also thinking of studying abroad or if they are interested in applying to the same university that you studied at. You can put your experience to use by sharing your experiences and offer advice to prospective study abroad students. You can also help promote your program or be a peer advisor for the study abroad office.

10. Make Plans to Go Back, or Visit a New Country

Understand that just because you did not get to do all the things that you wanted to do when you first went, it does not mean that you cannot go back. It will give you something to look forward to because you already know what it is like to travel. You can always continue your adventures by going back to your host country, or explore other countries as well whether if it is just traveling or seeking a job or internship abroad.