6 Stages Of Returning From Study Abroad

So you've studied abroad, and now you're back at your home university. We've heard that these are the 6 stages that you probably go through when you return.

1. Excitement

Photo from the Maryland-In-Barcelona program

You cannot wait to re-acclimate to your home turf and hear about everything you missed. What have your friends been up to? Are there new buildings or restaurants to explore? The possibilities are endless!

2. Overwhelmed

Photo from PUAF Maryland Short Term: Ethiopia, Summer 2015

Some things haven't changed at all while you were gone. Other things have changed A LOT. It's overwhelming. Someone press the pause button. This is a lot to handle.

3. Sadness

Photo from PUAF Maryland Short Term: politics and development Ethiopia, Summer 2015

All of this change makes you want things to go back to how they were before you went abroad. And you REALLY miss your abroad university.

4. Anger

Photo by http://K.Shih, Peru 2012

Where's the exotic cuisine? Where are the fancy accents? Back to the dining hall? NO. You realize that no matter how hard you try, you CAN'T rewind to the good old days.

5. Acceptance

Photo by Hannah Wegman: UMD-Summer: France- French Language & Culture on the Mediterranean; Summer 2015

You had a great time abroad. Good. You're back home now. Great. These are all good things after all. You wouldn't trade your time abroad for anything.

6. Exhilaration

Photo by Hannah Wegman: UMD-Summer: France- French Language & Culture on the Mediterranean; Summer 2015

You're not the same person that you were before you studied abroad. Everything around you looks different. It's all shiny and new and you get to move on with the greatest experience behind you. You're prepared, personally and professionally, for ANYTHING that comes your way- and this is more important than ALL of the above.