Transitioning Home
"Welcome back! We missed you!" These might be the only things that sound familiar to you as you re-enter the culture and environment that you knew as "home." Readjusting to your surroundings may be more stressful than you realized. Here are some hints to make that transition easier.
- Remember the transition to your host culture. You may encounter similar experiences returning to the United States. The stages of re-entry include: initial euphoria, irritability or hostility, gradual adjustment and adaptation.
- Realize that most students experience some stress readjusting to United States culture. Typically, the more you immersed yourself in the host culture, the more difficult you may find re-entry. Find someone who can update you on the university, local and national changes that might have taken place while you were away.
- You may recognize that many of your values and beliefs have changed. Learn to incorporate new and meaningful values and beliefs in your life.
- Understand that your friendships and relationships might change as a function of your new experiences. Explore new places and people with whom you can share your international experiences.
- Recognize that you may need some time to adjust to the hectic pace and pressures of university life. Learn to gradually increase the pace of your academic studies and extracurricular activities. You may notice that the "old ways" of managing your time and stress are no longer appropriate. Seek counsel from academic advisors, "veteran" study abroad students, and other supportive faculty and staff.
- Accept the reality that re-entry is a time of transition! Learn ways to take care of yourself and ease into your surroundings.
Prepared by Counseling and Psychological Services, Suite 214, Page Building, Duke University, 660-1000, http://caps.studentaffairs.duke.edu/
