Settling back in

Some students say they feel a bit down when returning to ‘real life’ after a period abroad.  This is a normal part of the Culture Shock Wave or W-Curve.

What is Reverse Culture Shock?

Reverse culture shock, also called re-entry shock, happens when you return from an extended time abroad (e.g. study abroad, internsip or workplacemenet) and struggle to re-acclimate to your once familiar surroundings. It may not happen immediately upon arriving back home, as there will likely be a “high” associated with seeing family and friends, eating your favorite foods, and seeing familiar places again. This article on GlobalGraduates gives a humorous insight into some of what you might feel.

Symptoms of Reverse Culture Shock

When you return you may feel somewhat alienated. You have had experiences that people who stayed home will struggle to understand. You are excited, changed, and you want to share; but your pictures and stories may not land with them in the same way as you feel them. That’s ok! It’s natural. It’s hard for your friend group or family to identify with experiences they have not themselves had.

How to deal with Reverse Culture Shock

  • CommunicateTalk with your friends and family about your experience.
  • Stay MotivatedKeep working on yourself, and keep the lessons that you’ve learned during your time abroad close.
  • Be PatientYou will slowly overcome and work through whatever challenging feelings you may have and will eventually integrate them into your life at home.
  • Keep Connected - Keep in touch with people you met while abroad! -  Join an alumni program if the organization you went abroad with has one
  • Stay AdventurousMake new friends, join different clubs, find new things to do in your familiar city. You can construct mini-adventures for yourself so you stay engaged with your surroundings and keep motivated for your next steps in life.

Help is at Hand!

Do give it a little time to readjust, but if you ultimately find you are having real difficulties fitting back in to university life here in Manchester and this starts to affect your wellbeing then don’t hesitate to seek help and talk this through with staff here in Manchester.  You could talk to your Academic Adviser, your Placement Coordinator or Student Support staff in your School, or you could contact staff in the International Programmes Office or make an appointment with the University’s Counselling Service