Return

Welcome Back!

We can’t wait to see you. Stop by to say hello. In the meantime, here is some information to help with the transition.

Re-Entry Shock

One of the biggest challenges for students who participate in study abroad can be the difficulty in re-adapting to the realities in the U.S. (otherwise known as ‘re-entry’). After all, when studying abroad, you went through many changes, re-examining your priorities, values, and what you think of yourself and the U.S. The ‘reverse culture shock’ may be more difficult than the ‘culture shock’ you may have felt when abroad. There are usually two elements that characterize a study abroad student's re-entry: 

  • an idealized view of home
  • the expectation of total familiarity (that nothing at home has changed while you have been away)

Often, students expect to be able to pick up exactly where they left off. A problem arises when reality doesn’t meet these expectations. Home may fall short of what you had envisioned, and things may have changed at home: your friends and family have their own lives and things have happened since you’ve been gone.

The inconsistency between expectations and reality, plus the lack of interest on the part of family and friends (nobody seems to really care about all of your "when I was abroad" stories) may result in frustration, feelings of alienation, and mutual misunderstandings between study abroad students and their friends and family. Luckily, you can overcome reverse culture shock--here are some ideas:

Become a Global Ambassador!

One of the best ways to get involved with international education and study away is to volunteer with our office.  We're looking for returned and prospective study abroad/away students to become Global Ambassadors.  It's a great way to either become a peer mentor and advise students about your study abroad/away experience or learn more about why study abroad/away is an important part of your undergraduate degree and get involved in our outreach activities.  Learn more about these fun roles in the applications below.

Study Abroad Evaluation

You spent plenty of time before you left reading study abroad student blogs and looking at photos of all these fantastic destinations. Now it’s your turn! Once you return to the U.S., the Global Education Center will send you a link to an online survey, asking you questions about your program, your experience and any tips you may have for future study abroad students. 

Photo/Video Contest

We also hold a photo and video contest each semester, where you can share your experience visually (and win a prize!). We  publicize the contest via e-mail and Facebook, and you can stop by our office in Conant Hall 310 for details. You can also see previous winners on the Global Education Center's Facebook page.

Post-Study Abroad Academics

After you begin to readjust to being back home, visit your academic advisor. You should also check with your academic advisor to make sure that you are registered for all of the courses that you need for the upcoming semester and that you have filled out any financial aid or tuition forms that you will need for that year. Many returned study abroad students go on to do research abroad through the UNH International Research Opportunities Program or go overseas again on a post-baccalaureate fellowship.

New England Study Abroad Re-entry Conference

The annual New England study abroad re-entry conference provides an array of information to college and university students who have recently returned from a study abroad experience. Developed by a committee of volunteers in the study abroad field, the conference will offer sessions in adjusting to re-entry, becoming an advocate for study abroad, marketing your international experience, exploring careers in international fields, and finding opportunities to go abroad again. 

Career Development

If you are considering a career with an international component or looking for a job overseas, we also recommend that you visit UNH's Career and Professional Success office. CaPS provides various services for students seeking employment, and this is generally a good place to start looking for international job opportunities.

When you start looking for a job or career, think of the professional and personal growth you've undergone while away. If you can present these skills on your resume and in your interview(s) well, you can impress almost any employer.