Living abroad transforms one’s perspective, builds autonomy, and brings new experiences to life. But what about when the time comes to return home? Surprisingly, returning can be as hard as leaving overseas. This is called reverse culture shock, and it takes students by surprise. Suddenly, home is strange, old routines no longer work, and conversations about life abroad don’t always sound realistic to friends and family.
Even though reverse culture shock is part of the normal process, awareness can make it easier. This is what to expect, why it happens, and how to navigate the sense of being a stranger in your own home.
What Is Reverse Culture Shock, and Why Does It Occur?
Returning home is supposed to be comforting, but after years or months away, things may not be the same. Reverse culture shock happens when returning to a familiar environment presents surprising difficulties. The world that used to be second nature may be different, and even personal habits or values may have changed. This is because international study opens minds and exposes individuals to new modes of thought. The day-to-day experience of living abroad necessitates adjustment to new customs, ways of life, and expectations. Coming home again requires readjustment, not only to a location, but to a form of self that has evolved.
The Psychological and Emotional Challenges of Returning Home
The initial few weeks home are typically full of enthusiasm, catching up with friends, revisiting old hangouts, and enjoying home comforts. But when the novelty begins to wear off, trouble can ensue. Conversations can feel stale, and stories of life abroad may not be given the same welcome they were told. Even habits acquired abroad, such as greeting others differently, eating at different times, or speaking a different language, can suddenly feel awkward.
Beyond social accommodations, emotions can change. A common mix of frustration, loneliness, and even nostalgia is found. Family and friends might want things to resume as before, but personal growth in a foreign land renders this impossible. All of these are part of the adjustment process, and recognizing them is the first step toward breaking down.
How to Adjust and Get the Most Out of the Experience
Part of accepting the return home involves keeping that connection alive. Remaining in touch with foreign friends ensures that the connection to the time in life is not broken. Integrating new behaviors acquired abroad into daily life in the homeland can make the transition easier. Participating in international communities, language clubs, or cultural events can also ensure a sense of international connection. Most importantly, patience is required. Just as becoming accustomed to a new nation took time, adjusting to home takes it, too.
Global spirit extends well beyond foreign time away abroad at EMLV Business School. Global diversity of student recruitment, global partnerships, and international alumni networks worldwide provide EMLV’s network with liberation from geography.
As students participate in exchange programs overseas, multicultural projects, or international job postings, they become part of a family of individuals from around the globe gathered in the same space. This global outlook not only shapes educational experiences but also creates lifelong friendships and professional networks that thrive no matter where they end up in life.
Reverse culture shock reminds one of how much one’s development has been affected by studying abroad and, in good time, how home will come to feel like home again, but in a fresh, sophisticated incarnation.
