Lori Meadows
International students often face a period of adjustment when returning home after studying abroad, a process known as 're-entry shock' or 'reverse culture shock'. This transition can be exciting as individuals reunite with family and friends, but it may also bring challenges. Some students may worry about uncertainty in job prospects and the time-consuming visa processes in their home countries. Others may experience feelings of depression, irritability, and trouble with eating or sleeping. These symptoms can vary in severity and duration, with some individuals adjusting quickly, while others may take months or years to feel comfortable again in their home country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for returning home | Unable to find a job, personal choice, difficulty obtaining a visa, better career opportunities in home country, etc. |
| Emotional impact | Excitement, fear, happiness at reuniting with family and friends, uncertainty about the future, reverse culture shock, feeling like a guest in your own country, judging home culture harshly, depression |
| Practical considerations | Passport and visa renewals, uncertainty in finding a full-time role, perception of degree in the home country job market |
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What You'll Learn
- Reverse culture shock is a common experience
- International students may face uncertainty about their job prospects back home
- Some students may worry about the perception of their degree in their home country
- The excitement of returning home can be coupled with fears about the future
- International students may feel that they don't fit in back home anymore
Reverse culture shock is a common experience
International students returning home after an extended period of time abroad often experience a period of adjustment, known as "reverse culture shock". This phenomenon has received scholarly attention since as early as 1944, when Scheutz examined the difficulties faced by returning armed forces veterans. Reverse culture shock arises from changes that occur during an individual's time overseas, encompassing both personal growth and shifts in their home country.
The experience of reverse culture shock can vary significantly in type and severity. Initially, individuals may enjoy a "honeymoon phase", relishing the comforts of home, reuniting with loved ones, and indulging in familiar foods and cultural conveniences. However, as the excitement subsides, they may encounter a range of emotional phases. Common feelings include harsh judgement of the home culture, a sense of disconnection, confusion, and frustration with aspects of daily life that were previously unnoticeable.
Reverse culture shock may also manifest as a sense of loss for the life left behind abroad, including friends, co-workers, or a host family. Individuals may feel that they have changed and will never fit in again, experiencing symptoms of depression, excessive tiredness, trouble eating or sleeping, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, irritability, and mood swings. These feelings can be exacerbated by the perception that those around them cannot relate to their experience or understand their struggles.
It is important to recognize that reverse culture shock is a common and valid experience. International students can proactively navigate this transition by seeking support from counselling services, connecting with other international students, and finding ways to continue exploring new cultures within their home country. By embracing the feelings that arise during this period of adjustment, individuals can emerge more worldly and prepared for future adventures.
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International students may face uncertainty about their job prospects back home
International students often harbour aspirations of securing employment in their host countries after graduation. However, they may face several challenges in their pursuit of better job prospects. Firstly, there are logistical requirements, such as obtaining a work visa. For instance, the H-1B visa for the United States has an annual cap of 85,000, and the lottery system used to allocate these visas means that even qualified applicants may not receive one. This issue is further compounded by employer reluctance to sponsor visas due to the associated complexities and costs.
Secondly, international students may encounter cultural and communication barriers that hinder their ability to integrate smoothly into the professional environment of their host country. Differences in communication styles, work expectations, and social norms can create difficulties in interviews and on the job. Additionally, economic downturns can lead to higher unemployment rates, increasing competition for jobs. In such scenarios, international graduates may find themselves at a disadvantage if employers prioritize hiring domestic candidates.
Moreover, international students returning to their home countries may experience a period of adjustment known as "re-entry shock" or "reverse culture shock". This phenomenon arises from the personal changes experienced while living abroad and the changes that have occurred in their home country during their absence. Symptoms of re-entry shock can vary in type and severity, ranging from harsh judgement of the home culture to feelings of depression and irritability.
Lastly, international students may face financial challenges in their host countries due to high living costs and low-paying part-time jobs. These challenges can impact their ability to support themselves financially during their studies and may extend into their job search after graduation.
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Some students may worry about the perception of their degree in their home country
International students often face challenges when adapting to a new culture and education system. The top four destinations for international students are the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada, and these countries have seen an increase in the number of international students over the years.
Language barriers can also play a role in the perception of an international student's degree. Students whose first language is not English may face challenges in understanding and speaking, especially with the use of slang and fast-paced conversation. This can make both classroom discussions and written assignments difficult. Additionally, international students may be reluctant to ask for clarification due to fear of offending others or appearing insecure, which can further impact their understanding and performance.
Cultural differences can also affect the perception of an international student's degree. For example, in some cultures, it is considered disrespectful to counter or debate a professor's opinion, while in the US, students who participate in classroom discussions and debate well are valued and graded higher. International students may also face stereotyping and discrimination due to their accent or manner of speaking, which can impact how their degree is perceived.
Overall, it is understandable that international students may worry about the perception of their degree in their home country. These worries are valid, and students may face challenges due to cultural and educational differences. However, it is important to remember that each person's experience is unique, and there are also success stories of international students who have returned home and found fulfilling careers. Support services and mentorship opportunities are also available at many universities to help international students navigate these challenges.
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The excitement of returning home can be coupled with fears about the future
International students often experience a mix of excitement and fear when returning home after an extended period of living overseas. On the one hand, they look forward to reuniting with family and friends and enjoying familiar aspects of their home country. However, they may also worry about the uncertainties that lie ahead and the prospect of leaving behind the life they built abroad.
The initial days or weeks of returning home, often referred to as the "honeymoon period," are typically filled with excitement and reunions. However, as the celebrations subside and students settle back into their lives, they may encounter symptoms of "re-entry shock" or "reverse culture shock." This period of adjustment arises from changes that occurred during their time abroad, both personally and in their home country.
Students may experience a sense of disconnect from their home culture, judging it harshly and feeling that it will never measure up to their host culture. They may also struggle with the overwhelming feeling of having to start their lives over, questioning if returning home was a mistake. Some students worry about how they have changed and whether they will ever fit in again with their friends and family back home.
Additionally, practical concerns, such as job prospects and visa hassles, can contribute to the fears associated with returning home. International students may worry about how their degrees will be perceived in their home country's job market and whether they will find fulfilling career opportunities. Navigating visa processes and facing the possibility of immigration lotteries can also be daunting prospects.
Despite these fears, it is important to remember that the feelings of uncertainty and displacement will subside with time. Students will eventually adjust and feel at home again, strengthened by the bonds they have formed and the personal growth they have experienced during their time abroad.
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International students may feel that they don't fit in back home anymore
International students returning home after an extended period abroad often experience a period of adjustment, known as re-entry shock or reverse culture shock. This phenomenon arises from the personal changes that occur during their time overseas, as well as the changes that may have taken place in their home country. While the initial days or weeks may be filled with excitement and reunions, the true symptoms of reverse culture shock may emerge once the "honeymoon period" ends.
International students may find themselves judging their home culture harshly and feeling that it will never live up to the culture of their host country. They may feel that they have changed too much to fit in with their old surroundings, or that they need to start their lives over from scratch. This sense of disconnection can lead to feelings of depression, such as excessive tiredness, trouble with eating or sleeping, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, irritability, and mood swings.
The pressure to achieve academically and financially, coupled with social and cultural isolation, can contribute to emotional difficulties during their time abroad. International students often face high tuition fees and living costs, leading to increased pressure to excel in practical or lucrative majors. They may also encounter challenges in adapting to the academic culture, such as debating with professors or participating in classroom discussions, which can impact their grades and sense of belonging.
Upon returning home, international students might struggle to readjust to their home culture's norms and values, especially if they have grown accustomed to the openness around sexuality and gender identity, or informal relationships with authority figures experienced in their host country. They may also face challenges in reconnecting with their support network back home, as their friends and family may not fully understand the transformative experiences they have undergone during their time abroad.
To navigate these challenges, international students can consider several strategies. Maintaining connections with friends from their time abroad can provide a sense of shared understanding and help ease feelings of isolation. Journaling can also be a valuable outlet for processing re-entry thoughts and emotions. Additionally, recognizing that the reverse culture shock is a common and temporary phase can help students persevere through this transition.
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Frequently asked questions
International students returning home after living overseas often experience a period of adjustment, known as re-entry shock or reverse culture shock. This can include a range of feelings and symptoms, such as judging the home culture harshly, feeling that the home culture is inferior to the previous host culture, feeling that you have changed too much to fit in, or feeling depressed and irritable.
The duration of re-entry shock can vary, with some individuals experiencing no effects and others taking months or even years to re-adjust. However, it's important to remember that the shock will eventually fade with time, and everyone adjusts and feels at home again.
International students may face challenges such as feeling overwhelmed by having to start their lives over, thinking that returning home was a mistake, or feeling that their degree may not be perceived well in their home country's job market. They may also have to deal with the hassle of visa and passport renewals, which can impact their work and travel plans.
Returning home can also have its advantages. International students may look forward to reuniting with family and friends and enjoying aspects of their home country that they missed. Additionally, they may find better job opportunities or a higher standard of living in their home country.
