Travel Resources

Coming Home

Reverse Culture Shock

While you are away experiencing a different culture, your friends and family will also be experiencing changes. They may not seem interested in where you have been, or what you have learned. You may find it difficult to put into words all the things you want to share with them.

Many returning students become quite negative about American society – it’s too materialistic, ignorant of the rest of the world, etc. – and they tend to withdraw or want to return immediately to their host country.

Know that these feelings are all part of the cultural growing process that began when you first decided to study abroad. Some students experience very mild reverse culture shock, others more severe. By being aware of these feelings, you are more likely to have an easier time adjusting to life “back home.”

“The most difficult time of adjustment I had was when I came home. I hadn’t realized that coming back to a place I thought I knew could be so frustrating!” Former Study Abroad Student

Issues you may face upon your return home can include:
• Accomplishments. Often, students don’t fully comprehend their experiences abroad until they have returned.
• New skills. You will have accomplished a great deal while studying overseas. You may speak a new language or have new lingo.
• Loss of status. While overseas, you may enjoy a certain status as informal ambassador. Returning home and being “normal” again can prove difficult.
• Friendships. You will say goodbye to new friends overseas, and come back to old friendships that have changed or disappeared. Your old friends may not understand your experience overseas, and it may seem to you that they don't care.
• Family relationships. Sometimes it is hard to remember that life goes on while you are studying abroad. Don’t forget that things at home may have changed. You may feel out of place at first, but this will pass.
• University life. Returning to an SPU classroom may at first feel bizarre after such a unique academic experience overseas.

SPU Evaluations

Seattle Pacific University requests that all returning study abroad students complete and return an evaluation of their program after they return to campus. The form will be emailed to each student upon his or her return.

These evaluations will help other students who come to the Study Abroad office seeking up-to-date information about the programs.