One of the goals of internationalizing education through study abroad is to equip future global leaders with the knowledge and skills to be more respectful of other cultures and to think in terms of a global community. It is important to recognize the changes that you have undergone and to critically self-reflect on your experience. It is also important to recognize the signs of “reverse culture shock” and take the necessary steps to reacclimatize yourself. Approach your re-entry experience with the same creativity and open-mindedness you exercised abroad. Your new skill-set will help you reintegrate and prepare for the future. The study abroad experience has most likely increased your:
Independence
Adapting to a new way of life and learning new things in a different culture is always challenging.
Language Competency You have more likely increased your proficiency in other languages if you were studying in a non-Anglophone country.
Awareness of International Issues Leaving the comfort zone of home can be an eye-opening experience. Hopefully you remain keen on following world events and being an advocate of international peace and cooperation.
Sensitivity to Diversity You have now seen that there are very different ways of thinking, feeling, doing, and communicating. This will not only help your relationships with people whose values and customs may differ from yours, but will provide you with a better understanding of how your values and norms may be different, but not necessarily superior or inferior than others.
