A Thoughtful Return
Since time upon re-entry may be scarce, we encourage you to record in your journal your thoughts on these questions to prepare you for returning home: In what ways have I changed? In what ways might my family and friends have changed? How would I like my family and friends to treat me when I return home? What am I looking forward to the most? What are the lessons I have learned that I never want to forget? What are some skills I have learned? Many say the re-entry shock is more challenging than initial culture shock. What are some things I might do to make the transition easier? What have been the important things about this study abroad experience that I want to share with family and friends? What do I want to do with the experiences I’ve had (e.g., continue studying the language)?
