Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting experiences of your college life. You'll gain a completely new perspective on a subject, a culture, and a part of the world that transcends in-class learning. It's natural to want to share your deepened understandings with friends, family, and classmates.
While you may have changed substantially, especially if you've been studying abroad for a semester or more, it may come as a surprise that re-entering your home community environment may not always be as smooth as anticipated. Thoughts may occur such as, "I've changed so much, but no one at home has," or "The people in my host country had a better way of doing some things".
Prepare for an enjoyable re-entry into your everyday routine back home:
Focus on integrating your study abroad into your academic life. You can find numerous suggestions about ways to internationalize your CU Denver experience on our Staying Connected With Your Study Abroad Experience page.
If you find that your reverse culture shock has not begun to get better after being back at home for a few months, you may want to consider speaking with a mental health professional or a staff member at the CU Denver Student and Community Counseling Center. Reverse culture shock is completely normal, although it can trigger issues like depression, so it is important to address any lingering sadness or frustration in order to readjust to life at home.
Additional Resources on Re-Entry/Reverse Culture Shock