What is reverse culture shock? Reverse culture shock is the experience of “culture shock” upon returning home after living in another culture. After talking to a couple of my friends who have studied abroad, it took them some time to get adjusted to being back home. Though being home can feel familiar and comfortable, there are nuances in life in Spain that will be missed. Here are some tips that have helped me and others during our transition:
How can you tackle reverse culture shock?
Personally, I feel that my transition back to the states was a bit smoother because I took advice from someone else who had studied abroad and recommended that I stayed in touch with my study abroad organization at school and within the clubs that I was already a part of while abroad. This helped me feel like I didn’t miss too much and that I had support readily available whenever I missed life in Barcelona. Here are some more tips about what you can do while abroad to help prepare and lessen your reverse culture shock:
What to do while abroad to lessen reverse culture shock?
All in all, life is still a journey that takes its own course, whether you’re currently studying abroad, thinking about studying abroad, or back in your home country. I am proud of you! I believe in you! And ANYTHING is possible with even just a bit of hope and faith. 🙂