Coming home can be one of the most surprising parts of any abroad experience and an aspect of a voyage that is often given the least amount of thought or preparation. Everyone's return is different. For some it may be wonderful to reunite with family and friends and to enjoy the comforts known and trusted. Others may find it a bit more difficult to transition back into their "old" lives and find valuable ways of using their newly gained skills and global awareness. 

If you find that your transition back into the states is a bit difficult, don't worry it is completely normal. This is called Reverse Culture Shock. Dr. Bruce LaBrack provides great insight into the symptoms of reverse culture shock and the challenges it can present. He also provides suggestions on how to combat them. Take a look at some of his findings in this PDF. 

The PSU Education Abroad Office has also developed a series of resources that we encourage you to explore.  Re-entry is different for everyone and finding ways to maximize what you learned from your time abroad in a way that works for you is what is most important. Here are a few resources we suggest you start with:

• Become a Peer Advisor in or volunteer for the Education Abroad Office
• Participate in PSU's Re-entry Workshop Series (more coming soon)

Remember, change can be positive! You have new ideas and a better sense of who you are and what you can do. You have grown and developed as a person. You know your strengths, have learned new interpersonal skills and have shared incredible experiences. These positive changes help to form global citizens!