study abroad returnees student affairs jan 30, 2014
TRANSCRIPT
Goodbye Adventure, Hello Home
Returning homeafter studying abroad
Jill S. Fischer, January 30, 2014
Study Abroad Returnee: a student coming back to campus after studying abroad
SA: Abbreviation for study abroad
Reentry: the period of time immediately after study abroad; could be a long reentry or short reentry, depending on the student and their experience. (Lifelong reentry)
Reentry Shock / Reentry Adjustments: “The reverse culture shock experienced when the expatriate returns to their home country” (web definition.)
Some Terminology
“Culture shock is the expected
confrontation with the unfamiliar.”
“Reentry shock is the unexpected
confrontation with the familiar”
-Michael Paige, UofMN profMaximizing Study Abroad
Students think they are returning ‘home’, a place they know well, as
a changed person,
but they often find ‘home’ has changed while they were gone.
Creates dissonance and requires re-rooting, and adjustment
process
Reentry Adjustment Curve (over simplified)Downloaded from website, 1/16/13
http://www.esf.edu/international/adjustment.htm
Top 10 Challenges* of Reentry:
1. Boredom2. No one wants to hear3. You can’t explain it4. Reverse homesickness5. Relationships have changed6. People see the wrong changes7. People misunderstand8. Feelings of alienation/Critical eyes9. Inability to apply new knowledge and skills10.Loss/Compartmentalization of ExperienceAdapted from Dr. Bruce La Brack, School of International Studies, University of the Pacific
* Returnees may experience these challenges to varying degrees. Returnees may experience some of these, or may
experience none of these – everyone is different.
Returnee may feel: Down/sad/blah Unmotivated Unengaged in classes, work, friends, interests Unreasonably critical of ‘home’ culture Cranky/irritable Crying/emotional (more than normal) Frustrated with self and/or others Place extreme focus on experience abroad
Considered normal part of re-adjustment
Manifestations of Reentry Shock
When it goes beyond ‘normal’ Returnee is in an extended ‘rut’ Returnee is isolating themselves for
extended periods of time Doesn’t seem to get better, Returnee
doesn’t seem to have any good days Returnee tells you it’s time
When to get concerned?
Encourage Returnee to PROCESS & SHARE & UTILIZE RESOURCES
◦ Don’t “pack up” the experience and put it away!
◦ Some of the richest learning can come AFTER one’s return from study abroad via processing the experience (reflection, sharing, picture organizing, etc.)
What can we do?
CSL staff (Chris and Amy in Vocation; Career Counseling)
Counseling Center – don’t have to have a “problem” to visit with them; can simply want to process
D-Center Academic Advising Center Jill in CICE –individual debriefing sessions
Returnee’s mentor, Academic Advisor, Profs, CF, RD, etc.
Reentry Core Group - inactive-ish; want to join?
People Resources and Programming for Returnees:
CICE reentry email – sent semesterly, lists resources & upcoming events
Email to Academic Advisors Reentry Class – next fall (Intercultural Issues)
Pizza and Pictures – semesterly social gathering for recent returnees
Annual Minnesota Returnee Conference (fall, being revised)
Well-Being Center (?) new ideas… Caf’ Returnee Table,
Facebook Group and CICE Sessions – discuss various topics
People Resources and Programming for Returnees:
CICE Website – Reentry Strategies - HUB
On-line Resources:
◦Reentry adjustment info◦Links to other websites –
Engaging Study Abroad, What’s Up With Culture, etc.
◦Resources for Going Abroad Again◦Resume/Job Search/Integration/Career links◦Reading List◦How to get involved◦Coping Tips◦and more…
Reentry Strategies Includes
