worlds apart

About a month later, I am back in the U S of A.
I sit here in my suburban Georgia home and am tracing back through my memories to the last few months. It's hard to remember what it felt like to not be able to speak the native language, to be living with 20 other American students, to learn how to handle situations in a flexible manner. More than the culture shock I experience when I first landed in France, I had a tougher time getting used to the way things were.

Here is an article that describes the reverse culture shock that I experienced:

Reverse Culture Shock

By Janis M. Leet

In some cases, particularly where a person has adjusted exceptionally well to the host country, reverse culture shock may cause greater distress than the original culture shock. Robert Kohls, Survival Kit For Overseas Living.

When you return to the US you may experience some degree of what is called "reverse culture shock" or "re-entry shock". Although reverse culture shock may not be as significant as the initial culture shock you experienced upon going overseas, it can be more upsetting as it is often unexpected. (After all, you are returning to your "own" culture.)

Upon returning home, you will be glad to see your friends and family, and happy to be back in familiar territory. But at some point you will probably feel frustrated at not being able to communicate all of your thoughts and feelings about your study abroad experience.

You may notice that, although your friends are happy to see you, they are not interested in hearing about all of your experiences. You may feel somewhat alienated, finding that while you have grown and expanded your horizons, your friends have not. They may seem somewhat provincial and not interested in anything international.
During this transition period, it is especially important to keep in contact with your fellow study abroad students-they can provide a great support system. They will be interested in your experiences and will want to share your feelings about being back home.

As with initial culture shock, it requires time and effort for you to make a successful readjustment. There may be some frustrating moments at first, but it will all be worth it. Not only will you have learned about another culture, but you will also have gained a greater understanding of yourself and your own culture.
Suggestions for overcoming reverse culture shock are:

• Keep in contact with fellow international coop students, you will all want to share your re-entry experiences.
• Get involved in groups or activities both on and off campus that are international in focus (like volunteering or work study in the International Coop Office) or continue a new interest that you acquired while overseas.
• Ask a trusted friend to make a list of fads, vocabulary, TV shows, what's "in", etc. that may be new since you left to study abroad. This will help you feel in tune with what's going on in America now.
• If you practiced a new language while working abroad, try to keep it up. Join a conversation group or seek out international students with whom you can speak the language. They will welcome the opportunity to speak their native tongue and, as fellow international students, will enjoy sharing common experiences.

-----

To study a semester abroad in Lyon, France was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I have taken a deeper glimpse into another part of the world, first-hand, and realized that this world is bigger than I imagined. Not only did I learn more about the culture, language, food, and people of France, I have stepped into the global community and plan on being an active member. My perspectives on everyday things have changed tremendously and my mindset has definitely broadened towards larger horizons. Although it was only a semester, I changed a lot during those 4 months. I became a more flexible person - more willing to meet new people and learn about their backgrounds. I am more interested in international affairs, and am now reading world news as a daily task. Not only do I want to make a return trip to France, I am hoping to find a job that will place me somewhere in Europe for a few years after I graduate. As much as I love home and its comforts, I believe that home will always be here to take me back, no matter where I go or for how long. That's what I learned when I returned from my semester abroad. My family and friends were here to take me back with welcoming arms, and all I had to do was step back into where I left. The change I experienced during the last 4 months was essential, and I feel like it has equipped me with new qualities that will benefit me in the future. The semester flashed right before my eyes, and as much as I want to describe in words how great of an experience it was, words and pictures will just not do my experience justice. It is something to experience first-hand, and it is unique to each person. Towards the end of my semester, I possessed strong feelings of endearment towards the people I met, the places I've seen, and the things I've done. Lyon will always be in the happy parts of my most cherished memories, and it will be a semester I look back to with a smile on my face. I am more than glad that the semester was a success; in aspects of more than I can count.