Coming Home

For most returning students, the return "home" is the most challenging part of studying off campus.  While you expect to encounter cultural adjustment challenges -- or to feel culture shock -- when you go to a different culture, you don't expect to feel it when you return home or to campus.  But you've been changed by the experience and you look at things differently.  In most cases, you're more independent and mature.

Yes, you're excited to see friends and family.  But you're also sad that your time in the host country is over (at least for now).  You had a different routine in your host country, usually very different from your routine at home.  People you thought would be excited to hear about your adventures really want to hear about your adventures for about 3 1/2 minutes.  

What to do?

1. First, be sure to fill out the program evaluation.  Your grades won't be posted to your SLU transcript until you've submitted the evaluation and the Registrar has received your grades.
2. Be sure to register for classes that build on your experiences and what you learned.
3. Try to stay in touch with students who participated in the same program or with students who have studied abroad.  You may find that you have more in common now with someone who studied abroad than you do with some of your "old" friends. 
4. Apply to be a Peer Advisor.  If your program doesn't have a Peer Advisor, or you don't have time for those responsibilities, contact CIIS about other ways you can volunteer to help with information meetings, orientation, public presentations, and class visits.
5. Attend the Global Graduates Series.