One aspect of study abroad that was an afterthought to me was adjusting after moving back to the US. It is hard not to be sad upon return after leaving behind a month of adventures, friendships, and new experiences. There is also the task of overcoming reverse culture shock.
After arriving home, I found it difficult to talk about my time abroad. I did not want my family/friends to think I was bragging, but I also wanted to give them the best visual for what I experienced. One way I explained my adventures, was when I showed the souvenirs I brought back. It was an easy way to explain where the item came from and how I found it.
There is also the aspect of feeling like you have moved on, but your hometown has remained unchanged. It is difficult to feel that the town you grew up in has been left behind. To solve this problem, I got out in the community and met with various friends in different places throughout the town. That helped me relearn directions and catch up on the lives of people who stayed.
As for the missing sense of adventure, I decided to plan several trips with friends and family. After adjusting to home and completing an internship, I drove off to the beach. I spent time with friends for one week and then drove to family for the next week. It helped me get away from any negative emotions I brought back home with me. Then, I drove to Ohio to visit an older brother who was celebrating his 26th birthday. We were able to catch up on everything that had happened over the summer which gave me space to talk about my trip abroad.
In the end, it can be hard to return home when normal doesn’t feel as normal as it used to. It can take time to readjust, but spending time with friends and family in places you love can help you get back into the flow of normal life.
Here are a few of the pictures I have taken in my American travels over the past month.
