Reverse Culture Shock

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Introduction

In 2007 I gave a workshop at Smith College to house-residents, to better help them understand the state of mind of students returning for a junior semester or year abroad.

I had experienced a reverse culture-shock when I came back to the States after a whole uninterrupted year spent directing Smith Junior-Year Abroad (JYA) program in Geneva, Switzerland. I hope the few links and presentations below will help people who may have experienced the shock of re-entry in the States, or have loved ones who are going through this important life-changing experience.

Resources: presentation and useful links

• Surviving Re-entry: A readjustment manual for parents, by Leonore Cavallero. A great little manual that is non only very instructive, but fun to read. A must for parents or house-residents!
• A Powerpoint presentation on re-entry. A 30-45 minute support for discussion on reentry. The presentation hits on four topics: the problem, the signs, what can we do, and resources.
• The New England Study Abroad Reentry Conference: Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Northeastern University
• Return: Readying the re-enter, reinvented, A nice brochure and overview of the issues associated with reentry, from the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)