Chances are, if you have ever lived abroad, you already know that returning home again can be just as difficult of an adjustment as it was when you first went abroad. Often referred to as re-entry, returning home after living overseas can be a huge challenge that requires patience, time and an understanding of what you will probably encounter when you return home. Here are a few steps that will help ease the transition.
Realize that you are returning home a different person than when you left, and you’re going to need time to adjust. Be patient with yourself and take the time that you need to gain your footing again and to determine what you want to do next.
Be understanding of others who are going to expect you to be the same person you were when you left. You will undoubtedly have gone through changes--whether major or minor--so be patient with family and friends as they get to know the new you.
Find others who have lived abroad with whom you can talk and share your experiences. A common complaint of those who have lived or studied abroad is no one at home really wants to listen to stories from the time abroad, which often results in feelings of loneliness, depression and longing for the foreign home.
Talk to others who are interested in your experiences. For example, if you have studied abroad, you might want to contact your university’s study abroad office and offer to mentor another student considering study abroad or hold an informational seminar for those students considering studying abroad.
Create a scrapbook of memories--including photos, receipts, theater or museum stubs and other souvenirs--from your time abroad. In addition to having a lifelong keepsake, you will be able look at it during those times when you are feeling down or homesick.
Keep in touch with your friends abroad by email, phone or traditional snail mail. You may even want to begin thinking about your next trip abroad to see those friends.
Write about your experiences abroad. In addition to keeping a journal to help you to adjust and to explore your feelings about returning home, consider writing an article or a series of articles and submitting them to your local newspaper or magazines.
