Coming Back from Study Abroad

Welcome back! You have probably had some of the best times of your life while on your study abroad program. You may have been excited and ready to come home, or you may not have wanted to get on that plane! Many students consider returning to the United States after they have studied abroad to be the most difficult thing they have ever had to do. Yet most of these students do not seek help from the Study Abroad Office or other university resources. Following are some strategies that may help you readjust to your life at NIU:

1. Read and reflect on the NIU Study Abroad Office Reentry Handbook (pdf): research shows that the experiential and transformative aspects of the study abroad experience are fully realized only when participants take the time to reflect on the meanings of their experiences.
2. Stay in touch with friends from your program: these are the people who have been through the same process, and touching base with them from time to time will help you adjust, as well as give you a way to reflect on the experiences you had abroad and back at NIU.
3. Become a Study Abroad Peer Advisor or Student Worker: students who are considering study abroad would love to hear stories from you, a returned student, and again, you have the chance to reflect on and process your experiences.
4. Enter the Study Abroad Office Photo Contest
5. Contact the Study Abroad Office or Counseling and Student Development Center if you would like help with reentry shock or feelings of depression or alienation.

Also, remember to keep in touch with the Study Abroad Office! Fill out an Alumni Information Form, and when you graduate, purchase a Graduation Sash to show you studied abroad.