Returning Home

As a returned exchange student, the Global Learning office invites you to share your overseas experience. Through hearing of your experiences and suggestions, we can improve our services for future exchange students. Please contact us if you are interested in doing so.

Most of us assume that coming home after living abroad is a simple readjustment process; a matter of resuming previous routines, and re-establishing relationships. Studies and discussions with returned students, however, have shown that while often eagerly anticipated, the re-entry process can be a potentially challenging and frustrating one due to the unexpectedness of the psychological, social and cultural adjustments that have to be managed.

Here are some tips from returned students which may help you prepare for the emotional and psychological re-adjustment to your home culture:

Prepare for the re-entry process

Try to put some time aside to think about how you might feel and how you might handle possible situations upon your return home. Anticipating can be helpful.

Allow yourself time

Don't expect that you will fit in immediately with life back home. Re-adjustment takes time and involves experiencing a lot of different feelings and reactions. Try to reflect daily on what you observe and how you are responding.

Understand that for a while, the familiar will seem different

You are likely to experience your culture from an altered perspective, one that can lead to greater insight and contribute to personal learning. Talking with other returned students can help put this in perspective.

There will be much "cultural catching up" to do

Cultures are dynamic and ever changing. Catching up on what has changed can be very tiring. At times, you may feel very irritable or wish to withdraw. Try to have plenty of rest and spend some time in quiet conversation with family and/or old friends.

Respond thoughtfully and carefully

You are likely to be the centre of your family's attention for a while as they try to judge whether you have changed in ways that worry them greatly. Try to listen and refrain from making hasty judgements. Be sensitive to the differences between your and your family's experiences while you were overseas.

Beware of comparisons

Avoid making comparisons between cultures and nations. All cultures are a mix of good and bad. Try to remain flexible and keep a balanced view.

Seek support networks

Use the Exchange Student Network to get in touch with other returned students when you are back in Australia. You may find it helpful hearing their stories of re-adjustment – the things that worked for them and the ones that didn't. Sharing your stories with students who are about to go away may also help you to reflect on the time you had away and settle back in at home.

Above all, give yourself time to resettle and remember that you have gained important life skills while studying abroad that will assist you to re-orientate yourself to being at home.