If you think experiencing culture shock while settling in a new environment is tough, wait till you experience its counter attack – reverse culture shock!
Reverse culture shock takes place normally when one returns home after living in a new environment for quite some time.
With over thousand of international students residing in SCSU, I’m sure there will be some who experienced/is experiencing reverse culture for those who returned home this summer.
As an international student myself, I find that coping with reverse culture shock can be a headache.
There are many areas an international student who returned home may have to cope with, i.e. relationships, food and other lifestyles.
Examples of problems, or rather issues, that a returning international student may face at home are: being international (lack of belongingness), being more independent than before (prefer less restriction), and having higher competencies in language or other skills (more proficient compared to friends of the same age group).
Sources state that if one could understand the basic ways to overcome this issue, they could spend their summer break with their friends and family more meaningfully. I hereby wish to share some of my knowledge on overcoming this dreadful situation.
One way to deal with reverse culture shock is to share your international experience with your friends and families while keeping in mind that they may not be agreeable on the lifestyles you’ve been keeping for the time of your stay in the states.
So, simply review your photographs, journals and videos with your friends and families to let them “feel” your experience. By doing so, they could also be less worried about your well-being in the states.
Second, be patient. Do not feel the urgency to tell all your interesting stories to your family members and friends. They are just as excited as you are about your returning. So, give time for both parties to strengthen the relationships within before you cause them information overload. Take time to nurture your past friendships too.
Third, get involved with your community. Getting involved with your church or school co-curricular activities may be a good head start. Such volunteering opportunities could help you to bond with people that you might once very close with and help building your rapport among friends.
Relearn your local media like the newspapers and radio may help you to find more updates of your community that you might have missed in the past few months/years.
Finally, don’t forget about the people who have been supporting you in the states! Keep in touch with your friends, supporting staff, professors and host family who are still in the states. With the recent advancement of social media, distance could no longer break relationships. Facebook, twitter, or in whatever ways, connect with your international friends and keep them updated about your summer excitement!
Home returning should be exciting. Deal with reverse culture shock correctly and you will find home a very warm place again.
After all, St. Cloud is yet to be warm, in terms of its weather.
Columnist
University Chronicles
