Since arriving in the United States, many of you have adapted rather well to your new environment. Most of you have made the difficult transition from one culture to another. You had to speak a different language, change your diet,  your way of thought and perhaps even the way you dress. Initially, you probably experienced a lot of hardships and frustrations, but eventually you were able to adjust and this was no small task. Congratulations!

Now, vacation time and graduation are almost here and many of you will be returning home, full of enthusiasm and excitement. Your parents, relatives and friends are all anxiously awaiting your arrival. Your return is on everyone’s mind and everyone is very proud of your accomplishments. Expectations and emotions are very high.

As we all know, life is about change and how we handle change. Our adjustment to change plays an important  role to our success. One important fact to keep in mind, is that you have changed and your friends and family at home may, or may not, have changed.  These changes will have an immediate impact on your relationships because you are not the same person you were when you left your country. Unfortunately, their expectations and yours may not be the same. In some cases, even little changes could cause friction. Simple things, such as: eating habits, the phrases and words you use, and the fashion you now favor,  may cause negative comments from your family and friends. You must remember that your experiences in the US have changed you, and it is simply very difficult, or even impossible to return to the way things were when you first arrived.

It’s only natural when you return home that you want to share your experiences with those important to you. However, be aware how often you say,  “In America (this)” and “In America (that)”; it’s difficult for your friends and family to be constantly reminded that you have lived abroad and had experiences in which they cannot share. You may be simply trying to share these experiences with them, but it may seem to them as if you prefer another culture over your home culture.

Upon your return to your country, you will most likely experience a phenomenon called “reverse culture shock”.

The following is a partial list of possible situations you may find yourself in when you return home:

1.      Problems of personal identity and insecurity.

2.      Adjustment to changes in life-styles and daily routines.

3.      Family and community pressures.

4.      Adjustments from American individualism to family commitments.

5.      Feelings of superiority due to one’s international experience.

6.      Absence or poor quality of services taken for granted in the U.S.

7.      Social alienation due to long stay abroad.

8.      Linguistic and communication problems.

9.      Verbal and non-verbal modes and mannerisms may be misinterpreted.

10. Unfamiliarity with forms of communication or styles of expression.

11. Political changes and modification that may dampen enthusiasm.

12. Dissatisfaction with the absence of realistic national goals or politicization of one’s colleagues.

13. Shifts in national priorities and policies.

14. Inability to reconcile aspects of U.S. education, especially academic freedom and creativity.

15. Challenges of re-interpreting and adapting our skills and expertise.

16. Fulfillment of our main objectives in coming to the U.S.

17. Lack of facilities and resources for research.

18. Incompatible expectations on part of colleagues.

19. Absence of professional educational programs to keep up with new developments of knowledge.

20. Inability to find employment in one’s chosen field.

21. Inability to communicate what was learned abroad.

22. Resistance to change by one’s co-workers, especially those in authority.

23. Non-recognition on one’s qualifications.

24. Jealousy among colleagues.

25. Professional isolation.

26. Perceived lack of enthusiasm and/or commitment among co-workers.

Unfortunately, as many of you are aware, many of these problems or situations will be intensified if you are a female, and your home country is historically a patriarchal society.

Remember that your readjustment upon your return home will be a key factor to your success. Be PATIENT and use your knowledge and experience in such a way that will help you, your colleagues, and your country to move forward. You can and will make a difference if you are patient.

Just as it may have taken you some time to adjust to the United States, you should realize that such an adjustment period is to be expected upon your return home. If you are having a great deal of difficulty, there is no shame to seek professional counseling to help you deal with the transition home. 

Good Luck!

Bob  Chudy