Study Abroad Returnees
Study abroad returnees
The following are a list of resources for students after returning from studying abroad.
Re-Entry Sessions
All semester/year-long study abroad participants are required complete one of the following as part of the requirements for IDST 031.
- Linfield Re-Entry Session
- The Re-Entry session put on by the International Programs Office in collaboration with Career Development. Students will have the opportunity to share stories from their experiences abroad, learn about reverse culture shock, and learn about how to get involved with international/cultural groups at Linfield. Students will also hear from the Career Development office on how to maximize the time they spent abroad and incorporate it into their resume, cover letters, and interviews for their job search or grad school.
- 5-7 page research paper with sources discussing the following:
- Reverse culture shock
- Best academic and cultural experiences and how you intend to incorporate them into your lives in the future; academically, professionally, and/or personally
- Meeting with Career Development to talk about how to incorporate time abroad into your resume, cover letters, and interviews for jobs and/or grad school
- Interview with a past returnee comparing and contrasting your experiences abroad and upon reentry
- You will also need to submit a copy of your resume that includes your experiences abroad
Reverse Culture Shock and Re-Entry Adjustment
Everyone talks about culture shock when you arrive at your study abroad location, but it is rarer to hear about reverse culture shock. This is the adjustment process you go through when you return home from your time abroad. This time can be challenging as you will be looking at your home environment with a new perspective. Additionally, taking time for yourself and to process everything you experienced is important. Whether you are thinking of the good times or the challenges you faced, you have come back a bit different than when you left, and this can be an adjustment for both you and your friends and family.
It is important to realize that this adjustment is normal - everyone returning from time abroad and time away from family goes through this type of adjustment. Give yourself time.
Find a support group - whether it be friends you studied abroad with, or people studying abroad at your school - find the group where you can share your experiences and find support.
Reflect upon your time abroad. What have you learned? How have you changed? How have the skills you've honed and experience you've gained connect with your future goals? This is not just a once in a lifetime experience, but something you can connect to your future career.
Further Resources on Reverse Culture Shock
What's Next? How to Stay Involved and Continue Your International Experience
Study Abroad Ambassadors
The Study Abroad Ambassadors are a group of Linfield students who have studied abroad. The ambassadors help with promoting study abroad to other students on campus and to prospective students. The group also meets regularly to share their study abroad experiences with one another and help each other through reverse culture shock. Some of the events the ambassadors help at include:
- Study Abroad Fairs
- Admission Days
- Tabling throughout the year
- Connecting with student clubs and departments
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Re-Entry
Study Abroad Ambassador Application (Online)
International Peer Mentor Program
The IPMP program connects incoming international students with a current Linfield student. This student acts as their guide and connector to resources on campus prior to arrival and during their first semester at Linfield. Mentors are heavily involved in the international orientation and help new students develop their support network.
Study Abroad Photo Contest
The IPO sponsors a Study Abroad Photo Contest each year. Details on how to submit photos will be provided by email to study abroad participants in the spring semester.
Competitive Scholarships and Fellowships
If you are interested in continuing your academic pursuits overseas, then our office highly recommends checking out the competitive scholarship options available that support international research, language study and academics abroad.
Gap Years Abroad or Working Holiday
Expand upon your international experience by gaining knowledge of different cultural working environments. You can do this by participating in a Gap Year abroad or pursuing a Working Holiday visa after graduation.