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Re-Entry - Readingjusting to Life in Michigan

When you return home you will enter the last stage of cultural adjustment, the re-entry phase. For some people, this is the most difficult phase of all. You will be excited about sharing your experiences and you will realize that you have changed, but you may not be able to explain how or why. You friends and family may not fully understand the changes you have experienced - they may expect you to be the exact same person. You may find it hard to explain to them exactly how your experiences have influenced you and in what way you feel different.

If you have difficulty settling in upon your return, you may use the techniques you found helpful in making the adjustment to life in a foreign country (the re-adjustment process to life at home is very similar to the cultural adjustment process in a foreign country). Some people are surprised to discover that resuming life at home is not as easy as they thought it would be. Just be aware that you may feel uneasy when you return home and that it is very normal to feel this way. Allow yourself some time to adjust.

For many people, the process of re-entry is greatly eased by sharing the overseas experience with others who have lived, traveled or studied abroad. People interested in going abroad will likely want to meet you and talk to you as well. There are more than 400 international students on the CMU campus from over 60 countries - you may find comfort in spending time with someone from the country in which you studied.

Continuing Your Experience

Undoubtedly you will want to continue your international interests and involvement once you return to CMU. Study Abroad Programs welcomes your continued involvement in office activities and events. Here are some ways in which you can use Study Abroad Programs resources and contribute your knowledge and talents to internationalizing our campus:

• Help Study Abroad Programs recruit more CMU students for study abroad. Do you have slides or pictures? Would you like to talk about your study abroad experience and answer questions that other students may have? Study Abroad Programs needs your help with study abroad fairs, residence hall meetings and other events.
• Volunteer to promote study abroad.
• Contribute an article and/or photograph to CM Life.
• Join the Study Abroad Ambassador program. Obtain more info from the Study Abroad Programs office.
• Join the International Club. Obtain more info from the Study Abroad Programs office.

Study Abroad Photo Contest

Submit your favorite photos of yourself or other CMU student(s) in your host country! Contest information and entry forms will be e-mailed by Study Abroad Programs to all study abroad participants each semester. Winning photos will be displayed and used in study abroad publicity. Prizes will be awarded for first and second places.

Check out our current Study Abroad Photo Contest winners.