Returning Home
as a CSU Study Abroad Alumni
Welcome home and congratulations on successfully completing your study abroad experience! We hope you had a great semester abroad. Your time back here in the U.S. can be one of great ups and downs as you adjust to life here in the U.S. again. Give yourself some time as you get back into things.
Your study abroad experience does not have to end just because you've returned to the US. Now that you are back, we want to let you know about some of the international events and activities going on here on campus this year. This website provides some information about things you can do to keep your international experience alive. Explore the links below to learn more about returning to CSU and our international activities.
Re-Entry Adjustment
The unsettled feeling that can accompany one‘s return from abroad is what some refer to as "re-entry adjustment" or "reverse culture shock" and is a very common reaction for students coming home from studying abroad. Feelings can range from the sense that nobody understands how you‘ve changed, to feeling panicked that you will lose part of your identity if you don‘t have an outlet to pursue the new interests that were sparked abroad.
According to professionals in the field of International Education, 85% of people returning home have some kind of re-entry experience, and of those, 15% have more serious difficulties adapting to their return. If you‘re having difficulty with your return, think back to the adjustments you made to succeed while you were abroad. These same skills can help you in coming home. Remember that "W" curve of cultural adjustment, the initial euphoria, followed by lots of criticism, followed by general acceptance and understanding of the new culture? Well, the same pattern applies to re-entry. The coping skills and strategies that were successful in helping you adjust to your overseas culture will be just as helpful in making the return home: get involved, identify a support group of other study abroad students, suspend judgment of others, keep a journal of your observations, and don‘t forget to keep your sense of humor.
Coping, Adjusting, and Getting Involved
Many of the feelings you may experience stem from the change you have undergone and the ambiguity about how the new, changed you fits into your old life. First of all, it is important to remember that change is a positive thing. You have new ideas and insights giving you a better sense of yourself. The trick is to figure out how to incorporate your new perspectives into your life at on your home campus. There are several things you can do to feel comfortable once again in the U.S. while still retaining new knowledge and perspectives. First, don‘t consider study abroad a singular experience; instead, look at it as the start of a lifetime of international experiences. Second, find ways to continue pursuing newfound interests. Make the most of the resources that exist for you on your home campus and in your local community.
What's Up With Culture - Select Module 2 - Welcome Back, Now What!
CSU Study Abroad Alumni Handbook
Quick Tips for Returning Home by Dr. Bruce LaBrack, School of International Studies, University of the Pacific
Program Evaluation
We highly value your feedback! Please fill out an evaluation form as it assists us in making necessary program improvements and in advising future study abroad students. Download the Evaluation Form or pick up a copy in our office.
Transcripts
You should expect to see your credits from abroad to show up on your RamWeb approximately two to three months after your program ends. We typically receive the transcript from study abroad programs September/October (spring and summer abroad programs) or March/April (fall abroad programs). One official transcript is sent to us and must be kept on file here at CSU. When your transcript does arrive, your credits will be posted on RamWeb.
If you need additional transcripts for employment or graduate school, contact your sponsor or host campus directly to order them.
Get Involved with CSU Study Abroad
Returnee Reception and Workshop
The event focuses upon sharing experiences plus discussing reactions upon return, career/resume/interview tips, retaining an international perspective, and going abroad again. The event is free for students, however pre-registration is required. Registration information will be released after the beginning of each semester.
Study Abroad Fair
Please come to one of our biggest events of the year - the CSU Study Abroad Fair! We'd love to have you join us to share your experiences with some of the 1500 students who will attend. You and other students who have studied abroad are now the most informed and the best promoters of international opportunities. Students come to the fair interested in hearing about your experiences and seeing your photos. We always need lots of help spreading the word about the fair. Consider helping by passing out flyers, hanging posters, staffing information tables in the student center, and more! If you're interested in volunteering with the Fair events, please email Study Abroad to volunteer. CSU Study Abroad Fair website.
The Spring 2010 Study Abroad Fair will be held January 28, 2010.
Study Abroad Peer Advisors
Are you interested in a paid job right here on campus? Nearly every semester we receive applications from current and former study abroad students for Peer Advisor positions! If you are energetic, outgoing, and passionate about your own study abroad experience, this is a great opportunity to share your knowledge and advise students while getting paid. You will develop your communicative, administrative, and leadership skills as well as further your international and intercultural interests. For more information, visit the Study Abroad Peer Advisor website.
Photos and Stories
Our staff would love to see your photos, you at your study abroad or internship site, pictures with your host family, and scenic shots! We want to hear your stories too.
Are you eager to share your stories about study abroad? Consider volunteering for the Study Abroad Pre-departure Site-Specific Orientations to be held this semester for future students studying abroad. Watch your email for dates and times to talk at the general orientations and at program specific orientations.
Get Involved at CSU
Study Abroad Alumni at CSU - Student Organization
Join the Study Abroad Alumni at CSU group that meets several times each semester to connect with other study abroad returnees, share your experience, and get support as you transition back to life in Fort Collins.
Email the CSU Study Abroad Alumni group to find out more about the group and it's upcoming activities.
International Activities and Events
Local and international activities can help you adjust to being back as well as help you integrate your time abroad into your academic life and long-term goals. Visit the International Events Calendar for a list of some of the international programs and activities taking place here at CSU.
International Connections
The International Connections Brown Bag Lunch Series has been a CSU tradition for over 20 years! Join us each Tuesday from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. in the Lory Student Center.
International Area Studies
The Area Studies Programs offer an opportunity for students, regardless of discipline, to supplement their academic programs with knowledge in the field of international development. The focus of the programs is on the study of the structures, components, and processes of development (economic, environmental, socio-cultural, and political).
CSU Career Center
Contact CSU's Career Center to learn how to market your international experience and utilize the new skills gained abroad as you search for jobs. Contact Renee Estes for more information.
Unique Housing Opportunities at CSU
Going Abroad Again
Chances are that you might want to go abroad again, possibly to work, volunteer, intern, or study abroad. See the links below for more information. The Office of International Programs have a great array of programs and resources for you to seek out work, internships, or volunteer opportunities abroad.
