“Coming home can be one of the hardest parts of living abroad,” I tell people. “But it’s also a chance to carry your growth forward.”
After spending months or even years living in a new country, returning home can feel disorienting, like stepping into someone else’s life. You’ve changed in ways that others may not fully understand. Your friends and family might expect you to slip back into the old routines you left behind, but the truth is, you’re not the same person anymore. The world you once knew now feels smaller, and as you reconnect with your familiar surroundings, you may find yourself missing the thrill and excitement of your overseas adventures. This is normal. It’s called reverse culture shock, and it’s a clear sign that your time abroad has left a deep and lasting impact on you.
But here's the key: rather than seeing this feeling as something negative or frustrating, embrace it as part of your ongoing journey. Reverse culture shock is a natural part of reintegrating into life at home, and it signals that your experiences abroad have shaped you in profound ways. The good news is that this transition doesn’t have to mean leaving behind the growth you’ve achieved. In fact, it's an opportunity to continue carrying that growth forward into the next phase of your life.
The first step is to find ways to integrate your international experiences into your daily life at home.
You don’t have to forget the connections, lessons, or traditions you built while abroad. Maybe you’ve developed a love for a certain type of cuisine—why not keep cooking those dishes at home, sharing them with your family or friends? Or perhaps you met people from all over the world who became dear friends—keep in touch with them and continue those friendships through online chats or visits. You could even join a cultural exchange group to stay connected with a global community and keep learning about different perspectives. These actions not only help you maintain your connection to the world you once called home but also allow you to share those parts of yourself with others.
Second, take advantage of the new skills, values, and perspectives you've gained.
Living abroad has likely made you more adaptable, empathetic, and resourceful. Whether in your career, relationships, or daily life, these qualities are invaluable. You’ve learned how to navigate new environments, solve problems independently, and understand cultures and people from all over the world. Now, use these lessons to enhance your life back home. In your work, you might find creative ways to apply your international experiences to solve challenges. In your relationships, you’ll likely find that your broadened perspective makes you more understanding and patient. The ability to adapt and see things from multiple viewpoints is a huge asset that can open doors to new opportunities.
Finally, give yourself grace.
Adjusting to life at home after such a transformative experience takes time. It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions—excitement, sadness, confusion, or even frustration. Re-entry isn’t a simple switch from one life to another; it’s a process. Remember that your journey abroad hasn’t ended—it’s simply evolved. The person you’ve become is not confined to the country you lived in. The lessons you learned, the growth you experienced, and the people you met will continue to shape your path long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.
So, as you settle back into your old surroundings, know that you’re carrying something far more valuable than souvenirs or postcards: the wisdom, perspective, and growth that come from living a global life. These gifts will continue to influence your choices and open new doors for you in the years to come. Your time abroad wasn’t just a chapter in your life—it’s the foundation for the next one, and it will always be with you, ready to guide you on your continued journey.
Preview next edition:
In the next ‘Authentic growth through life abroard’ I will share more about how moving abroard changes you! So stay tuned!
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