There and Back Again

This is such a great and slightly emotional time of year. My students who were abroad last semester are all returning to campus and dropping in to make sure everything is set for them to restart life at USF.

This is when I get to hear how they enjoyed their time, what their experience was like, and see first hand how much their exchange changed their lives. I’ve seen shy and nervous students become confident strong individuals and I’ve seen adventurous souls expand their horizons beyond their imaginations. I feel so lucky to have played a part in that, in shaping this new and wonderful person I now hardly recognize.

Sometimes the return is harsh, students experience reverse culture shock as intense as friends and family try to force them back into the tiny shells they left behind months before. Like culture shock to a new environment, they feel alienated and out of place, but it’s almost worse with reverse culture shock because now they feel like an outsider in the place that they once new as home. But with time they adjust, adapt, and continue their growth—but never revert. It can be painful, but they have a support network that’s here help and I’m proud to be part of that group of people.

The mantra study abroad advisors often use is “Changing the world, one student at a time” and it’s really true. I have post cards and letter written by students in my desk that I take out to read when the stress of bureaucracy, misunderstandings, or other issues get to be too frustrating. It helps to remind myself why I’m here in the first place.

“Changing the world, one student at a time”