Returning from a nonprofit internship abroad doesn’t just mean unpacking your suitcase; it means unpacking something far heavier. Like baggage you never claimed, but somehow claimed you. We all know the term culture shock, that jarring adjustment to a new environment, but what happens when the place you’re readjusting to is the one you’ve always called home? Enter reverse culture shock, the unexpected and often overlooked side effect of returning to familiar ground.
What is Reverse Culture Shock?
Reverse culture shock refers to the emotional and psychological challenges faced when someone returns to their home country after an extended period abroad. It often manifests as a sense of disconnection, frustration, or even alienation from familiar surroundings and cultural norms. This happens because individuals grow accustomed to the culture they were immersed in, adapting to its values, customs, and lifestyle. Upon returning home, they may feel out of sync with what once felt normal, noticing changes in themselves or in their environment that make it harder to reintegrate.
This experience can lead to a complex mix of emotions, including nostalgia for the host country, difficulty relating to friends and family, and an overall sense of being “out of place.” Common symptoms include frustration with cultural norms, and a need to re-establish one’s identity in a familiar but suddenly unfamiliar context. Reverse culture shock underscores the depth of personal growth experienced abroad and the challenges of reconciling that growth with one’s roots.
7 Signs of Reverse Culture Shock.
Many frequently asked questions focus on culture shock and how to identify its signs, but far less attention is given to its opposite, reverse culture shock. Yet, its symptoms are just as important. Here’s how to recognize them:
- Disconnection or Alienation: Feeling out of place in a once-familiar environment.
- Frustration or Irritability: Being easily annoyed by cultural norms you once found normal.
- Boredom or Restlessness: Missing the challenges or excitement of the other culture.
- Nostalgia: Constantly longing for the culture you left behind.
- Identity Struggles: Questioning where you belong or who you are now.
- Difficulty with Expectations: You may feel pressured to adjust back quickly, but things have changed, and so have you.
- Struggling with Daily Life: Tasks that seemed easy before can now feel like obstacles.
There’s no one-size-fits-all guide on how to deal with reverse culture shock, but here are some tips to help you regain your footing and feel less like a stranger in your own story.
3 Ways to Cope with Reverse Culture Shock
With time and intention, these three strategies will weave you back into the routines you left behind, helping you trade those awkward, misplaced feelings for a sense of belonging. Who knows, before long, even that mysterious baggage will finally find its way home.
Become a Tourist.
Returning to your roots can sometimes feel overwhelming, but think of it as needing a fresh perspective to thrive. Jumping straight into old routines might feel too abrupt, so approach this journey with the same attitudes you had as a foreigner during your internship abroad: wonder, curiosity, and ambition.
Plan a day to rediscover your city as if you were seeing it for the first time. Visit the tourist attractions, that popular restaurant or bar, the iconic parks, beaches, or even the landmark building that draws visitors from around the world. Engaging in these activities can be a gentle and exciting way to reintegrate into your city’s culture while reminding you why these spots became tourist attractions in the first place.
These well-loved destinations reconnect you with your city in a fresh, non-intimidating way; almost like you’re creating a bridge between your past and present. And don’t forget to take pictures! They mark the start of new memories and help you embrace this moment of rediscovery.
Find Comfort in Familiar Media.
Another tip on how to cope with reverse culture shock is reconnecting with local culture. It goes beyond visiting places, it’s about immersing yourself in the sounds, sights, and stories that define your city. Dive back into the creations of local artists, whether it’s through visiting galleries, attending live performances, or exploring the vibrant street art scene. Their work often captures the spirit of your community in ways that feel both familiar and fresh. Revisit the television shows that once aired in the background of family dinners or discover new programs that reflect how your city has evolved. These moments of cultural engagement offer a comforting bridge between the past you know and the present you’re rediscovering.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest acts that bring the most joy like tuning into a local radio station. The hosts’ voices, the jingles, and even the ads can spark nostalgia while also keeping you informed about what’s happening around you. Whether it’s hearing your favorite old songs or discovering new ones, these simple yet meaningful activities can help you feel more connected to your roots. Embracing these cultural touchpoints allows you to rediscover your city’s essence and makes your transition home all the more fulfilling.
Nostalgia is the key.
Nostalgia has a unique way of grounding us, especially when we feel like we no longer belong. Whether it’s visiting relatives who can recount stories from your childhood or cuddling with a beloved childhood teddy, these small but meaningful acts offer comfort and connection. These familiar elements from the past remind us of where we come from, and help us avoid those symptoms of reverse culture shock. Reconnecting with these sources of nostalgia is like finding a warm, reassuring hug from the person you used to be, gently guiding you toward a renewed sense of identity.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that evoke the biggest feelings; like the scent of a favourite family dish being cooked, flipping through old photo albums, or hearing a familiar lullaby that once soothed you to sleep. By embracing these tokens of your history, you’re not just revisiting old memories; you’re rediscovering pieces of yourself that have always been there, waiting to welcome you back home.
How long does Reverse Culture shock last?
The duration of reverse culture shock varies depending on factors like the length of time you were abroad, how different the cultures are, and your personal adaptability. It could range from a few weeks to a year. The key is acknowledging the process, staying patient with yourself, and creating a balance between your past experiences and your present reality.
Finding Your Place Again
Adjusting to life after an internship abroad isn’t just about readapting, it’s all about growth, discovery, and learning to embrace the person you’ve become while you were away. Reverse culture shock may be an unexpected challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to see your home through a new lens. By blending the wonder of a traveler with the comfort of familiarity, you can create a new narrative that honours your past while simultaneously embracing your present.
So, take it day by day. Explore your city like it’s brand new, find comfort in the culture and media, and let nostalgia ground you when things feel like you’re floating away. This process isn’t about returning to who you were before you left, it’s about merging that person with who you’ve become. Your story doesn’t end after your internship abroad once that confirmation is on your resume, it only continues to evolve from here.
If you have any questions, we’re here to help! Our mission is to support interns, whether you’re navigating reverse culture shock or have other internship-related queries. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information!
This Blog was written by Cheyenne Conradie
