Reverse Culture Shock
Expatriates usually expect to experience culture shock when relocating overseas, and they often get prepared for such a change. What they might not be ready for is the impact of going home again. Moving back home can be even more difficult, especially as re-entry shock may come as a complete surprise.
What can be more painless than coming back home? Being with family and old friends in familiar surroundings, eating domestic food and meeting old acquaintances in a favorite bar sounds perfect. However, the old routines may not evoke the same feeling as they did years ago.
Expats come home with many new opinions about the world. As their view has been broadened overseas, they usually see their homeland and its place in the world in a totally different way. Some may feel isolated in the first months upon return, as they struggle to fit new beliefs and knowledge into their old lives.
Experiencing reverse culture shock is extremely common and may include different emotions, such as: restlessness, missing people and places from abroad, boredom, insecurity, confusion, frustration, need for excessive sleep, changes in goals or priorities, feelings of alienation or withdrawal, or feelings of resistance toward family and friends.
<em>Why does this happen? </em>
Reverse cultural shock may manifest in unexpected feeling of disconnectedness for some of the following reasons:
Unrealistic perception of home country. Expatriates may not have been able to follow the societal developments of their own country. They do not expect home to have changed in terms of practical aspects and general values. During their time abroad, and especially during stressful times, expats tend to idealize their homeland where 'things are better'. Such images can be shattered upon return, consequently resulting in confusion.
Lack of excitement. When overseas, everything is exciting - finding your own way, getting familiar with a new culture, meeting people, learning language, even going to the shops€¦ The feeling of excitement may suddenly disappear once you're back home. Such change may result in boredom and lack of interest in general.
Social isolation. Getting back to your family and old friends may sound good, but expats may not realize that time away from home has changed them. People change over time and your friends have changed as well. You may realize that you have completely different interests. Also, as much as you wish to tell your old friends about your experience overseas, it often shows that people back home are not particularly interested. They have also become used to you not being around and moved on with their lives. You may feel rejected, neglected or misunderstood.
Restlessness. Once you are back, you have to decide how to arrange your life at home. You may feel restless trying to put your life together again. Some people feel nostalgia for their 'old' life abroad, which they feel will never come back again.
<em>Can you prepare for reverse culture shock?</em>
Reverse culture shock may strike even if you've spent just a couple of months away from home. Therefore, it may be best if you prepare for it even before you leave. Here are a few tips that may help in readjusting to life at home:
References:
The Telegraph
What can be more painless than coming back home? Being with family and old friends in familiar surroundings, eating domestic food and meeting old acquaintances in a favorite bar sounds perfect. However, the old routines may not evoke the same feeling as they did years ago.
Expats come home with many new opinions about the world. As their view has been broadened overseas, they usually see their homeland and its place in the world in a totally different way. Some may feel isolated in the first months upon return, as they struggle to fit new beliefs and knowledge into their old lives.
Experiencing reverse culture shock is extremely common and may include different emotions, such as: restlessness, missing people and places from abroad, boredom, insecurity, confusion, frustration, need for excessive sleep, changes in goals or priorities, feelings of alienation or withdrawal, or feelings of resistance toward family and friends.
<em>Why does this happen? </em>
Reverse cultural shock may manifest in unexpected feeling of disconnectedness for some of the following reasons:
Unrealistic perception of home country. Expatriates may not have been able to follow the societal developments of their own country. They do not expect home to have changed in terms of practical aspects and general values. During their time abroad, and especially during stressful times, expats tend to idealize their homeland where 'things are better'. Such images can be shattered upon return, consequently resulting in confusion.
Lack of excitement. When overseas, everything is exciting - finding your own way, getting familiar with a new culture, meeting people, learning language, even going to the shops€¦ The feeling of excitement may suddenly disappear once you're back home. Such change may result in boredom and lack of interest in general.
Social isolation. Getting back to your family and old friends may sound good, but expats may not realize that time away from home has changed them. People change over time and your friends have changed as well. You may realize that you have completely different interests. Also, as much as you wish to tell your old friends about your experience overseas, it often shows that people back home are not particularly interested. They have also become used to you not being around and moved on with their lives. You may feel rejected, neglected or misunderstood.
Restlessness. Once you are back, you have to decide how to arrange your life at home. You may feel restless trying to put your life together again. Some people feel nostalgia for their 'old' life abroad, which they feel will never come back again.
<em>Can you prepare for reverse culture shock?</em>
Reverse culture shock may strike even if you've spent just a couple of months away from home. Therefore, it may be best if you prepare for it even before you leave. Here are a few tips that may help in readjusting to life at home:
- Try to find some work once you return, even if it's short-term.
- Sort out your living arrangements. If you don't have a place of your own in your home country, make arrangements and decisions on where you will be living upon return.
- Leave some money behind, so you have a reserve when you return.
- Socialize with old friends. Do not give up on old buddies just because they are not interested in your overseas life. Get together and talk about their lives and interests. Find out what you've missed and what's changed, who is married and who is divorced, who has changed jobs or had children. It will help rebuild your sense of community.
- Keep in touch with your overseas friends. Don't forget your expat fellows. Keep in touch with them, email them regularly and share new experience. Who knows - maybe one day your paths will cross again.
- Help others on travel forums. With all of your experience, you are a perfect source of information for those planning their trips. Share your precious knowledge.
- Be grateful to be home. Don't forget how fortunate you are to have a place to return to. Enjoy your family and old friends. Don't forget what you've missed while you were away. Now is the best time to catch up.
References:
The Telegraph
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