Learn about addressing issues of diversity, identity and culture as you prepare to travel, during your time abroad, and after you return home.
One of the best things you can do before you travel is to learn about the culture of your host country and explore how you will best fit into the local society.
Take a deep breath — what might seem strange and different will seem new and exciting in just a short time!
Just like going abroad, returning home can involve a period of adjustment. As with traveling abroad, returning home may trigger feelings of excitement, trepidation, alienation, frustration, boredom, depression — even reverse homesickness. In fact, re-adjusting to home may feel even stranger because we generally don't expect to have to re-adjust to familiar surroundings. When you return home from abroad, you’ll experience another period of adjustment. Typical phases are return anxiety, re-entry shock, and finally, re-integration.
Find a trusted host country national willing to explain the culture to you from an insider perspective. Your informant could be an on-site staff member, host family member, or peer with whom you feel comfortable. Ask all of your embarrassing (and potentially offensive) questions, and you will likely be more accepting of cultural differences, rather than simply frustrated by them.
Remember to register to vote! Now that you are a global citizen, make sure to exercise this important responsibility by registering here.
This article offers excellent advice, with tips including "Call your mom," and "Keep in touch with friends you met abroad," and "plan to Study abroad again!" Read it.