reverse culture shock Archives

Adam
Western Michigan University
2016 Fall

How to Readjust to Life After Study Abroad 01/06/17

It’s been about three weeks since leaving Paderno del Grappa and saying “‘Til next time” to so many great people. Coming back to the states hits you really quick. It was a harsh reality to face that in the span of 10 hours I left my CIMBA family and flew back to where it all started; […]

Katie
The University of Iowa
2016 Summer

The Marvelous Hues of Life Abroad: A Reflection on the Greatest Month of My Life 06/28/16

The ground suddenly jerks below me. We have definitely hit American ground. It’s more nerve-wracking than I expected it would be. It takes everything I have to open up the shutter next to me. I see visions of deep gray and moody. Yep, this is definitely Chicago. Don’t get me wrong, I love my country. […]

Katie
The University of Iowa
2016 Summer

From Paderno to Paris: How Culture Shock Follows You Everywhere 06/13/16

The ever-so-familiar sound of Italian chatter swarms around me in the train station. After three weeks abroad, these conversations are simply backround noise. I used to be overwhelmed with confusion. I did not understand a word of what people were saying. I would sit in awe at how much I misunderstood. Now, my experiences are […]

Melissa
Virginia Tech University
2014 Fall

Parting is such sweet sorrow… 01/01/15

I traveled to 6 different countries (seven if you count Vatican City) and explored 26 new places over 3 months. At the end of my three months in Italy with CIMBA, I had really mixed feelings about going home to the U.S. On one hand, I couldn’t wait to see my mom and spend Christmas with my family. […]