Remember that....

• There are many phases of culture shock.

• You may feel confused, tired, sad and scared at times.

• Culture shock is completely normal.

Tips:

• Approach everything with PATIENCE – CURIOSITY – RESPECT

• Try as many new things as possible.

• Learn to be OK with feeling embarrassed, especially when learning a language.

• Stay connected with friends and family back home.

• Learn as much as possible about your host country before you leave.

• Make friends with locals.

• Keep a journal.

• Talk with a counselor if you need to. Your international health insurance and program provider can help you get in contact with a counselor.

Reverse culture shock happens when you return home after being abroad for an extended period of time.

Remember that....

• Your home may feel foreign to you.

• You may see the world differently which may cause you to question your home life.

• You may feel sad and disconnected.

• Your home may seem boring and uneventful to you.

Tips:

• Get back into a regular routine.

• Talk with family and friends about your semester.

• Take some time to relax and decompress.

• Maintain the relationships you built while away.

• Be a mentor to a Trinity International Student now that you know what its like to be a foreigner. Contact the Office of International Students & Scholars for more information.

• Tell your study away story. Contact the OSA for help in designing and building your digital story.

• Submit photos to the annual Study Away Photo Contest for a chance to win prizes. Details about the photo contest will sent via email.

• Continue language learning if that was a part of your study away experience.

• Speak with a counselor if your readjustment to home is challenging.