It will take time before you find your way back, and it's fine. You, your country, and others have all been growing, and it's OK if things feel unfamiliar at the beginning, just as you were new in the UK and it turned out to be one of the best journeys ever.
What is reverse culture shock?
It’s culture shock – in reverse.
That may seem obvious, but most people have never heard of it until they experience it for themselves.
Reverse culture shock happens when a person returns to their home country after spending time abroad. Often, they may feel like they no longer fit in, or that their home is different to how they remember.
We define reverse culture shock as the often-unexpected experience of needing a period of adjustment when you first return to your home country.
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Reverse homesickness
- Uncertainty and confusion
- Frustration
- Lethargy and lack of motivation
- Feelings of alienation
If this starts to sound familiar, the most important thing to realise is that you are not alone in feeling like this! It’s a completely normal side effect of returning home.
55% of the recently returned alumni we surveyed said that they had experienced reverse culture shock, making it the most common challenge faced by alumni upon returning home.
What struck me on returning was that people’s attitudes are completely different on a small island compared to cosmopolitan London. While I felt totally free and anonymous in London, it is very odd but common to feel stared at and have every movement scrutinised in public or at work in my home country.
Settling back into your home country will take time. Just like adjusting to being in the UK, give yourself time to adjust. There are a few things you can do to help the process.
Here are a few top tips from Chevening Alumni:
1. Connect with other alumni to share your experiencesGet in touch with your local alumni group if there is one, or connect with fellow alumni through the Chevening Alumni Network LinkedIn group. Talk to them about your experiences and share how you’re feeling. They might have gone through the same thing and can share their tips.
2. Stay in touch with people you met while in the UKOne of the hardest parts of returning home is having to leave behind friends you made. Keeping in touch with them will help you stay connected to your experience.
3. Try new things in your home countryStudying abroad can be an adventure where you try new things every day, and coming home can feel like you’re losing that excitement. Try things in your home country you may not have done before and make exciting memories with a new perspective.
4. Maintain some aspects of your lifestyle in the UKIf possible, carry some parts of your life in the UK into your life at home. For example, cook some British food or watch TV programmes you enjoyed in the UK.
I would recommend imagining that you’re coming to a different country, with eyes, mind and heart open to see things from a different point of view. Be empathetic and patient.