How to Cope With Culture Shock After a Trip Abroad

It's common to have negative feelings towards certain aspects of your own culture after an extended trip abroad. Take heart that feelings of alienation and disorientation are probably present because you have had a powerful growth experience ' an experience you can now integrate into your life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gifts From Abroad
• Photo Albums
• Music
• Cameras
• Film

1. Bring back gifts for yourself that will allow you to enjoy aspects of the foreign culture that you most enjoyed: music, tablecloths, wall hangings, a carafe for wine or thermos for tea, favorite foods, etc.
2. Communicate with friends and family that you will need tolerance and flexibility during your readjustment period.
3. Make time for relaxation and reflection either alone or with trusted friends. Don't overschedule yourself.
4. Let yourself enjoy all of the things you have missed during your travels: certain foods, your own space, a familiar bed, hot showers.
5. Treat your body well: eat well, get plenty of sleep, exercise moderately. Your perspective on the world will be greatly enhanced if you are feeling rested and nurtured.
6. Give yourself plenty of adjustment time before making any huge life decisions inspired by your travels.
7. Avoid disparaging the lifestyles of your friends and family, no matter how shallow or perverse these may seem to you upon returning. People will be receptive to hearing reflections on your own experiences, but will probably feel injured by your judgements of their life choices.
8. Consider taking positive steps to bring about changes in your life or in your community if you realize your values and priorities have been changed by your experience. Seek support from others who share your values by joining a relevant club or community organization.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek help from a professional therapist if your feelings of depression, anxiety, alienation or disorientation have not abated after several weeks.