Preparing for Reverse Culture Shock: The American Student Experience

Abstract

Historically, there has been more research available regarding how study abroad students experience culture shock versus how they experience reverse culture shock upon returning home. However, research has shown that reverse culture shock can often be more difficult to navigate than the initial culture shock students experience. By reason of that research on reverse culture shock, this study aims to address if students experience challenges with reverse culture shock and how they navigate that phenomenon. Additionally, the purpose of this research is to further inform the literature on how students make meaning of their study abroad and return experiences.Thirty students were interviewed during this study through a qualitative process guided by these frameworks: the Expectations Model and the Integrative Theory of Communication and Cross-Cultural Adaptation. The results of this study show that study abroad students want information regarding reverse culture shock and want to know what to expect for their return home from a study abroad program, but they want to receive this information at a time that is more relevant to them versus receiving it all during a pre-departure orientation, which is how the information is typically disseminated. Most interview participants experienced some level of reverse culture shock, and they wanted outlets for communication. Communication with others who have also lived abroad and experienced reverse culture shock was helpful for students when making meaning of their entire study abroad sojourn experience. An important finding in this study is that many returnees self-censor when it comes to discussing their study abroad programs, the opposite of an outlet for communication. Recommendations from this study include providing more outlets for returnees to gather together to share their experiences, send information about reverse culture shock to students prior to the end of their sojourn or just after they return home, and provide information to family members of study abroad students regarding reverse culture shock so they can also learn how to support their returnees.