Guide for Parents

Parents of Students Returning Home

When students return home it is common for them to experience some discomfort or an "out of place" feeling as they readjust back into family routines and home life. This is commonly known as reverse culture shock and parents should be aware of these feelings. To help them settle back into life at home you should:

• Talk to them about the readjustment phase
• Listen to their stories and experiences
• Try to be just as excited to listen as they are excited to tell you about everything they have done.
• Encourage your student to contact the USAC Central Office or their home university's study abroad office to learn other ways of dealing with reverse culture shock.

For more information about reverse culture shock, please review the following link: www.studentsabroad.com/reentrycultureshock.html

Studying abroad may truly change your student's life. Some of its proven benefits include increased self-confidence, higher maturity level, more interest in academics, openness to diversity and differences in others, and many, many more.

For additional information regarding coming home, reverse culture shock, and the benefits of studying abroad, please see our Alumni Resources section.