Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
How you respond, though, will depend on what you are returning to - if you went between
school and university you might find yourself switching courses or storing up something
else to explore later. Or you might be quite content to take up your course with renewed
enthusiasm after a travelling break from study.
It's different again for people mid-career or over-50 mature travellers, but the pattern of
adjustment is pretty much the same.
InterHealth, who provide a full range of health services and pre-travel health preparation,
describe the feeling as 'reverse culture shock':
“Reverse Culture Shock is a common response experienced by people returning home from
another culture. It can often be worse than culture shock as it's often unexpected. Return-
ing home should be the easiest part of the trip, and sometimes it is, however, your trip may
have changed you, your values and expectations. Sometimes it may be difficult to acknow-
ledge that you have changed and home is still the same. Your family and friends may have
unrealistic expectations of you. This may be hard on you but it will also be hard on them.
“You may feel a major loss upon returning home, almost as if you have been bereaved.
There may also be a communication barrier between yourself and your family and friends
back home. You may not be able to express the magnitude of what you have been through
abroad.
“Your view of your home country may have changed in the light of your overseas exper-
ience, and you might find yourself rejecting some of your old values and ways of living.
This may cause conflict between you and your friends and family who may be affected by
your lifestyle change.
“You may try to re-adapt to your old lifestyle and re-connect with your old friends but find
it hard to do so. Situations and relationships back home are bound to have changed in your
absence; especially if you have been away for a long time. You may feel that you no longer
belong and that joining in is hard.
“If you have returned home without an immediate plan for the future you may feel as
though there is a lack of purpose to your life, which sorely contrasts to when you were
abroad and perhaps carrying out an important role.”
All of the above can leave you feeling isolated, anxious, or depressed. It is important to
remember that you are not alone in these thoughts, and that things can be done to help.
Here are some tips form InterHealth to help you adjust:
•
Prepare: prepare yourself before you go by learning more about reverse culture
shock.
•
Keep in touch: keep in touch with your friends and family while you are away.
