Reflecting On Your Experience

It’s a funny thing about coming home. Looks the same, smells the same, feels the same. You realize what has changed is you.

-F. Scott Fitzgerald

Being able to make sense of your global experience can be one of the most rewarding, yet also challenging aspects of the time spent overseas. Below are some resources to support you as you process and reflect.

Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement

After your time abroad, it is invaluable to reflect on your overall experience. UGE offers Re-entry Reflection sessions throughout the year. In addition, feel free to reach out to an adviser to unpack your experience and to discuss future goals. It is common for students to continue to reflect well-after they return from abroad, as the experience can impact you personally, professionally and academically in a variety of ways.

Counseling and Psychological Services

While we hope that your experience was incredibly beneficial, returning from a global experience can sometimes be an overwhelming experience even for those more well-traveled. You may even experience what some refer to as "reverse culture shock". Reverse culture shock can take many forms; however, former participants often state that one of the more common challenges is that those around you may not be able to relate to your time abroad. In addition, your friends or your environment may have changed in ways that you did not anticipate.

Feelings of stress and confusion are completely normal in the re-entry process of coming back home. However, if you feel you are having trouble adjusting to being back in the United States or coping with the changes that have occurred and need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to visit Counseling & Psychological Services:

Counseling & Psychological Services
8th floor, Lerner Hall
2920 Broadway, Mail Code 2606
New York, NY 10027

Appointments: 212 854 2878

After-hours clinician-on-call: 212 854 2878