From Expat to Citizen: Coping with Culture Shock After Returning Home

admin April 20, 2023

0 4 2 minutes read

Introduction

Living abroad as an expat is an exciting and life-changing experience. You get to immerse yourself in a different culture, learn new languages, and meet people from around the world. However, returning home after an extended period can be a challenging experience. Many expats suffer from culture shock, which can make adaptation to their home country difficult.

What is Culture Shock?

Culture shock is the feeling of discomfort or disorientation that comes from being in an unfamiliar environment. An expat may experience culture shock when they first move abroad, but they can also experience it when they return home. When you are living abroad, you are constantly adapting to a new culture, and when you come back home, you may find that your home culture has changed, and you need to readjust.

The Challenges of Returning Home

Returning home can be challenging for many reasons. First, you may feel like a stranger in your own country. Your friends and family may have moved on or changed, and you may find it difficult to connect with them. Second, you may experience a sense of reverse culture shock. You may find that you have become used to certain things in your host country that you miss, such as the food, lifestyle, or customs. Third, you may struggle to find work or re-establish your career in your home country. Finally, you may feel like you have lost a sense of identity. Being an expat can change how you see yourself, and returning home may leave you feeling lost or confused.

Coping Strategies

Here are some coping strategies for dealing with culture shock when returning home:

1. Give yourself time to adjust – Recognize that it takes time to readapt to your home country. Be patient with yourself and take small steps every day to adjust.

2. Focus on what you love about your home country – Make a list of things you love about your home country, such as your favorite foods, places, or activities.

3. Connect with others who have lived abroad – Join groups or communities of other expats who have returned home. They can provide support, guidance, and understanding.

4. Stay connected with your host country – Keep in touch with friends you made while living abroad. You can maintain your connection through social media, email, or video calls.

5. Continue to learn – Keep learning about your home country and its culture. You may discover new things that you love or find interesting.

Conclusion

Returning home after living abroad can be a challenging experience, but with the right coping strategies, you can make the transition easier. Be patient, stay connected, and focus on the things you love about your home country. Remember that it takes time to readjust, and with time, you’ll feel like a citizen once again.
the culture shock is the period of adjustment when someone moves back to his country
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