Leaving Your Host Country

Keep your journal handy and continue to record your reflections and ideas. As one student said, "It is too soon to say what it all meant and how and why."

Send a letter of thanks to your host family or friends you met there. Keep in touch on birthdays or when something special happens to you here.

Transitions back to the US and Carleton

For some, re-entry to the U.S. and Carleton can be more challenging than the culture shock first experienced abroad. The OCS staff, the Wellness Center, or the Chaplain are all great resources that are equipped to help students. The Off-Campus Studies Office also has printed information about dealing with “re-entry shock". Check it out.

Returning to the U.S. and to Carleton can be an adjustment from the life you have experienced abroad. Avoid quick judgments. Think of specific, positive ways you can integrate your international experiences into your family life and work at Carleton:

1. Select courses which allow you to build on or reflect upon your off-campus studies experiences; for example, courses in world music, religions, international relations, orinterdisciplinary courses (ENTS, Latin American Studies, African American Studies, etc.), or writing seminars.
2. Volunteer through the ACT office to tell Northfield area students and residents about your host country.
3. Organize a regular language table or befriend an international student at Carleton, so that you can continue to think about and share your international experiences.
4. Keep in touch with your friends and host family abroad.
5. Contact the Wellness Center or the College Chaplain for further assistance.
6. Plan your return visit or other international experiences; see the Off-Campus Studies Office for more study options; see the Career Center for volunteer or vocational opportunities around the world.