Culture shock is an experience that happens to every traveler in a new country.
He or she must adjust to new foods, time zones, traditions, beliefs, and decorum. Adjustment to these things leads to a newfound experience and irreplaceable times. Most people, however, seem to forget that coming back home also presents its own culture shock.
While abroad, thoughts and beliefs change. We grow and we learn. We surround ourselves with the same belief systems and adopt different lifestyles. Coming back to a life and home that has remained the same, while we have endured countless measures of change; is also a trial. We find that while we have matured and gained new worldly views, our friends have not. While some people still have their minds closed, ours have been opened. It is this personal change that makes coming home harder to adjust to than expected.
So prepare yourself for your arrival home. Yes, it will be the best feeling to see friends and family again. But do not be surprised when they cannot understand everything you have experienced. Do not be surprised when you no longer feel like being with some people or discover your interests have changed. Traveling changes you, your opinions, and in some cases what you want. And coming home to people that have not changed along with you is the unexpected culture shock.
Article written by Rachel Chenoweth.
