Before coming here my study abroad adviser mentioned that after returning from a year in Spain she experienced some "Reverse Culture Shock". And that I should be prepared to experience at least a mild case of it.
Since then I've been pondering what all would be involved with this so-called reverse culture shock. Is it something I should worry about or try to prepare myself for? Earlier this week I had a conversation about it with a few of the other exchange students. I now have some new thoughts to mull over.
Among other challenges that I am sure I cannot anticipate, I have realized that this experienced has changed me in ways that I am only beginning to recognize. My view of the US has altered, as has that of the rest of the world. I've experienced things that most of my friends will only ever dream (or worry) about. I've learned how to do things that I will never need to do in the US. My attitude towards many new customs, ideas, and people has become even more open. I've grown used to living in a place where I understand little of my surroundings - and few people can understand me.
In addition to the changed that I have experienced, my friends' lives have continued without me. How can we just pick up where we left off? Four months, while not a long time, can change a lot.
I wonder what I will experience when I get home. I wonder how I will respond to being thrown back into my old life with my new knowledge and perspectives. I wonder if I will feel overwhelmed, sad, lonely, excited, left-out, out-of-place, comfortable, or just nothing.
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