Re-Entry Challenges—Bigger Than You Think: An Analysis of the Difficulties Faced by Returnee Students and Coping Strategies

Abstract

In today’s increasingly globalized economy, having an international education or experience is a valuable asset in the job market. Therefore, more and more universities and colleges are expanding their exchange, study abroad, or international internship programs. Great effort is put into making sure students smoothly adjust to the new country overseas and succeed in the new environment, both academically and socially. However, while it is important that students be adequately prepared to go abroad, it is also crucial that they receive the same level of assistance upon returning home—something that many schools are not doing enough. This results in students facing numerous “re-entry challenges,” such as reverse culture shock, boredom, and identity confusion. The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine some common re-entry challenges that students experience, and to explore and propose some effective coping strategies. This will give students the tool to transform their international experiences into truly meaningful learning opportunities.