Returning to the U.S.

Coming Home

The Office of International Education is thrilled you participated in a study abroad program. But, do not let your international experience end when you return. Share your ideas, experiences, stories, photos, and knowledge of new cultures with other interested students and the general IPFW community. The Office of Career Services will also aid you in marketing your study abroad program to potential employers in interviews and on your resume. For information, visit the Office of Career Services.

Get Involved!

Volunteer – The Office of International Education always needs volunteers for its annual Study Abroad fair, classroom presentations, and other campus events. If you are interested in participating, contact us via email at iss@ipfw.edu or (260)481-6494.

International Photo Contest – The Department of International Languages and Cultures host an annual international photography contest.

Global Mastodons Peer Advisory Council – Join the International Education team so that you can share your experience with IPFW by becoming a member of the Global AmbassaDONS Peer Advisory Council. Contact us in Walb Union 145 or at (260)481-6494 for more information.

Get Published – There are tons of opportunities for you to publish a manuscript about your experience. Transitions Abroad and Abroad View routinely seek submissions for publication from returned students.

IPFW International Buddy Program – Remember when you were the new international student and you did not know anyone. The Office of International Education is always looking for volunteers to assist with its international student orientation and help international students adjust to life in Fort Wayne, IN. This Buddy Program gives students an opportunity to have a multi-cultural experience. The only requirements are commitment and a friendly attitude.

Tell Us Your Story – The Office of International Education would love to hear about your experience and we welcome you to make a re-evaluation appointment with us. Your opinions and suggestions about the program and how to improve it in the future are greatly appreciated.

Go Abroad Again – Many returned students come home with a desire to do it all over again, either in the same country, or somewhere new. The Office of International Education is eager to assist you in selecting another program that will compliment your academic and professional goals and your personality. 

Reverse Culture Shock

As one Loyola Marymount study abroad returnee said, “Living abroad has a deep, broadening effect on a person – an effect that I didn’t realize until my return.” The cycle of overseas adjustment begins at the time you plan to study abroad. You may think that adjustment ends once you have successfully assimilated into the life of your host country, but, in fact, the cycle of cultural adjustment continues through your return to the United States. Culture shock and re-entry shock are not isolated events but rather part of the total adjustment process that stretches from pre-departure to reintegration at home. There are tons of reasons for looking forward to going home; however, reentry into your home culture can seem both as challenging and as frustrating as living overseas. Contrary to the expectation that going home is a simple matter of resuming your normal previous routines & reestablishing prior relationships, reentry has its own set of special social & psychological adjustments.

The Office of International Education has resources for students who are experiencing reverse culture shock. The best way for a student to integrate his or her new world view with the home culture is to get involved on campus or in the community. The same theory that applies to overcoming culture shock in a new environment applies to overcoming reverse culture shock. Find creative outlets, reach out to an old friend, and/or talk to other students who lived overseas. Additionally, review the online resource “What’s up with Culture” for more information on how to handle reverse culture shock.

How to Market Your Study Abroad Experience?

One of the greatest benefits of overseas study is that your international experience will be attractive to employers and will be an asset to your job search. You should include this experience on your resume, and perhaps refer to it in your cover letter, portfolio, and job interviews. 

Experiences in other countries offer opportunities for personal growth and exploration as well as teh opportunity to build valuable skills and traits that will enhance your ability to compete as a top job candidate. However, you need to communicate the impact and vlaue of your experience to poential employers. 

What types of skills and attributes are developed through studying abroad?

The skills gained while studying abroad are as diverse as each individual's study abroad experience. The following list offers examples of skills often gained through living in other countries:

• Communication skills
• Foreign language skills
• Global point of view, appreciation of diversity, tolerance, cultural awareness, and sensitivity to customs and cultural differences
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Motivation and initiative
• Organizational and time management skills
• Problem solving and crisis management skills
• Independence, self-reliance, and responsibility
• Assertiveness

Where should I include study abroad on my resume?

Ways to incorporate your experience on your resume vary. Here are some general guidelines adopted from Ball State University to help you get started:

• If you participated in a study program and attended classes overseas, you can list the experience in your Education section.
• If you gained practical work experience whole overseas, such as an internship, part time job, or practicum, you can list it in a Work Experience or Career Related Experience section.
• You can also include study and work overseas programs in a separate category titled International Experience. This option may be the most appropriate if you have had multiple experiences abroad.
• Be sure to include accomplishment statements and mention the key skills you developed through these experiences.

Should I discuss my study abroad experience in my cover letter or during the job interview?

The key to writing a great cover letter and preparing for a job interview is to match your skills and abilities to the needs of the employer. In most cases, international experience will be attractive to employers; you will need to determine what skills will enable you to "sell yourself" best. Use your cover letter to highlight one or two of your top skills or attributes and refer to your travel experience if appropriate. You cover letter should spark employers' interest and direct them to your resume for additional information about your qualifications. 

What if I need additional help?

The Office of Career Services offers resources to help you develop your resume, cover letter, and portfolio and prepare for job interviews. For assistance you can visit the Career Services Department during drop in hours from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday - Friday and/or schedule an appointment with a career counselor at (260)481-0689.