Home from abroad? Feeling overwhelmed, nervous and having an AU existential-crisis? You're not alone: 58 percent of AU students chose to study out of the country as of December 2012.
But have no fear, study abroad friends, we've collected a few tips to help you readjust to life in the U.S.:
1. Keep your friends close In this digital age, keeping in touch with new friends isn't the challenge it used to be. By maintaining relationships with friends from home and abroad, you can build a support network of people who can help you readjust to life in the U.S.
2. Maintain a normal routine As you're probably aware, your old daily routines no longer play out well at home. You become tired by 8 p.m., realize McDonald's is hard to digest and wonder why nobody greets each other on the street. Counter these moments by being proactive: Form healthy sleep and eating habits, try exercising or a new hobby.
3. Take time to enjoy being home After spending a semester abroad, everyday life in your home culture may seem boring. Instead of dwelling on missed adventures, take advantage of things you love Stateside, like binging on Chipotle or spending hours on Hulu.
4. Share your experiences with others You are bursting with abroad experiences! However, reality is harsh: most people just don't "get it." Try to communicate your experiences through photos, a blog or a good, old-fashioned conversation.
5. Highlight the experience on your resume Nothing says, "Hire me!" quite like studying abroad. Not only do you showcase your language and cross-cultural communication skills, but you also demonstrate problem-solving simply by living abroad, according to AU Study Abroad Advisor Kelly Jo Bahry. For example, you adapted to getting lost, taking cold showers or bargaining. Reflect on your trip, and be prepared to answer questions about it in an interview.
