Every year, hundreds of thousands of college students participate in some form of a study abroad trip, whether it is a faculty-led tour over a school recess or a traditional semester or year spent studying at a college or university in a foreign country. Regardless of how a student experiences studying abroad, there are several things that they should keep in mind when preparing to return to their home college or university, families, and homes.
Request Copies of Study Abroad Transcripts
There are several reasons as to why students should obtain copies of their study abroad transcripts. Not only does this serve as an official record of the student's academic performance while abroad, but some schools may require transcripts in order to apply study abroad credits towards the student's degree, such as the University of Arkansas.
The University of Arkansas recommends obtaining multiple copies of a student's transcripts, usually by making a request through the host school's international student services office. One copy should be mailed directly to the student's home address to be kept in a safe place, while another copy should be mailed directly to the student's home college or university if they require or recommend transcripts.
Additionally, students should also keep copies of course descriptions and syllabi in case college or university staff need additional information in order to process study abroad credits. Students should also obtain a copy of these materials translated into English or the native language of the student's home institution.
Complete Study Abroad Assignments from Student's Home School
Sometimes, colleges or universities require that students studying abroad complete specific assignments relating to the experience prior to receiving credit for time spent abroad. These can include anything from a reflection paper, a travel blog, or making presentations to faculty and students regarding the study abroad experience.
For students who have questions regarding their study abroad assignments, they should contact their study abroad coordinator to see what the college or university asks of students upon returning from studying abroad.
Prepare to Return to a Student's Home College or University
Students who have been studying abroad still have to take care of matters at their home school, including handling financial aid, course registration, and housing arrangements for when they return to their home school.
The University at Albany says that schools may send students who are studying abroad registration materials at their address abroad, or provide instructions for students to register online. For students who complete their study abroad experience prior to the end of the term at their home school, it is also possible to make arrangements to register for classes for the upcoming term.
Students who live on campus will also need to make arrangements for on campus housing once they return from studying abroad. Rooms in residence halls and other on campus housing fill up quickly, especially if a student will be returning to campus in the middle of the academic year. To make room arrangements, students should contact their housing or residence life office in order to make the proper preparations for on campus housing.
Financial aid changes for many students while studying abroad due to the home school's policies and federal regulations regarding financial aid while studying abroad. Students may need to reapply for financial aid through their college or university, file the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA,) or provide other documentation to the financial aid office in order to process scholarships, grants, and other forms of aid.
Cope With Re-Entry Shock
CEA, a study abroad program coordinator, explains that re-entry shock is common among students who study abroad. Re-entry shock usually occurs after a student has returned home and the novelty of being back with family, friends, and their home school has worn off.
To cope with re-entry shock, CEA recommends that students try to keep in touch with friends that they made while studying abroad, get involved with a campus's international club, or continue to explore the student's host school's culture. Continuing a study abroad journal also helps to document experiences after returning from studying abroad, says CEA, and may help students cope with re-entry shock.
Students returning from a study abroad experience will find that they have a lot of preparing to do before re-entering their home college or university. If students are aware of these preparations before returning home, however, the transition from studying abroad to life at home can be easier.
Sources
- "Things to Know Before Coming Home" University of Arkansas Office of Study Abroad & International Exchange, accessed 3 May 2011.
- "Re-Entry" CEA Global Education, accessed 3 May 2011.
- "Returning from Abroad" University at Albany Office of International Education, Study Aborad, and Exchanges, accessed 3 May 2011.
Ashley Anderson - Ashley is an Ohio-based writer and editor with specializations in higher education, writing, and social activism.
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