Welcome

Welcome to the World Endeavors resource page for alumni! Whether you are just returning from a program or you participated several years ago, we are excited to have you as a member of our global community. We hope that your experience abroad was life-changing, eye-opening, challenging, exciting, and rewarding. This page contains information about returning home after your program, as well as ways to share your experience once you are back.

Re-Entry Shock

Simply put, re-entry shock, also known as reverse culture shock, is a period of stress and disorientation that occurs when one returns after spending time abroad. Most people are more familiar with the concept of culture shock – the feeling of stress and internal conflict when you arrive in a new culture. But many travelers don’t give much thought to the fact that oftentimes, along with culture shock comes reverse culture shock or re-entry shock. For some, this feeling of disorientation can last for a long time, while others are able to overcome it within a few weeks.

Some simple strategies can help to mitigate the impact of re-entry shock. We always encourage returnees to share highlights of their experience abroad with family and friends. Returnees who are enrolled as students often find that participating in events at their campus’ study abroad office can help them connect to other recently returned students. Creating a journal or scrapbook of your time abroad can also be a great way to process your experience.

Share Your Story

The value of your experience abroad doesn’t end when your plane touches down in your home city. You have gained experience and knowledge about your host country and about what it’s like to intern, study, or volunteer abroad. Don’t keep that knowledge to yourself! One of the best ways to process your experience and share what you’ve learned is by sharing your story. Below are some ways to do just that:

• Serve as a peer advisor at your university study abroad office
• Share your experiences at info sessions on campus
• Give a presentation to a local organization, such as a Rotary club
• Serve as an email reference for future WE participants
• Post photos to the WE Facebook page
• Be profiled on the WE website or in a video interview – contact WE to find out more!
• Be a Campus Ambassador – see below

Campus Ambassador Program

A great way for World Endeavors alumni to stay involved is through our Campus Ambassador program. Campus Ambassadors share their experiences abroad with fellow students by speaking to classes, participating in study abroad office events, and identifying opportunities on their campus for World Endeavors. Being a campus ambassador is a great way to boost your resume while sharing your enthusiasm for your international experience! Contact World Endeavors to find out more.