Expat Teacher
Repatriating … Reverse culture shock and how to handle it
By Suzanne Berg
As educators , we move to the Middle East for opportunities , adventure , new experiences , better pay , and travel opportunities . Everything is strange and exciting at first , but becomes normal , even enjoyable , after a few months . However , if you want to throw yourself for a real loop , move back to the western hemisphere after living and teaching abroad for a few years . After coming to terms with the decision to move home , then packing up and / or selling home contents and embarking on a new job search , you might think life will fall back into place upon return to your home country - I certainly did . But brace yourself , because “ Reverse Culture Shock ” is lurking right around the corner .
Here ' s why and what you can do to combat it .
Shock # 1 : Loss of words
I blogged the entire time I was living in the UAE , but still found it difficult to articulate my feelings upon return . Followers of my adventures had already been informed of my highs and lows , so why should I bore everyone by regaling them with my tired tales ? Those who hadn ’ t kept up with my musings via social media obviously had little interest while it was occurring , so what would make me think they want to hear about it after the fact ? Stuck between a rock and a hard place , I fell silent .
How to handle it : I framed and hung photos up in my house , arranged dozens of travel magnets on the side of my fridge , and found a website that would turn my blog posts into a bound book . People ask questions when they see my mementos , and I can relish my tangible memories daily .
Shock # 2 : Technology
I used to pump my own fuel and breeze through the self-checkout with the best of them . What on earth happened since I left the U . S .? Chip-enabled credit cards required new hardware to be implemented at many establishments I frequent . All of a sudden , I ’ m the customer who needs an attendant to help me finalize my purchase . Ugh .
How to handle it : Strike up a conversation and ask for help . Many folks are amazed that you ’ d even consider leaving the country , not to mention for an extended period of time , so conversations ensue . At that point , they ’ re happy to help .
Shock # 3 : Where did all the accents go ?
Seriously , one of the best parts of living abroad is hearing all the different accents . Although sometimes difficult to understand , the myriad of accents I heard in the UAE were endearing more than they were troublesome .
How to handle it : Keeping in touch is easy these days ! With Skype and WhatsApp , I can still hear voices from around the world . Staying connected with those who shared my adventure keeps me sane . And their accents are music to my ears .
Shock # 5 : Fewer travel opportunities
This was a difficult pill to swallow . No more quick trips to Oman , Qatar , Europe or Asia . Not fair .
How to handle it : Find joy in local travel . A person can live his entire life in the U . S . and never see the whole place . The same goes for Europeans , where traveling from country to country is like an American traveling from state to state . Instead of globetrotting , enjoy the changing scenery of road trips . New experiences can happen anywhere .
Overcoming reverse culture shock means redefining “ home .” Accept the fact that although much of life is the same as before you left , some things have changed and will never return to the way they were … you , for one . The key is to build on your experiences , embrace change , and adapt .