Comments on: Re-Entry Shock (Culture Shock Upon Returning to a Home Culture)

By: Bernie Shupe

Bernie Shupe — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:30:22 +0000

Thanks for the interesting article. I found you from Google and will definitely come back for further updates on the article

By: Natalie

Natalie — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:46:21 +0000

Teauna, It is so true. People really won’t care when you return. Their life will be relatively the same, and you will have lived abroad and experienced so many new elements in life (people, places, languages, food, etc).

It is really shocking when you want to share or even encourage others to explore the world and have exciting experiences of their own. In many cases, people enjoy living a dream of permanency that a home offers. We need to respect this dream and passion, even if we would rather grab our backpack and go!

The reason why I love backpacker blogs and long term travel blogs so much is because it offers us a community where we can connect and relate, even if no one else seems to understand.

By: Teauna

Teauna — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:32:35 +0000

I think this advice is accurate and great. Especially the tip “Expect People Not to Care.” No one told me this and it is a bit shocking and strange the first time you travel and return. After living abroad for two years I just shared this people with my younger sister who is having her first travel experience. She asked me why? and I really didn’t have a good explanation but that it always happens.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:40:46 +0000

Any time John. I am not sure if it is possible to fully plan for re-entry shock but I would be interested in learning about any strategies you come up with.

By: JohnC

JohnC — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:26:22 +0000

Thanks for this helpful advice. I returned to England after 9 months travelling Thailand and Australia and since I’ve been back I’ve been struggling to adjust. I will travel again but I will not only plan for the trip itself but also prepare for when I do come home.

Thank You
John

By: Justin

Justin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:37:09 +0000

Hey no worries. It makes my day that I could be helpful. Nothing sucks more than believing your are suffering alone.

By: helvetica

helvetica — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:21:01 +0000

Thank you so much. It’s good to know that those things are really normal and that I am not weird having all those re-entry shock feelings…

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:51:19 +0000

Hey Thanks. There is so little good information out there about reentry, so I am glad this was helpful. If you have any additional advice, feel free to put it here.

By: Natalie

Natalie — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:54:25 +0000

Yeah, readjusting has been strange. I often feel a bit restless, like I should be traveling somewhere. But it is good to just be still too!

Plus, I am a more flexible and frugal because of my time backpacking. A few weeks ago I needed a specific shirt clean for work. Instead of wasting water, money, etc on washing one shirt, I hand washed it in the sink. Backpacking and budget travel has taught me a ton.

The initial shock of returning was rather intense, but now I like the inner backpacker that I am. I know I am a better person because of my travel experiences.

By: Nomadic Matt

Nomadic Matt — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:49:33 +0000

I can never get over the culture shock of coming home. it always feels weird readjusting…