Study Abroad

Career & Academic Development

• Translate Skills: Highlight the skills and experiences gained abroad on your resume and in job interviews.
• Seek Guidance: Reach out to career services at your university or professional networks for advice on transitioning back into your career path.
• Consider Further Opportunities: Explore post-graduate studies, internships, or job placements that can leverage your international experience.

Resources

• Resume Building 
  • How to Include Your Study Abroad Experience on Your Resume
  • How to Put Study Abroad on Your Resume: 4 Steps
  • How to market your study abroad experience to employers
• International Fellowships 

  • 20 International Gap Year Fellowships for Recent Graduates

  • 20 Overseas Fellowships to Travel and Work Abroad

Visit the O'Brien Career Development Center to learn how to add your study abroad experience to your resume.

Mental Health

• Counseling: If you're struggling with readjustment, consider seeking support from counselors or support groups specializing in re-entry after studying abroad.

Resources 

• Post-Study Abroad Depression 
• Managing Mental Health While Abroad
• Overcoming Reverse Culture Shock
• How to Deal with Reverse Culture Shock After Studying Abroad

Visit Student Counseling Services to learn about mental health resources available at Merrimack College.

Maintaining International Connections:

• Use Technology: Leverage video calls, social media, or online platforms to stay connected with friends and colleagues abroad.
• Plan Reunions: Organize meet-ups or reunions with fellow expats or international friends who are also back home
• Language Fluency: 

Resources

• Reasons and ways to stay in touch with study abroad friends

• Maintaining Language Fluency When You Return Home

• How to Retain Language Skills After Studying Abroad

Reverse Culture Shock & Cultural Re-Integration

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's normal to feel disoriented or even frustrated. Allow yourself time to readjust.
• Stay Connected: Maintain connections with friends made abroad through social media or messaging apps.
• Explore Your Hometown Anew: Rediscover your home with fresh eyes. Seek out local events, cafes, and activities you might have overlooked before.
• Stay Open-Minded: Embrace the differences and similarities you observe between your host country and home country.
• Share Your Experience: Engage with friends and family by sharing stories and insights from your time abroad to foster understanding.
• Find Common Ground: Identify ways to incorporate aspects of the host culture into your daily life back home.

Resources 

• How to Deal With Reverse Culture Shock After Studying Abroad
• What is Reverse Culture Shock? 3 Examples

Personal Growth

• Journal Your Experience: Reflect on your journey abroad and how it has shaped you personally and academically.
• Set New Goals: Establish new goals based on your experiences abroad and your aspirations for the future.
• Stay Adventurous: Keep exploring new interests and opportunities to maintain a sense of adventure and growth.

Resources 

• 38 Mindful Prompts for Your Study Abroad Journal

• Six Helpful Questions To Reflect On Your Experience Abroad