For some, it can be a matter of weeks, for others, months, even a year, or more. What is known, however, is that some factors are proportional: oftentimes, the more time spent abroad, the greater the shock factor upon returning home. Likewise, the greater the extent of cultural differences between one’s home country and foreign country, the greater the shock is likely to be upon return.
Josh and I spent 3.5 years abroad. The vast majority of our time was spent living, working, and traveling in developing countries—namely Vietnam, though we spent considerable chunks of time in Nepal and Thailand as well (four and three months, respectively). And although we had read the literature and were “familiar enough” with the concept of reverse culture shock, I don’t think anything could have fully prepared us for the emotional and mental challenges that we would face when we finally came home—last June.
Prior to moving to Vietnam, I had spent a little time outside of the country. (Josh, by contrast, had never left American soil.) In university, I was fortunate enough to partake in two study abroad programs—the first in Tanzania, the second in England. It was during this second trip that I encountered Reach the World. Little did I know then, that I would be making my way back to this organization some five years later. Much the same, I also had no idea just how important, therapeutic, and transformational my second exchange journey with RTW would come to be.
Looking back on the few, short months that have passed since our U.S.-Sudan exchange journey began, I am starting to realize what a phenomenal outlet RTW has been for us.
