Explore WIU
Apply NowTop Navigation
Center for International Studies
WIU Home > International Studies > Study Abroad > Returned Students / Alumni
Returned Students/Alumni
Now that you're home....
Welcome
home! We hope you had a great time abroad. Here are some ideas for
keeping your study abroad experience alive now that you’re back at
Western Illinois University.
Come see us! Bring
in your pictures, your stories, anything you want. You are the expert
on your study abroad experience and we want to learn all about it!
Evaluate
the experience. We appreciate your input on the Program
Evaluation and the Safety Incident Survey. They take only a few
minutes to complete but provide us with invaluable information for
future students.
Be aware of “reverse culture
shock.” Even though you’ve been away, things at home probably
didn’t remain exactly as you left them. Returning home can cause
adjustment issues just like entering a new culture. Additionally, you
may find you miss the food, your friends, and the other things you loved
about your host culture. Check out What’s Up with Culture?
for tips and strategies for combating this normal psychological
phenomenon.
Join Western's Ambassadors for Study Abroad (WASA)
Join Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society
Attend the Welcome Back Party! (contact your Study Abroad Advisor for more details)
Share your
study abroad experience.
- Join Western’s Ambassadors for Study Abroad (WASA).
- Volunteer for International Student Orientation.
- Become a Conversation Partner.
- Attend Cultural Cafés and World Cafe Coffee hours.
- Join the International Friendship Club.
Submit your favorite photos to the International Bazaar Photo Contest.
Consider studying abroad again. Contact us about pursuing another study abroad experience. We’d love to help make it a reality!
Useful Websites:
Peace Corps
Transitionsabroad.com
