Cross-Cultural HOME || Saying Goodbye || Managing Stress || Landing Overseas ||
Succeeding Overseas || Adapting || Moving On || Learning More
You now happily manage life in your new country with only occasional mishaps...just in time to leave. Many people neglect to prepare for this stage of cross-cultural living. You have changed, perhaps in ways you don't even realize. Meanwhile, "home" has changed as well.
Research shows that re-entry culture shock is often worse than what you experienced when moving overseas. Prepare, just as you did for the overseas move. Recognize and allow time for the grieving process. Learn about the culture you are going to (What is new and "hot"? What has changed?) Examine your personal culture, now probably a mixture from different places (What habits and attitudes have you picked up? How are you different?) Pull out all of your stress management, coping, and cultural learning strategies. Expect ups and downs, even once you first think you have adjusted, remembering that the "re-entry" process can take a year or more.
If you are moving to another country, don't think that your status as a cross-cultural "expert" will suffice. You still need to study the new culture, learn the language (or the local variation), and apply the attitudes and strategies that help you adapt. Keep that commitment to learning and growing. As Shakespeare wrote centuries ago, "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." Enjoy the journey!
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