Umbra Students Prepare for Re-Entry
Re-entry is possibly the most overlooked aspect of study abroad. “Going home” often means leaving a new home behind. Many study abroad students will return as a changed person, but won’t have the opportunity to anticipate possible changes in their mindset, relationships, and goals. In fact, study abroad students often experience what is called “reverse culture shock” during this transition.
The Umbra Institute facilitated this workshop to help students reflect on their semester in Perugia and to provide them with resources for the future. Students shared their favorite and challenging moments of the semester and discussed what aspects of returning home could be the most exciting and challenging. They were provided with ideas for coping and avenues for sharing their stories from their time abroad.
The career portion of this workshop gave students the resources for marketing their international experience. Students had a chance to practice articulating their intercultural competence in a mock-interview storytelling exercise, and were given a workbook with activities to help build résumés that showcase their new linguistic and intercultural skills.
