After spending some time in Uruguay, you’ll likely begin to notice cultural differences that go beyond the obvious—such as music, architecture, customs, and food, among other things. Some differences lie at a deeper level, involving the values, norms, and motivations of the local people.
As you begin to notice these differences, you may experience feelings of anxiety, loneliness, outrage, and even mixed feelings toward your host country. This phenomenon is so common that it has even been studied academically and is known as "culture shock."
During this time, you'll learn a lot about what it means to be from your country. That's why it's normal to feel a stronger connection with people of the same nationality and to seek out their company.
There is no single “right” way to go through this adjustment process. You may find yourself questioning many of your own values and norms; you may adopt those of your host country, reject them, or strike a balance between the two. The important thing is to know that this conflict is completely normal and that it is possible to overcome it. Whatever your approach, the adjustment you make will result in improved interpersonal skills, greater independence, and increased self-confidence.
Tips
- Seek out the company of people who are good for you.
- Share it or talk about it. It’s always good to talk about what’s going on with you. Not only will you feel a sense of relief by getting it off your chest, but having someone else understand will make you feel better.
- Doing things you enjoy on a regular basis—whether they’re familiar or new—will make you feel better.
- Don't forget to keep exploring and enjoying the things you'll miss when you return home.
- Spending time in nature is always good for you.
- Reach out to the International Office. The staff there have experience working with other students in your situation.
- If you're feeling really overwhelmed, maybe a short trip or a change of pace would help.
Reverse culture shock
Reverse culture shock, which can occur when you return to your home country, is a form of mild grief in which you try to stay connected to an experience that is now behind you.
Even though returning to your home country means returning to familiar surroundings, you’ve probably changed, and you’ll need to incorporate those changes into your daily life.
An international experience is both a challenge and a learning opportunity that will undoubtedly change you. When you return, you may feel relieved to be back in your old comfort zone. You’ll have to adapt to the changes that occurred while you were away—or to the things that remain the same but now look different to you.
It’s also possible that you now have other personal and career goals. This can put a bit of pressure on you when you think about your future.
Once again, you need to know that this is normal and happens to a lot of people. You’ll go through a period of mourning for the experience that’s now over, and a search for a path forward that incorporates your changes and new expectations.
You may find it difficult to convey to your family and friends everything you’ve been through, and you may face the challenge of bringing them back into your daily life.
After a while, you may find that other people aren't as interested in hearing about your experiences as you are in sharing them. And once again, you'll feel a sense of distance from everyone else.
Recommendations
The best thing you can do is turn your experience into something productive.
There are many people for whom everything you've learned is incredibly valuable, such as students who want to study abroad for a semester.
If you're interested in sharing what you've learned, you could contact the international office at your home university or join a cultural exchange organization in your city.
There are most likely exchange students from ORT Uruguay University at your university; this is a great opportunity to get to know them and show them what life is like in your country.