As of August 3rd, it has been one month since I returned to the USA from Germany. Many would think that I would be fully adjusted to life in North America by now, but the reality is that I am not. Yes, I know that while I was over there, I was homesick many times and would say that I couldn't wait to be back...but now, I find myself wanting to be in Europe again.
I'm experiencing what is called "reverse culture shock." I don't know how long it's going to last, but all I know is that sometimes it is not very enjoyable. Before I came back, I knew that it was going to happen--so I was sort of prepared for it. When I read articles about it online, written by people who have been abroad, I find myself nodding along in agreement. It's comforting to know that there are other people out there who have shared the same feelings.
I'm worried that I may talk about my experiences abroad too much sometimes, so I try to hold back even though I just want to share my experiences with people. I also try to refrain from comparing Europe vs. North America. It's great that I have some family and friends who have been abroad so that we can share our stories with one another and take a trip down memory lane.
I was only there for 3ish months (which by looking at the bigger scheme of things, is a relatively short amount of time), but I guess that was just enough time for me to be somewhat attached to life in Europe. While I was there, I don't think I totally realized how much fun I was having or how much I actually did like living there.
I'm glad that I have been able to keep in contact with the friends that I made over there (most of them being other exchange students as well). Facebook and Skype are so amazing; I've been able to message/see/talk to my friends who are on the other side of the world. We're all back in our respective countries, we're all missing each other, and we're all trying to get back into the groove of the way things work at "home."
When I arrived in the USA, I didn't really have time to fully unwind, as I was quite busy with other things--i.e. I went on a road trip to Canada two days after I came back, started back at work the following Monday, took the next two weeks off of work so that I could mentor a program at my university...So yeah, I didn't get too much of a break. I think that's why this past week has just been so strange--because I finally have time to just be and it's just really hitting me that I'm not in Europe anymore. The past couple weeks, I was preoccupied with other things so I didn't have time to fully grasp the concept of me being back.
I was so used to packing every week to go somewhere for the weekend. Luckily, I have been able to plan a couple road trips for this summer--not anything like my 9 or 11 hour train rides, but 3 or 4 hour car rides that will at least get me traveling and seeing more of the world.
Looking back at pictures and thinking about all the adventures I have had definitely makes me miss my study abroad life even more, but it also lets me reminisce about the most awesome time of my life.
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
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