What is it?

Reverse culture shock is the emotional and psychological adjustment that happens when you return home after spending time abroad. It can feel surprising or unsettling—while you may have expected to feel out of place in a new country, you might not have anticipated feeling that way when you return to your own.

After living in Cape Town—where life moves at a different rhythm, people tend to be warm and conversational, and the challenges you faced sparked growth—you may find home feels different than you remembered.

What It Might Feel Like Returning Home

• The fast pace and high-pressure environment of developed cities can feel impersonal or overwhelming.

• You may feel disconnected from family and friends who haven’t shared your experiences or changed in the same way.

• You might miss things like Cape Town’s slower mornings, easy friendliness, mountain views, or even the feeling of adventure in the everyday.

• Simple questions like “How was your trip?” can feel hard to answer meaningfully—because it was more than just a trip.

Tips for Navigating Reverse Culture Shock

• Give yourself space. Re-adjusting takes time—don’t expect to feel “back to normal” immediately.

• Talk about it. Find people who understand—whether it’s friends from the program or others who’ve lived abroad.

• Keep connections alive. Reach out to friends you made in Cape Town or fellow interns who “get it.”

• Find outlets. Journal, share photos or stories, or get involved in global or social justice causes at home.

• Apply what you learned. Whether it’s resilience, perspective, or a new interest—your experience has value. Use it.

Remember: If home feels strange, it’s not a sign something’s wrong—it’s a sign that your experience mattered. You grew, you changed, and now you get to figure out how to bring the best of that into the next part of your life.

VACorps Re-Entry Reflection Guide

Take a moment to reflect on your experience and how it’s shaped you. There’s no right or wrong answer—just honesty.

1. What do you expect to surprise you most about being home?

Was it the pace of life, the way people interact, or how familiar everything feels (or doesn’t)?

2. What’s something you learned in Cape Town that you want to hold onto?

This could be a mindset, a skill, or a piece of wisdom.

3. How has your perspective on your own culture changed?

Do you notice things you didn’t before? Are your priorities or values different?

4. What feels different about your relationships since returning?

Are there people who understand your experience—or don’t?

5. What would you like to do with what you’ve learned?

Whether it’s future career plans, volunteering, or continuing to travel—how might this chapter shape the next one?

Alumni Engagement Invitation

Stay connected to the VACorps community!
Your journey doesn’t end when you leave Cape Town. Here’s how you can stay involved:

• Share your story — Write a short reflection or blog post for our website. You can inspire the next cohort and process your own experience at the same time.

• Mentor incoming students — Volunteer to chat with new interns or answer questions about your experience.

• Stay in touch — Join our alumni group, follow us on social media, or drop us a line anytime. We’d love to hear where life takes you next.