Education Abroad Returnee Resources

Welcome back! We hope you had an amazing experience abroad!

Support from the Office for Education Abroad and Scholar Services (EA&SS) does not stop just because a student has returned from abroad! EA&SS have programming and resources to help support returning students. Just because you have returned doesn't mean you have to disconnect from the transformative experience. Here is some important information to know when you return from being abroad:

Getting Credit for Your Semester Abroad

Prior to departing and during your time abroad, students on partner provider programs should be actively working to submit their required foreign transcript for each course taken while abroad.

Many overseas transcripts will be mailed from the partner institutions to EA&SS or the UHCL Registrar Office. Transcripts generally arrive one to six months after the completion of the student's coursework.

Dealing With Reverse Culture Shock?

If you are experiencing difficulties readjusting to what used to be "normal" now that you are back, you are not alone. Many students deal with what is called reverse culture shock. The studentsabroad website contains a handbook explaining reverse culture shock and overcoming it, along with some extra resources on reverse culture shock.

Common Challenges When Returning from Abroad:

• Boredom
• Trouble Articulating Experience
• Compartmentalization or "Shoeboxing" of Experience

Strategies for Readjusting to Life at Home:

• Anticipate the adjustment and give yourself time
• Know that things will be (or seem) different
• Seek support

Returnee Reception and Dinner

Once you're back at UHCL, you can look forward to attending a Welcome Back Reception. Attend this event in the fall to discuss your experiences with other returning students and faculty while enjoying dinner, swapping stories, and networking. Invitations to RSVP will be sent in early fall.

Volunteer & Get Involved

Share your experiences with others. Participate and educate prospective students about education abroad opportunities at UHCL events such as: 

• Education Abroad fairs (September and February)
• Returnee student panels
• Information tables
• International Education Week (November)
• Write an article for the website or campus newspaper
• Donate photos from your experiences abroad
• Many student organizations are internationally focused
• Class and community presentations
• Do a testimonial about your program, either written or a video
• Present at a Pre-Departure Orientation

Please contact the Office of Education Abroad and Scholar Services at educationabroad@uhcl.edu to volunteer for events.

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Keep Your Education Abroad Experience Alive!

Career Services & Education Abroad

Education Abroad Program Ambassador

Wondering how to bring your education abroad experience back to campus? Become a program ambassador! Your name and a contact form will be listed on our website so that students can contact you with questions about the program you went on!

This is a great opportunity to help fellow students, gain leadership experience, and participate in receptions and celebrations! Email educationabroad@uhcl.edu  if you want to learn more about this opportunity.

Request a Speaker or Co-Presenter

Invite Education Abroad to be a part of your next event or class! Whether presenting an overview of Education Abroad (first steps) or tabling at your college orientation or fair, EA&SS looks forward to working with you!

Participate in Outside Programs

There are often organizations that cater to returnees for unique opportunities like the Peace Corps, Exchange and Teaching Programs and Fulbright.

Graduation Sashes

Order a beautifully designed sash from the UHCL Campus Bookstore. The sash (available for purchase) is worn over your graduation robe and gives you recognition for your UHCL Education Abroad experience. Contact Herff Jones for more information.

Education Abroad Photo Contest

The photo contest will open for submissions in the fall to those students who participated in an Education Abroad program in the previous academic year. Awards can range from  Amazon.com, UHCL Bookstore, and movie theater gift certificates.

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Join Us on Social Media

Hawk returnees, join us on Facebook and Instagram. Show UHCL students what YOU did abroad and inspire them to take their journey! Post your photos, videos, blogs, stories, and more! Follow us and tag us in your photos with #UHCLGLS on Instagram.