After 10+ years researching re-entry and working with returnees all over the world, I’m 100% convinced that processing the emotions, questions, and confusion that arises in re-entry (also referred to as reverse culture shock or repatriation) is absolutely crucial to…
One beautiful summer evening when I was in my mid-20s, my boyfriend called. I was home visiting family during a grad school break, so I'd expected our usual chit-chat. Instead, we broke up...
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Things that were once so familiar, all of a sudden feel slightly out of reach....
by Hannah Sorila
Welcome back, Forward Launchers! Today, I’m talking with Hannah Sorila about her journey through processing re-entry.
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Hey, Forward Launchers! Today we’re talking about navigating grief and loss during re-entry, especially a sudden or early re-entry, such as the one many of you just went through due to the pandemic.
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Hey Forward Launchers! In this episode we'll talk about the Re-entry Roadmap 5-step process and how it helps you navigate re-entry with more insight, meaning, and ease. We'll also talk about how to transform from returnee to confident Forward Launcher.
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Hey, Forward Launchers! In today’s episode, I share my my re-entry story, what led to starting SPS, and how my story can help you navigate re-entry with more insight, meaning, and ease.
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Hey, Forward Launchers! Today I’m talking about the #1 question I’m asked about re-entry. We’re going beyond reverse culture shock and post-travel depression to talk about what re-entry is *really* all about...
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
by Jack Trego MY TIME ABROAD AND RE-ENTRY Hi! My name is Jack Trego. I studied abroad in Paris and Strasbourg, France during the 2018-2019 academic year, my Junior year of college. Over the course of my time in France, I experienced a profound development in myself. I grew immensely…
by Jack Trego
by Madelyn Petrovich What I Left Behind When I Returned Home From Being Abroad As I boarded my flight back to North Carolina in 2014, I couldn’t help but think I was making a mistake. There was so much I’d miss about my little host town in Colombia; the uniformed…
by Madelyn Petrovich
Here are two big misconceptions I had about re-entry. Can you relate?
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Whether you’re a career expat, a Fulbright scholar, high school or college study abroad student, Peace Corps volunteer, perpetual nomad, intern, volunteer, international school teacher, etc, your return home will likely be THE hardest part of your entire living abroad experience! You wouldn’t think that returning home, to the familiar,…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Commiserating can be helpful release in re-entry. It can also turn into a harmful habit that will keep you from reaching your career, relationship, travel, and life goals. Here are 5 ways to reduce commiserating in re-entry...
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Have you ever thought about all of the little things you've incorporated into your life after living abroad?
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
You’ve returned home from abroad weeks or even months earlier than expected. You likely had little warning or time to pack up your life abroad and say your good-byes. Your flight home might have been nerve-racking and chaotic, and now you’re exhausted and adjusting to a whole new reality…spending much…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
I used to have a negative view of re-entry because I thought there were only two ways of dealing with life after living abroad: 1. Readjust and reintegrate to life at home (thereby giving up all things I loved about living abroad). 2. Or move abroad again as soon as…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
A few days into my first re-entry after living abroad for a year, I happily joined my parents and brother for a family dinner. While growing up, we each sat in one particular spot at the dinner table, and at that first post-abroad family dinner I quickly noticed that my…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Returnees come in all shapes and sizes. And, as I’ve found, that makes talking about “the re-entry experience” in a way that resonates with all returnees super difficult. (That’s one of the reasons why it’s so hard to get returnees to attend re-entry workshops – but that’s a whole other…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Happy New Year! At the end of each year I reflect on my vision for SPS. This year I decided to share my 2020 vision with you! Why? Because I’d love for you to be part of our 2020 plans! But first, I have a little story for you. Last…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
A Guest Post by Sarah Davies I’ve had many re-entry experiences in my lifetime. To different homes, in different countries and at different stages of my life. You would think I’m an expert, but what makes it all the more challenging for me is that the concept of returning ‘home’…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Guest Post by Jonathan Note from Cate: I’ve had returnees ask me if re-entry HAS to be hard. As Jonathan’s story shows, it doesn’t! I like to highlight lots of different re-entry experiences because so many factors influence each returnees’ journey. In this article, Jonathan shares his experience returning to…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Guest Post by Bayta Note from Cate: Today’s post is from Bayta, one of our Re-entry Roadmap Facebook group admins! (If you’re not part of our free Facebook group yet, come over and join us.) Bayta has not only gone through re-entry herself, she helps others navigate the ups and…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Were you abroad with a group? Maybe you became friends with fellow Peace Corps, Fulbright, JET, Rotary or TEFL participants? Perhaps you studied, served or volunteered with others? Or maybe you lead a globally-minded Facebook group, are a study abroad faculty leader, work with global programs alumni, or are an expat with…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
I presented a poster about re-entry after study abroad at last month’s NAFSA international education conference in Philadelphia and had such a great time! Not only the poster session but meeting people in person who’ve I’ve only known online, hanging out with former and current Re-entry Roadmap Mastermind participants, and…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
I first heard Gretchen Rubin speak about her Four Tendencies framework a few years ago at an event in Portland, Oregon but it wasn’t until just a few months ago that I finally sat down and read her book. I’m so glad I did because finding out that I’m a Questioner/Rebel…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
I’m thrilled to share this guest post by Jenny Miner. She wrote this letter towards the end of her re-entry transition from Brazil to the US. In looking back on what she had learned, the reflection took the form of a letter to herself. My dearest Jenny, Be gentle with…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
The Study Abroad Re-Entry Results are in! I sent out a short survey to study abroad professionals so I could take the “pulse” of study abroad re-entry for a couple guest articles I was writing. A summary of the results are below, followed by my own comments and suggestions based…
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
Looking for re-entry books and articles? Look no further...
by Dr. Cate Brubaker
In this guest post, Julie L. Parenteau shares how to use the Relaunch Roadmap with study abroad returnees...
by Dr. Cate Brubaker