Back on Campus

You're back on campus!...Now what?

Now that you’re back on campus, you may be wondering what comes next. Sometimes, returning to campus, reconnecting with your friends, and getting back into a previous routine makes it tempting to “shoebox” your memories of global study: to put all the things you’ve learned and experienced into a metaphorical (or physical) box and pack it away. Avoid doing this! There are many, many resources on campus to help you channel and connect your global study experiences to your life on campus.

Logistical Matters

Coming back from a global study experience can be more challenging that you expect. While you are back in a familiar environment, you may have noticed that things have changed, relationships have changed, and you have changed. This is normal, and it is important to be patient with yourself and with others, and give yourself time to adjust and reflect. Below are a few resources to help navigate reverse culture shock:

  • Top 10 Re-Entry Challenges: This list contains the top ten challenges students have reported after having an international education experience.
  • What’s Up with Culture?: This online training module has tips, reflection questions, and advice for every stage of the global study process, including returning from global study.
  • SIT Returning Student Toolkit: Many Gettysburg students study on SIT programs; however, even if you participated in a different program, their “Returning Student Toolkit” is a great resource.
  • IFSA Butler Unpacked is a great blog series with reflections from global study students, including after their return from their programs.

Advisors in CGE are always happy to meet with you to talk through any questions you have about your return, or just to share your experience!

Channeling Your Experience on Campus

There are many ways to connect your global study experience to your life on campus.

The Center for Global Education: Even though you’ve returned from your global study program, there are still plenty of ways you can engage with CGE!Are there additional ways you’d like to share, process, and connect your global study experience? Let us know! Email us at cge@gettysburg.edu or stop by our office (CUB 240) to chat about your ideas.

Socialize

    Welcome Back Social: During the first week of each semester, returning global study students are invited to come to a dinner to share your experience and hear about your friends’ global study experiences.

    Lead

      Global Leaders of Gettysburg College: The GLGC is a global study honor society through CGE empowering returned global study students to channel their experiences through mentorship, scholarship, and activism—moving beyond observation to active reflection and leadership. Details on membership and participating in our GLGC program can be found here on our website. 

      Capture

        Photo Contest: Submit the best photos from your semester for a chance to win a prize! Submissions collected via this google form; deadlines and additional details will be shared via email.

          General Photo Submissions: Regardless of categories or contests we’re excited to see your photos! We encourage you to share a few of your favorites with the CGE team by submitting them through this google form; there is no deadline for this activity. 

          Reflect

            Global Gettysburgian Insider Guides: Sometimes, our returned students just can’t stop talking about their global study experiences. If you relate to that, then this activity is perfect for you! Submit a short video discussing your global study experience to be shared with prospective students for years to come. Details and submission information can be found on this google form; there is no deadline for this activity.

              Returned Student Survey: You don’t have to be in front of or behind a camera to share your story. Reflect on your time and experiences during your global study semester by completing our returned study survey; there is no deadline for this activity. 

              Create

              Are there additional ways you'd like to share, process, and connect your global study experience?  Let us know!  Email us at cge@gettysburg.edu or stop by our office (CUB240) to chat about your ideas.