Chapter 1: The Journey Back Home

It's been a month since I returned to Puerto Rico after spending nine months studying in Argentina. Initially, I was thrilled to be home, but I quickly found myself grappling with the realities of adjusting back to island life.

Puerto Rico vastly differs from Buenos Aires; there are no walkable neighborhoods, public transportation is inconsistent, and businesses tend to close early. This stark contrast was quite a shock.

Upon my return, I attempted to rekindle my newfound passions but discovered a scarcity of opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. This realization left me feeling confined and overwhelmed, leading to emotions such as frustration and sadness.

Discussing my experiences with fellow students who had also returned home revealed that I was facing what is known as reverse culture shock.

Reverse culture shock is a common emotional and psychological response when returning home after living abroad. It can manifest in various ways, from feeling misunderstood about your changes to fearing a loss of identity without avenues to explore new interests ignited during your time abroad.

– Marquette University

This description perfectly encapsulates my feelings since coming back.

The most challenging aspect has been acknowledging that I cannot recreate the Buenos Aires lifestyle that I cherished so much. I miss the vibrancy of walkable streets, cultural events, and the allure of late nights.

In addition to these, I long for:

• Quiet evenings enjoying medialunas dipped in hot chocolate.
• Cozy movie nights with wine and a charcuterie spread featuring salami and bondiola.
• Late-night takeout and vegan ice cream gatherings with friends.
• Navigating the city on foot or via dependable public transport.
• A wealth of artistic opportunities to explore.

Even now, I continue to wrestle with reverse culture shock, but I am learning to adapt and find a balance in my home environment.

To cope, I’ve started discovering new ways to pursue my interests, including seeking adult courses, even if they require a 40-minute commute. I am also finding creative substitutes to recreate my Argentine experiences—swapping medialunas for pan sobao, trying various meats for my charcuterie boards, and exploring my city in fresh ways.

Have you ever experienced reverse culture shock? How did you navigate it? I’m eager to learn from fellow travel lovers!

Chapter 2: Understanding Reverse Culture Shock

The first video, "The Truth About Moving Back Home After Living Abroad," delves into the emotional complexities of returning to one’s home country after living abroad. It discusses common feelings and strategies for adjustment.

The second video, "RETURNING HOME AFTER LIVING ABROAD: Stay Or Go Back Home? [audio story]," offers insights into the decision-making process faced by many when contemplating whether to stay or return home after their travels.