Returning Students

Returning home from study abroad can be a challenging and difficult time. You have arrived home and you may experience some frustration because your family and friends lack interest in what you have experienced, and they may find it difficult to adjust to the "new you." Please be aware that this is normal, though not easy to respond to. This period of re-adjustment can be the time when you learn the most about yourself and how your cross-cultural experience have influenced you.

Continuing Your International Experience

So you’re back on campus after spending a semester or even a couple of weeks studying outside the U.S. You’re ready to tell your stories, share your pictures and reminisce about your days abroad. Here are various options of how you can continue your international experience:

  • Continue to take language courses! Salem State offers language classes in Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic, and Chinese.
  • Be a study abroad volunteer: The Center for International Education is always looking for student volunteers.
    • Participate in information sessions around campus to inform prospective students.
    • Join us at the study abroad fair each semester.
    • Sign up to participate in pre-departure orientations to help other students prepare for studying abroad.

      If you are interested in becoming a study abroad volunteer, please download and fill out the application form and submit it to the CIE office.
  • Make sure to complete the program evaluation through Abroad101. The study abroad staff will send you an invitation upon your return. Your evaluation will inform and help future students who are researching various programs and countries.
  • Get involved in social and cultural student organizations on campus. Some of which include:
    •  International Student Association (ISA)
    •  Hispanic-American Society (HAS)
    •  Multicultural Student Association (MSA)
    •  African Student Union (ASU)
    •  Asian Student Association (ASA)
  • Participate in the annual international photo contest.
  • International entry-way dormitory: request to live amongst international students on campus.
  • Re-entry conference: contact the study abroad staff to find out when and where the next study abroad re-entry conference will be held.
  • Add your study abroad experience onto your “My activities Portfolio” page in Navigator. In addition, meet with career services to learn how to include and promote your study abroad experience when applying for future jobs. 
  • Talk to us! We truly enjoy hearing about your experience. Please stop by the Center for International Education to show us pictures and tell us all about your summer/semester/year abroad.