Reverse Culture Shock
And it’s Ability to Inspire Change
Written By: Taylor Edwardson
Initially, after arriving on your GIVE trip, it’s common to undergo culture shock. This is a term frequently used by travelers to describe feelings of disorientation, anxiety, confusion, and even anger that can arise when introduced to sets of beliefs, ways of living, and cultural differences that are unfamiliar to them. As you settle in, make connections, and embrace the unfamiliarity on your GIVE trip, you’ll soon realize just how quickly that shock fades. What you may discover in replacement of that shock is feeling at One with the new culture you’ve traveled and its people. Although culture shock dissipates pretty quickly, we want to shed more light, understanding, and normalcy on the common feeling of “reverse culture shock.”
Something all responsible travelers can agree upon is the heartache that comes with leaving a community that makes you feel at home. Saying “See you later” (because it is never goodbye) is often the most challenging part, but the whirlwind of emotions following your trip can usually signify a close second. Reverse culture shock is an emotional re-adjustment period when you return home, causing feelings similar to traditional culture shock but including more insights, perspective, and growth than before. Let’s dive into some thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may arise during this transitional period AND why you may be experiencing them.
Inspiration to Embrace Life Away from the Screen.
On a GIVE trip, you’re invited to unplug from the outside world, leaving your phones behind, and allowing for true presence in every moment. *Disclaimer: this does not mean you won’t have your phones with you on your trip for photos or to reach home when available.* This means intentionally setting your screens down to experience the present moment. In our society today, almost everything revolves around technology and the use of cell phones, tablets, computers, etc. There is a constant “distraction” readily available to us that hinders physical connection and global awareness.
GIVE aims to eliminate this distraction when traveling. By doing so, travelers’ eyes are opened to a form of human connection and community they may never have thought possible. We aim for travelers to leave their trips knowing the immense value of personal connection and the immeasurable memories made in the present moment. Once returned home, it’s common for travelers to experience reverse culture shock due to bearing witness to the disconnection they once experienced. It’s eye-opening to re-enter a place where friends and family are consumed by the “distraction” when it no longer has its hold on you. Instead, your new perspective prioritizes speaking face-to-face rather than doom scrolling, DMing, or snapping. Yet, as change makers, you have the power to inspire others to see life beyond their screens and wake up to the human connections all around them.
Adopting True Materialism.
There are numerous lessons to be discovered from cultures different from our own, and a critical insight learned on GIVE trips is the contrast between the value placed on material possessions versus human connections and experiences. For example, in many of our programs, it may be hard to initially get accustomed to not having internet access, hot water, several blankets and pillows, “normal” toilets, and the ability to buy foods or items you may be used to at home. Yet just because a culture does not have these things, does not mean the people do not live a fulfilling life. Cultures such as these place a higher value on community and connection. This teaches travelers that it does not matter what you have but rather who you surround yourself with.
After witnessing cultural differences and viewing life from a new perspective, travelers may feel reverse culture shock as they return to a life filled with material possessions they know are unnecessary. Western culture places such value in “things” rather than seeking happiness in yourself, others, nature, etc. Returning home, it can be difficult to see a closet overflowing with clothes or drawers filled to the brim, and you may want to donate everything and live out of a backpack 🙂 If you feel called to live minimally, that is amazing. The lessons learned from the culture you visited are not meant to tell you to get rid of all you have; instead, focus on the sustainable treasures in life moving forward & truly value what you do have. It’s okay to be frustrated with overconsumption and “necessities” taken advantage of at home. As a global citizen, we can push for change in our own community and lead by example. By sharing what you learned and creating intentionality to value experiences and loved ones over things, you become the change-maker.
The Gift of Reverse Homesickness.
Another aspect of reverse culture shock, which can feel overwhelming and emotional at first, is reverse homesickness. On your trip, the locals, staff, community, and fellow volunteers you work alongside quickly feel like family. Leaving family (in any capacity) is extremely difficult, but just like your relatives, this newfound family abroad will always be there. A way we can process through reverse homesickness is to stay connected with people from your home away from home. Reaching out to fellow travelers who became besties, the local community members, and GIVE guides who have felt all the same feelings, will help to show you you are not alone and that it’s a great gift to have family across the globe. Your feelings are validated and completely normal. As global citizens, every time we travel, we leave a piece of our heart in each new place we visit. But think how beautiful it is that we have family worldwide, always ready to see us again.
What we can learn from this
Reverse culture shock can create a change-maker in us to inspire others.
How will anyone know the life-altering perspectives you gained if you don’t share them with others (especially those who may still be living in distraction)?? Let’s help inspire and wake others up to the truth of community connection, sustainability, and cultural beauty around the world.
Learning the value of presence is a true gift.
We return home with new perspectives, helping us to see the bigger picture. When we leave this Earth, we will not be remembered for the materialistic things we had but instead for the impact we made. We should make the most of our time here by prioritizing experiences and relationships and finding our purpose.
Missing the community you worked with on your trip reflects how much your heart was impacted. Your home away from home will always be there and will be ready to embrace you whenever you return. 💚
Your impact is greater than you can imagine, and these feelings of reverse culture shock prove to yourself how much personal growth has been achieved on your trip.
Use reverse culture shock to ignite a fire in yourself and apply the lessons you learned abroad in your own life! You are a global citizen… you can spark those same fires in others, working to create a better, more sustainable world. 🌎
When you think about it, feelings of reverse culture shock are a privilege. They help us reflect on our memorable experiences and encourage us to be grateful for the beautiful life we live!