Emotional Response of Study Abroad Students Upon Reentry

Indianapolis, IN

The purpose of this study is to explore the negative emotional effects of United States college students upon return from study abroad experiences. Research has demonstrated that college students coming back from study abroad opportunities experience phases depicted in Lysgaard's original U-Curve model adjustment theory (Lysgaard's, 1955). The U-Curve theory stages of assimilation include honeymoon, culture shock, recovery, and adjustment phase upon reentry into one's previous culture. We will survey approximately 200 students at Valparaiso University, a small liberal arts college in Indiana, who have recently studied abroad. This correlational study will look at the relationship between emotional responses and reentry, and will also consider aspects such as location of program, gender, time lapse, and type of program. This study has important implications for reentry support and curriculum for returning study abroad students.