You wouldn’t think that you would experience culture shock returning home from studying abroad. I was only gone for four months, so I figured I would resume my life in Washington just as I left it.
I’m here to confirm that you, in fact, can undergo what’s known as reverse culture shock (adjusting to a culture that you originate from). It’s honestly so strange to be a stranger in your hometown—in your own life—and forget how to act in your house.
I got so accustomed to the Italian culture and customs that, when I returned to America, I was shocked to have forgotten how things work here. Primarily, I found myself pausing before approaching someone in English. I knew I couldn’t say “ciao” or “scuzi,” so I had to think extra about what I would say before approaching. I essentially practiced the script in my head.
I also forgot how to grocery shop. At Trader Joe’s, I didn’t recall that the cashier bags your groceries for you, so I just held onto my bag and packed my own groceries. My mom, who I was there with, said that it was obvious I hadn’t been to an American grocery store in a while. Furthermore, since I hadn’t driven a car in four months, I had to refamiliarize myself with how my car worked, what roads to take to places, and what freeway exit led to my house.
Lastly, I think the biggest culture shock of all was the American prices. I was accustomed to buying a week’s worth of food for €40 (about $43 USD). Now, a single salad costs me $17. In Italy, I could’ve bought three salads for that much. I forgot how expensive America was.
I’ve been home for a little more than a week now, and I still feel a bit out of place, but the reverse culture shock has subsided. It was nice to share what I learned while being abroad with my family and friends and experience local festivities.
Paola Medina is a student at Seattle University and an ISA Featured Photo Blogger. She is studying with ISA in Florence, Italy.