Sepanx is real. How do you cope with reverse culture shock when returning to the Philippines from the United States from a J-1 visa program?
Filipinos who have tried the J-1 visa program and lived in the United states for months or a few years would attest feeling somewhat lost when they return to the Philippines. Some experts coin this as a reverse culture shock. Such phenomenon happens when someone who has lived in a foreign place for some time returns to his or her country of origin expecting to feel all things “home” but feeling that something is amiss.
For that returning person, either home has either indeed changed, or that person has changed himself or herself while overseas. The long and short of it is that one who experiences reverse culture shock has already learned to adjust to a new culture, and now has to re-adapt upon his re-entry to his home country.
When experiencing reverse culture shock, some may feel bored, depressed or even critical. Some of the common questions that may run through one’s mind is: “Do I fit in?”; “Did I make the right decision by returning home?”; “Should I move to another country again?”; “Why can’t things in X country be the same as in Y country?”.
With everything said and done, how should one cope with reverse culture shock? If you enjoyed your time in America under the J-1 program, who do you make sure you return to the Philippines happy, content, curious and excited? Below are some tips on how to cushion the negative effects of reverse culture shock:
Pre-departure preparation
When you leave the Philippines to move to the US for your J-1 program, you spend time reading about the new place and conditioning your mind about what to expect. Similarly, when returning to the Philippines upon completion of your J-1 training, internship or other similar programs, you need to prepare yourself as well. Read up on the news, prepare the necessary logistics you will need to re-adapt to the Philippines. Manage your expectations so to speak, because the things that were available and at your disposal while you were in the US may not be available in the Philippines. There may be some nuances in the way things are done that differ in each country.
Stay in contact with friends and acquaintances
You may want to make it a point to keep in touch with people you have met during your J-1 stay in the US. This way, even if you are in your respective home countries already, you have a core group who can relate to your experiences and share also about the adjustments they have to make when easing themselves back in. Remember also, that you traveled to widen your network. Don’t lose touch just because you now live miles away form your new-found friends.
Focus on making a positive impact back home
One of the main reasons for doing a J-1 program is to experience new culture and apply ideas and things you have learned to your career or business once you return to the Philippines. Take time to look for ways to translate your experiences to practical applications in your current line of work. Find fulfillment in teaching other people what you learned. At the same time, always stay curious and seek out opportunities to travel in the future to explore new places and cultures.
Communicate
It helps if you express what you feel to your friends and family. That way, they will be more understanding and you will also have an outlet to share and relive your experiences. Start a blog or curate your experiences. Along the way, you may also unknowingly inspire others to go on cultural exchange programs just like you did and you can be a helpful resource person to curious parties. Also, establish a network of J-1 participants or alumnae like yourself.
Stay curious and adventurous
Like it or not, you will not be the same person in the sense that you will be exposed to new perspectives and ways of thinking and doing things. Embrace this openness and love for adventure. Seek out opportunities to travel and experience more new cultures. Nurture the global citizen that you are starting to become.
Grant Visa Consultancy, Inc. is one with curious individuals wanting to experience the world and learn new skills. Let’s collaborate in charting out meaningful experiences for you. Send us an email to inquire about J-1 visas for Philippine passport holders or about our other cultural exchange programs.