Re – entry What to be ready for!

Leave Well R econciliation A ffirmation F arewells T hink destination Reconciliation: Have you any bridges to build before you leave? It is important to resolve any conflicts you have been involved with before leaving. We want to be at peace with friends, classmates, colleagues and our wider communities as we leave. Affirmation: It is important to affirm your local friends and those who are staying. Not only is it affirming to the one who receives the note or word of thanks, but it reminds us of what we have gained in that place, so that we can thank God for the blessings that the relationships brought, appreciating them and mourning their passing. Farewell: Farewell is not only saying goodbye to people, but also places. Think destination: As you leave, plan appropriately for the future and think about your expectations. If possible, it is good to do this with the help of others. Questions that are good to ask are: Are our expectations realistic? Are they too high? Or are they too low? It can be very helpful to stop en-route home to spend some time reflecting on the time away and thinking about the next phase.

Moving between cultures Different cultures are depicted by different shaped heads One of the square heads goes to live with the round heads

Adjustment or not.... Remember we are aiming for an octagonal head... So that we don’t bump up against people so much... We may have changed head shape a little, so that when we return ‘home’ we may feel a bit different...

Remember that POND!! Show Donovan's diagram of Transition Stress (slide # 5): This is a very good discussion starter after the role play. Ask: Why is the person calling for help? What can be done to help him/ her? (look for 2 key answers: TIME and LIFELINES!). What lifelines from each bank would be helpful? Have you ever been in this situation? If so, share your feelings and insights as to how you got across the transition river. For a critical time we need lifelines @ both ends (eg. Skype) We need time.... & support: Emotional – understood feelings * Practical support * Spiritual support * Moral support Debriefing is important

Strategies … What has changed in you? Tell your story… What have you GAINED from your experience? What have you LOST? Tell your story… Be debriefed well… Buzz groups – try and put yourself in your place as you arrive home When moving through re-entry stress, there are some things that you can do to help: Consider how much you have changed because of this experience. What have you gained and what have you lost? Sharing our stories is important. Find people who are interested and can listen well. A professional debrief may also be helpful. Encourage people to get debriefed within a reasonable timeframe

Some common reverse culture shock reactions... Frustration & disconnection Disillusionment Judgemental attitude & criticism Bitterness & hostility Guilt If we don’t implement strategies... Our reactions can be more severe.. If these reactions persist (ie. you get stuck there) – please seek professional help whether that be to deal with spiritual or psychological issues Note: nearly 50% of re-entrants experience psychological distress A Psychologist says, “6-8 weeks is a normal adjustment reaction & can be quite intense. However after this period, you will sometimes feel these things but should seek help if the intense period continues.”

We’re back! We came back vastly different; couldn’t fit into where we were before (or anywhere at times!); there was no going back to who we were; other people knew who they were and where they were going; we were left dangling – by a thread at times; it was hard to make friends because our experience had changed our views; we felt guilty spending money and we wanted to keep in touch with friends overseas but that was hard work too. Above is a quote from someone who had returned

‘When it comes to re-entry, we must factor in the culture a person has lived in and the degree to which the person has identified with it. The closer the identification and the more rigid the cultural mores of that society, the harder it will be to readjust to life back in the passport culture.’ Burn-up or Splash Down: Surviving the Culture Shock of Re-entry by Marion Knell