10/01/2019

Career Reintegration Strategies for Pre and Post-International Experiences of College Students

By Satomi Yaji Chudasama

Welcoming students back on campus each fall is exciting. Career development professionals often enjoy listening to students share their experiences from their time abroad. During these conversations, career practitioners have an opportunity to teach students to identify newly gained skills and leverage their learning for the future. However, welcoming students back home isn't the only time to be helpful.

Pre-departure Advising

Career development professionals can help these students prepare for their international adventures. Presenting at a pre-departure orientation or workshop and inviting the students for individual career development conversations would offer such preparation. Some ideas career practitioners can incorporate into pre-departure activities include


Post-travel Support

Similar to the adjustment process overseas, there is another round of cultural adjustment process when returning home. It is not unusual for returning students to experience some degree of reverse culture shock, which most are not quite prepared for. The chances are that many students have changed personally during their time abroad. Their experience of change is compounded by changes that occurred in the people and things back home. Many returnees assume what they left at home is exactly what they will find upon their return. The gap generated by these changes manifests itself as reverse culture shock. The process of readjustment at home can be so challenging that it could evolve into mental health issues. It is imperative to be aware when any mental health issues are suspected or present in returnees. As Hinkelman and Luzzo (2007) argue, psychological distress may exacerbate underlying career/vocational symptoms (e.g., career indecision). 

Here are some of the ways to support students when they return home from overseas.

Promoting Student Growth

In conclusion, support before and after international experiences promotes the growth and learning of students. The study conducted by Farrugia and Sanger (2017) demonstrates the positive skill gains among study abroad students, including intercultural skills, curiosity, flexibility and adaptability, confidence and self-awareness. These gains by study abroad students are also applicable to students returning from international internships, and volunteering.

 

References

Farrugia, C. & Sanger, J. (2017). Gaining an Employment Edge: The Impact of Study Abroad on 21st Century Skills & Career Prospects in the United States. New York, NY: The Institute of International Education.

Hinkelman, J. M. & Luzzo, D.A. (2007). Mental Health and Career Development of College Students, Journal of Counseling and Development, 85(2), 143-147.

 


Satomi Yaji ChudasamaSatomi Yaji Chudasama, NCC, CCC, GCDF is the Senior Associate Director for Student Engagement at the Center for Career Development at Princeton University. She has nearly 20 years of experience in career development in higher education. Satomi is a graduate of the NCDA Leadership Academy and has been active in the NCDA International Student Services Committee since its inception. She is also a founding member of the Asia Pacific Career Development Association (APCDA). Her master’s degree in Counselor Education is from Syracuse University. Satomi can be reached at syc88@princeton.edu.

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