Cultural Implants
Tips for maintaining ties to a foreign culture.
This article was published in Abroad View's fall 2009 magazine.
By Kaitlyn Jahelka
You’ve returned from studying abroad. It’s great to be back, but you miss the people, places, and experiences that made your time overseas special. Don’t worry—even at home, there are many ways to maintain ties to your foreign culture. Here are some suggestions:
Books & Movies
An ideal way to involve your friends in your experience is to share a newfound culture through books and movies. Try explaining the cultural norms and share your own stories—it will make your friends even more interested!
Dancing
Just because you’re back home doesn’t mean you have to dance like it. Many big cities and college campuses host ethnic and traditional dance events you can attend. If you studied in a Latin American country, for example, spice things up with salsa dancing at a local ballroom, or find a cultural center to share your passion with others in the area.
Family-Owned Ethnic Restaurants
If your taste buds are experiencing a bit of reverse cultural shock, find small eateries with mom-and-pop owners—the workers may be from the same country as their recipes. Make a few friends, and share memories about the country you’ve experienced.
Cooking Classes
Food is one of the most satisfying ways to stay connected to your new culture. Eating at a restaurant is a treat, but, for those on a budget, it can be expensive. Learn to make your favorite cuisine—and, even better, find others who studied abroad and want to cook with you.
Reach Out
Many colleges have international organizations that you can get involved with in order to meet people from the country or world region where you studied abroad. Service-learning and civic engagement centers can also connect you with volunteer opportunities that benefit specific nationalities. Can’t find a way to meet your specific interests? Form your own group or organization to solicit people with the same passions.