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Home from Abroad

Welcome back to the U.S., to the University of Denver, and to a new realization of all that you have gained from your study abroad experience. Welcome home to a place that may feel different but really, it is your viewpoint that has changed. The excitement of seeing friends and family may be overshadowed by the reality of “home”. For many students, returning from a study abroad program can be more difficult than first going abroad. You anticipate that your return home will be joyful, filled with familiar faces and comfortable locations. Instead, you may unexpectedly find yourself feeling homesickness for your host country and friends. Relationships with friends and family may have changed. YOU have changed, but you may have difficulty identifying and expressing these changes to those at home. To learn more about the ten most common challenges for study abroad returnees, click here

It is best not to try and package your experience and place it in a shoebox with your pictures. Instead, carry it with you. Keep the things you liked about your host culture and incorporate them into your home culture. Share your experiences. Get involved in international activities at DU and in the Denver community. Take advantage of the activities of the Colorado/Wyoming Returnee Conference and connect with other returnees. Help us recruit more students to study abroad, and share your stories. Join the International Society ABA, a new DU organization specifically for students who have studied abroad. You are not alone as you readjust to life in the U.S. Know that the Study Abroad Office is a safe haven to share your experiences. Click on “Events for Study Abroad Alumni, ” "Get Involved," and “Go Abroad Again ” for some more ideas of how to apply your study abroad experience to your future.

We truly hope that you look back on your time abroad as one of the most fulfilling and memorable experiences of your life. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Cultural adaptation resources to get you started:
Navigation Bullet Returnee Challenges and Coping Strategies
Navigation Bullet Top Ten Challenges for Study Abroad Returnees
Navigation Bullet What’s up with culture? Module 2
Navigation Bullet Twelve tips for Welcoming Returnees Home (resource for family and friends)
 
 

Checklist

As a returned study abroad student, there are a few tasks for you to attend to:

  1. Complete the online post-study abroad assessment survey.
  2. If you still need course approvals, get required signatures on the Approval of Study Abroad Credit form or by email and turn in to the Study Abroad Office.
  3. Confirm that your official study abroad transcripts will be sent to DU’s Study Abroad Office.
  4. Write your Reflective Essay.
  5. Incorporate your international experience into your life in Denver. For ideas, see the "Get Involved" link to the left. 
  6. Incorporate your Study Abroad Experience into your Job Search

Events for Study Abroad Alumni

Each fall and winter quarter, the Study Abroad Office hosts events at which you will learn about campus resources for returned study abroad students, network with other returnees, reflect on your experiences and readjustment issues, and explore ways in which you are able to incorporate your international experiences into life at home.

Study Abroad Reunion Sessions

The "Study Abroad Reunion Sessions" are small and informal gatherings of recently returned study abroad students.  These meetings serve as a venue for study abroad alumni to share their stories and discuss their opinions of their study abroad experience with advisors and each other. The meetings are loosely organized by regions of the world; therefore, you are welcome to attend any session, regardless of the regional theme.  The University of Denver requires all study abroad alumni to attend one of these sessions. Please sign up for a session by emailing duabroad@du.edu.

2008 Reunion Session Schedule

 

Colorado & Wyoming Reentry Conference

Colorado State University will host the Fifth Annual Colorado/Wyoming Returnee Conference on Saturday, February 16, 2008 from 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This annual conference is a great opportunity to share your experience with other returnees. Bring in your photos and your stories! The event is free for students; however, pre-registration is required.

The event will begin with lunch and a short video, followed by discussion, resume building, key note speaker, career panel, panel discussion groups, and individual time to meet with the exhibitors. You will leave the day with strategies for coping with re-entry, marketing your international experience, getting resources and ideas about going abroad again, and threading your international experience into your remaining time at the University of Denver and your future job search.

Departmental Study Abroad Focus Groups

Want to connect with study abroad alumni who have the same major as you? Many academic departments will hold informal meetings to discuss studying your major in different academic environments. It promises to be an interesting conversation! Contact your major's faculty advisor contact for more information.

Photo Contest Reception

Join us in Spring 2008. More details will follow soon.

I-House Events Calendar


Transcripts

If you look online at your APR or unofficial transcript, you may notice that the 16-credit study abroad place holder course is still there. This means that DU has not yet received your transcript from abroad. Shortly after your transcript is received, you will be able to see the courses you took abroad as well as the correct number of credits. Please note that it may take 10-12 weeks after the end of your program before these credits show on your DU transcript. If you still need approvals for the courses you took abroad, you should attain these as soon as possible.

Get Involved

It is best not to try and package your experience and place it in a shoebox with your pictures. Instead, carry it with you. Keep the things you liked about your host culture and incorporate them into your home culture. Share your experiences. Get involved in international activities at DU and in the Denver community.

Get published and share your experiences!

Enter the DU Photo Contest. Information on the contest is in the left menu.

Submit your photos and study abroad essays to national and program-specific photo and essay contests. Cash prizes are available!

Get involved with the international community on-campus:

  • Interact with exchange students at DU! Contact your study abroad advisor to find out how to get involved.
    • Connect with prospective study abroad students! The Study Abroad Office holds many opportunities for you to contact with outgoing students. Our office will contact you by email (from duabroad@du.edu) when the following activities are near:
    • Study Abroad Fairs - There are two fairs per year—one in February and one in September.
    • World on Wednesdays – These sessions meet in the Nelson Private Dining Room most Wednesdays of fall and winter quarter. The purpose is to provide a venue for returned study abroad students to connect with outgoing students. Each week has a different regional theme.
    • Pre-departure Orientations - Tell outgoing students what you wish you knew before studying abroad and your stories!
    • Alumni Contact List – This list is managed in our office and is for prospective students to email alumni of the program that they’re interested in.
    • Peer Advisor - Work as a Peer Advisor at the I-House. Part-time positions are available each year. Contact Reed Beall for more information.
  • I-House Events Calendar – There are several events per month (many of which offer free food) at the International House. These events include:
    • International Lunches – Enjoy delicious (and free) ethnic foods from local restaurants while chatting with a member of DU’s international community.
    • I-House Film and Culture Series – The International House hosts several Film Nights per quarter that feature an international movie and discussion following.
    • I-House Community Outreach – Participate in community programming at the I-House.
  • Continue or begin language studies
    • Join or start a language club (Spanish, Italian, German, French, Chinese, and more).  More information can be obtained by calling DU’s Office of Languages and Literatures at 303.871.2662 or 303.871.2180.
    • Take a language course!  If you don’t have time for full 4-credit language course, consider taking a 2-credit University College course (http://universitycollege.du.edu/grad/modl/index.cfm).
  • Join an internationally-minded student group:
    • International Society ABA (Facebook Registration Required): International Society extends the study abroad experience to American soil by engaging in internationally focused activities (i.e. eating at an international restaurant, holding an international potluck, initiating a Thanksgiving dinner for current foreign students, etc). International Society provides avenues for current international students studying at the University of Denver to connect with American students, and engage in American society.
    • International Student Organization: ISO works to promote internationalism at the University of Denver and in the Denver community. The group facilitates to increase diversity and international awareness through social activities and events such as the Festival of Nations.
    • Amnesty International (http://www.amnesty.org/): Amnesty International is a student group on campus which observes human rights activities by watching documentary movies, listening to speakers on a variety of engaging topics relating to human rights, and other events such as vigils and awareness events.
      Contact: Tess Cromer at tcromer@du.edu
    • Building Tomorrow: Building Tomorrow encourages students at the university level to heighten community awareness and to raise funds in support of vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa who do not have access to education.
    • Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. This Rotaract club as founded at the University of Denver and is sponsored by a local Rotary club making them true partners in service and key members of the Rotary family.
    • Consider starting a new international group of your own design.  For more information, see DU Student Life’s website (http://www.du.edu/studentlife/campusactivities/).


Get Involved with the International Community in Denver

The following is a list of organizations and events in the Denver area where you can get involved by attending, volunteering, interning, or even working.

  • International Denver-area Events Calendar (http://internationalgateways.com/)
  • Find an internationally minded volunteer project through the Office of Community Engagement (http://www.du.edu/engage/comm_part/part_main.html)
  • The Denver International Program has been in the forefront of international citizen exchange in Denver since 1979, bringing hundreds of professionals from around the world to the Denver Metro Area for training and cultural exchange. (http://www.dipusa.com/index.htm)
  • Mi Casa Denver is an organization works towards increasing the self-sufficiency of low-income Latinas and youth. The website provides a complete list of volunteer opportunities as well as a list of needed items for possible donation. Relevant volunteer opportunities include mentoring and tutoring. To volunteer, call 303.573.1302 and see http://www.micasadenver.org/
  • The Museo de Las Americas is a museum meant to educate the public about the Latino contributions to the Americas. Volunteers may act as a museum tour guide, they may help out at receptions, or help during the planning and administering phases of various projects. Call 303-571-4401 for more information on volunteer opportunities or to volunteer, or visit http://www.museo.org/volunteers.html.
  • El Centro Su Teatro produces plays that explain and celebrate the Chicano/Latino culture and history. A complete list of productions for the year is accessible through their website. http://www.suteatro.org/
  • Project CURE’s mission of this organization is to provide medical supplies to countries in need. Volunteers will do a variety of tasks, ranging from the search for and collection of supplies to sorting and sending those supplies to various countries. http://www.projectcure.org/cure/default.aspx
  • African Community Center is Denver's newest Refugee Resettlement program which welcomes newcomers who have had to flee persecution within their home country. (http://www.africancommunitycenter.net/)
  • Denver Sister Cities International works towards promoting peace through the mutual understanding that comes with the immersion of different cultures. Through DSCI, Denver is connected to many international cities, her “sister cities”. Activities may include presenting information on a city to elementary schools, planning and implementing pen pal exchange programs, or fundraising, but DSCI encourages creativity and is open to new ideas concerning programs and events. For more information on the organization, visit http://www.denversistercities.org/ .
  • The Colorado Refugee English as a Second Language Program (CRESL) serves adult refugees who have recently resettled in the Denver metro area and Colorado Springs. http://www.refugee-esl.org/
  • The Italian Consulate’s listing of Italian organizations in the Denver area http://www.italianconsulatecolorado.org/organizations.htm.
  • Alliance Française de Denver works to educate the Denver community on the French language and culture. http://www.afdenver.org/
  • The Denver Bulldogs is an Australian Rules Football Club based in Denver and actively recruits new members. http://www.denverbulldogs.com/
  • The Denver World Affairs Council (DWAC) offers the chance for the public to ask questions of world affairs experts. http://www.rockymountainiie.org/denver_world_affairs_council.asp
  • The Conference on World Affairs at CU-Boulder is a conference which hosts hundreds of forums about every conceivable topic, ranging from international issues to art. Attendees have the opportunity to choose which forums they would like to attend, and they sit in on debates for those forums which are usually followed by an interactive discussion between the debaters and the audience. http://www.colorado.edu/cwa/index.html
  • The Denver Center for International Studies (DCIS) is a magnet school in Denver Public Schools, serving grades 6-12.  Volunteer and internship opportunities are available.


Go Abroad Again

Has your study abroad experience left you eager for another international experience? There are several ways for you to go abroad again.

More opportunities to study internationally as a DU Student:

Graduate Studies Abroad:

Considering graduate studies? Have you ever thought about getting an entire graduate degree abroad? Several universities around the world welcome international students for graduate degrees. Many of them do not require a placement exam like the GRE or GMAT and offer one year masters degree programs. Best of all, many of these universities have more reasonable tuition fees than you will find in the US, yet with a comparable quality of education. It is also possible to apply US Federal Financial Aid towards your studies at recognized institutions. Certain countries, like the United Kingdom, will give you a 1 or 2 year work visa upon completion of an advanced degree in their country. To learn more, visit the following websites:

For International Careers Abroad:

Short Term Work and Volunteerism Abroad*:

*Although the University of Denver has listed these websites here, their presence on our website is not an official endorsement or recommendation of these institutions. These are here only for ideas.

Printed material on work abroad is also available in the Study Abroad Library, including:

  • Work Your Way Around the World by Susan Griffin
  • The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas by Jean-Marc Hachey
  • Overseas Summer Jobs by David Woodworth
  • Teaching English Abroad by Susan Griffin
  • International Directory of Volunteer Work by Louise Whetter and Victoria Pybus
  • Many brochures from agencies that coordinate international internships and work


Photo Contest

The 2008 Study Abroad Photo Contest winners have been announced! Four category winners, as well as eight honorable mentions have been selected. Thank you to all for participating.

Navigation Bullet 2008 Winning Photos

Post-Study Abroad Assessment

When you return from study abroad, you must complete an online post-study abroad assessment. As with the pre-departure assessment, the purpose is to improve the quality of DU’s study abroad program.

You can link to the online post-study abroad assessment form here.

Photos by Study Abroad participants.