Returning Students
Top ten re-entry frustrations
Top ten re-entry strategies
Stages of reverse culture shock
Share Your Story
Carly Johnston
Amman, Jordan
"I knew I wanted study abroad to be a life changing, dynamic experience, which is why I chose a program located in the Middle East. Everyone thought I was taking an unnecessary risk based purely off of news, past events, and prejudices, not reality. The truth is I feel completely at home here in Amman, Jordan. I have never been targeted because I'm an American woman, nor have I felt threatened, even in light of recent protests surrounding an anti-Islam movie. My eyes have been opened to not only how skewed and uneducated American views are towards Muslims, the Middle East, and North Africa, but also to what a welcoming, beautiful culture this region of the world has to offer.
Along with my Arabic studies and independent research, I am also volunteering at a refugee service, tutoring both the children and the advanced English classes. I'm hoping to return to Amman, Jordan after graduating from North Central College in June 2013."- Carly Johnston
Tess Dilorio
Athens, Greece
"I don’t even know where to start on my experience so far. I have done so much and Iv’e only been here a month. I love it and I’m blessed to get the chance to stay here a full year. All I can say is that everyone should get the chance to study abroad. In Greece the people here are incredibly generous, and will have no problem helping you with whatever you need, like directions, or even try to teach you some greek words. They love their culture and the way they live, which makes them want other people to know it. My opportunities of traveling opened a ton since I’ve been here. Meeting so many people from all over the world it’s crazy how many connections I have made. Now I have reason’s to travel to Denmark, Egypt, and Lebanon. Recently, I just traveled to the island Santorini. Most people have heard of this island because of the beautiful, blue and white architecture. It was unreal. Since, it’s getting colder here, the island was sort of abandoned, but it didn’t matter. The water, beach, the people that owned the restaurants, and the sunset made the trip. I can’t even explain what I saw, that’s how speechless I am. I’m planning on traveling to many more places in Greece, like, Mykonos, Thessaloniki, and some islands in the spring. Traveling around Europe is big on my list too. Just booked a ticket to Paris over thanksgiving with a bunch of friends. Like I said I am completely thankful that I have this opportunity to even be in Greece and now broadening my horizons throughout Europe." -Tess Dilorio
Colin Loeffler
Glasgow, Scottland
"I've been really enjoying exploring the beautiful Scottish landscape. During our international student welcome week, the international student office at Glasgow organized a number of trip options. I decided to visit Stirling Castle and Glengoyne Distillery. Stirling Castle is beautiful; it sits right on the border of the highlands and the lowlands. While we were there, I decided I needed to climb a craig before I returned to the states. Stirling Castle itself is rich in Scottish history. I stood on the spot where Mary, Queen of Scots's coronation took place. It was also James VI of Scotland's final living space before he moved to London and became James I of England. The distillery was also wonderful. It was really interesting to learn about how Scotland's favorite drink is made.
During a trip to Edinburgh, my flatmates and I climbed Arthur's Seat, a craig situated right in the middle of the city. As you're climbing the inactive volcano, if you look in front of you, you can see several more Scottish hills, but if you look behind you, it's all Edinburgh. Once you get to the top, there is a beautiful view of the city. That view has probably been my favorite part of my trip so far." -Colin Loeffler
Chase Wiggs
Barcelona, Spain
"My study abroad experience here in Spain has had its ups and downs. There are those moments where the city of Barcelona is absolutely breath taking and I never want to leave, and then there are moments in which I wonder how I decided to come here. Then there are the moments when I’m having an entire conversation in Spanish with a native Spaniard without any trouble and it makes all those doubts fade away."-Chase Wiggs
Maxine Lange & Elizabeth Stewart
NCC in Costa Rica
"I believe that this study abroad trip has opened many doors for me. I have had to opportunity to study another language in another country, and while studying I was able to do volunteer work children with special needs. I have also been able to make new friends and experience many new things while in Costa Rica. This has been an experience of a lifetime and it was all possible because of North Central. This school is amazing!"- Maxine Lange
"Studying abroad has been an amazing experience. It’s difficult to convey just how much I have enjoyed this experience. From an academic level I’m learning a lot more than I would have in a classroom at NCC. I have to speak Spanish, and often times when I don’t know a word I have to figure out how to get my point across without using that specific word. I’m experiencing a different culture, and I’m learning things that I may have never learned otherwise. I’m also having tons of fun. I’m doing things I would have never even thought of doing back in the United States. I’ve jumped off the top of a waterfall, gone white water rafting, hiked through trails, learned how to dance local dances, and so much more. This experience really has been the best thing I have ever done, and I recommend everyone must study abroad. It’s so much more than just taking a vacation. You’re immersed in the culture in a way most people don’t get to experience."- Elizabeth Stewart