Transitioning Home: A Guide for International School Teachers

After months or years of teaching abroad, the time may eventually come for international school teachers to bid farewell to their host country and return home. While the prospect of reuniting with loved ones and reconnecting with familiar surroundings may be exciting, the transition back home can also bring a mix of emotions and challenges. We offer guidance and support to international school teachers as they prepare for the journey of returning home and navigating the next chapter of their lives.
 
Reflecting on Your Experience Abroad
As you prepare to leave your host country, take time to reflect on your experiences, memories, and accomplishments during your time abroad. Celebrate the friendships you've made, the cultural insights you've gained, and the personal and professional growth you've experienced. Reflecting on your journey abroad can help you appreciate the impact it has had on your life and prepare you for the transition back home.
 
Saying Goodbye and Expressing Gratitude
Saying goodbye to colleagues, students, and members of the community can be bittersweet, but it's an important part of the transition process. Take time to express gratitude to those who have supported and enriched your experience abroad, whether through kind words, heartfelt notes, or small tokens of appreciation. Saying goodbye allows you to leave on a positive note and cherish the memories you've created during your time abroad.
 
Planning Your Return Home
Returning home involves more than just booking a flight, it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth transition back to your home country. Consider practical aspects such as organising your belongings, closing bank accounts, cancelling subscriptions, and tying up any loose ends before you depart. Notify relevant parties, such as your employer, landlord, and utility providers, of your impending departure and make arrangements to settle any outstanding matters.
 
Reconnecting with Loved Ones
One of the most anticipated aspects of returning home is reuniting with family and friends who have eagerly awaited your return. Take time to reconnect with loved ones, share stories and experiences from your time abroad, and create new memories together. Whether it's a heartfelt reunion at the airport, a cosy gathering at home, or a celebratory meal at your favourite restaurant, cherish the moments spent with those who matter most to you.
 
Embracing Reverse Culture Shock
Returning home after an extended period abroad can trigger a phenomenon known as reverse culture shock, characterised by feelings of disorientation, alienation, and readjustment to your home culture. Be prepared for the challenges that may arise as you reintegrate into your home country, such as adjusting to familiar routines, readapting to cultural norms, and reconciling the changes that have occurred in your absence. Give yourself time and patience to navigate this transitional phase, and reach out to others who have experienced similar challenges for support and guidance.
 
Reflecting on Your Next Steps
Returning home marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in your teaching journey. Take time to reflect on your experiences abroad and consider your next steps professionally and personally. Whether you're returning to your previous job, exploring new career opportunities, or pursuing further education, embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and approach them with enthusiasm, confidence, and an open mind.
 
Returning home after teaching abroad is a significant milestone that signifies the culmination of a transformative journey filled with adventure, growth, and cultural exchange. By reflecting on your experiences, expressing gratitude, planning your return home, reconnecting with loved ones, embracing reverse culture shock, and reflecting on your next steps, international school teachers can navigate the transition with grace and resilience. Remember, while the journey may be coming to an end, the memories and lessons learned abroad will continue to enrich your life and shape your future endeavours.