If you're like me then you're probably on this page because you are doing your homework before deciding if you want to move overseas. You are reading up on stories of things that took place in UAE schools. You are reading about other people's journeys. You are reading about the culture. You are learning a little about the language. You are buying long skirts, dresses, cardigans and scarves. You are mentally and physically preparing yourself for this lifestyle change. And good for you! You should! I did the same and the transition was not too bad. Still difficult but at least I was somewhat prepared.
Now before you go let me tell you one more thing to research. Look up "reverse culture shock" because it is real. Start preparing yourself for your return home. It can be difficult.
I couldn't wait to come back home. I couldn't wait to return to my "normal" life. What I wasn't prepared for was the fact that I now have a new "normal." At first I was so grateful for everything. I enjoyed going to places I missed like my church, my mall, my bookstore and favorite restaurants. But then the newness of being home wore off and everything went back to "normal" and I was depressed. It would definitely help to be working so you are occupied but I was not working yet. I thought maybe I wanted to career switch (I now know that teaching is in my blood).
When you come back home you realize that your family and friends have continued with their lives while you were away growing and changing. Friends forget you are home. People have continued at their same jobs in their same lives and it no longer includes you. A small friend circle becomes smaller. Meaningless relationships are severed (not necessarily a bad thing) and you start to wonder if maybe you shouldn't just go again? The community abroad is so tight knit but at home everyone is so into their own separate lives. It's not as intricate as that community you just left- that community that you worked with, played with, ate with, explored with, survived with. Now you are just one of many and it's hard to adjust to being alone. It's hard to deal with the boredom that ensues from being back to "normal." The restlessness. The anxiety. So do your research before you come back and when you do come back, get busy with something! Anything! So you can combat those feelings that are sure to come if you do not.
Good articles to read about reverse culture shock:
http://www.rockyreentry.com/letter-returning-missionaries-wish-someone-told-first-moved-back-us/
http://blogs.wsj.com/expat/2015/04/15/repatriation-blues-expats-struggle-with-the-dark-side-of-coming-home/
https://llattica.wordpress.com/2015/10/06/surviving-reverse-culture-shock/
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