Returning to the U.S. From Abroad

Returning from a trip abroad can be joyful time, but adjusting back to your life in the U.S. can be challenging. There are resources available on and off Morningside and CUIMC to help you return to your day-to-day and process your experiences.  

This readjustment begins when you are preparing for your return and coming through a U.S. airport can pose certain challenges and can be stressful. Make sure to arrive prepared. 

At the Airport

It is recommended to keep important items such as prescription medications, important documents, phone charger, valuables, and a change of clothes, in a carry-on bag and not in checked luggage.

Additionally, travelers should have documents ready for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival. Travelers should review specific requirements, but at times these items include passports, required visa (if applicable), and copies of their travel itinerary.

As documentation requirements are subject to change, International Students and Scholars are recommended to confirm requirements with Columbia’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) and the U.S. Embassy/Consulate prior to travel to the U.S.

In addition to documentation for CBP, travelers should review any Customs and Border Protection (CBP) restrictions on goods and products that can be brought into the U.S. from their destination.

 

Challenges at Port of Entry for International Students and Scholars 

Columbia's ISSO has created a hotline to offer the following: International students, faculty, or researchers on a Columbia-sponsored visa who encounter issues at a U.S. Port of Entry should ask the Customs and Border Protection office to contact Columbia University Office of Public Safety at 212-854-5555, which will immediately alert the ISSO Director on call. Comprehensive information on what to expect at U.S. Ports of Entry can be found here for students and here for scholars.

All travelers and devices, traveling inbound and outbound of the U.S., are subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  On occasion, CBP officers may search a traveler’s electronic devices, such as a phone, camera, or computer during the inspection process and ask to review their social media accounts and emails when entering and exiting a country, including the U.S. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Border Search of Electronic Devices of Ports of Entry)

Re-Entry or Re-Adjustment

Everyone's return to the U.S. is an experience as unique as their time abroad, and it is specific to them. Returning from time abroad can pose challenges ranging from returning to a home culture, missing the friends that were made, missing the experience itself, reverse culture shock, or feeling the need to understand what was seen or experienced. 

 

What is Re-Entry?

Re-entry can be explained as the unexpected and difficult experience of travelers re-adjusting to life in their home country after living abroad. Re-entry is different for everyone, just as their experience(s) abroad was unique to them.

Re-entry can be experienced by anyone, no matter how long they were abroad and is as specific and unique to them as their time abroad was. They have had what some call a once-in-a-lifetime experience and can find it difficult to re-adjust after their time abroad ends. This process will be similar to the culture shock you may have experienced when you first went abroad, only in reverse. Just as it took time to adjust to a different culture when you arrived there, it may take some time to re-adjust to home. 

What Does Re-Entry Look Like?

Re-entry is a normal and common reaction to returning home from living abroad. It is an emotional stage of re-adjustment, similar to adjusting to living abroad. Symptoms can range and it is important to understand the common signs. Re-entry signs can vary, but can include restlessness, boredom, depression, and/or reverse cultural shock. 

Reach Out

For individuals at Morningside, Columbia Health Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) offers a variety of support services during business hours at multiple locations throughout the Morningside area. They can also be reached by phone 24/7 at 212-854-2878.

For students at CUIMC, Student Health on Haven offers Counseling Services during business hours and can be reached after-hours 24/7 at 212-305-3400. Additionally Counseling Services has also partnered with TelUs Health Student Support to offer 24/7 support via chat and phone counseling for students worldwide

Health

If you are not feeling well after returning from international travel, it is recommended to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. In some cases, you should not return to classes or campus until you have been instructed to do so. When making an appointment and/or discussing your concerns with your provider, the following information can help them identify any illness or infections you may have:

  • Where you traveled
  • Reasons for traveling
  • Your travel activities (such as swimming, hiking, clinical rotations, nature of your CU-related travel)
  • The type of accommodation you stayed in
  • Any contact with animals or insect bites

More information can be found on CDC - After Travel Tips

Additional Resources:
Sexual Health & Well-being Support Services