Study Abroad | Office of International Education | Ferris State UniversityStudy Abroad Returnees

At the end of the program, students are asked to do the following:

  • Schedule an appointment with the study abroad office to do a program evaluation
  • Request a transcript from the host school to be sent to the studyabroad office two weeks before you depart.
  • Share your experience with everyone!

There are several opportunities for you to share your experience with others!

  • Talk about your experience to clubs and groups
  • Talk with students from your program or others who have studied abroad
  • Volunteer to work with International Students.
  • Volunteer to speak at fairs, information sessions or classes
  • Become a member of the Ferris State University Study Abroad Facebook group
  • Participate in the Study Abroad Fairs

Returning Home

Request your transcript from your host school two weeks before your classes end. This transcript must be sent to:

Ferris State University Study Abroad Office
Tara Benzing
1301 S State Street IRC 134
Big Rapids, MI 49307

Once the transcript has been received to the Study Abroad Office it will be submitted along with the advising agreement to the Records Office. The Records Office will place it on the Ferris system for the appropriate courses and credits stated on the advising agreement. Credit will be shown as transfer credit from the host school.

Customs Information

The US Government may require you to pay duty on goods purchased abroad and brought into the United States. You should know and understand these requirements before leaving so there are no problems when you return. You must declare expensive and /or foreign goods before leaving the United States so that you are not charged duty on them when you return.

Culture Shock Revisited

As difficult as it is to adapt to an entirely new culture, it can be just as challenging to come back home after being abroad for a period of time. It is best to know what you might encounter in order to prepare for this adjustment period.

Expect to experience some measure of reverse culture shock. Remember that the world at home hasn't stopped for you while you were gone. Upon your return home, you may find you are not the only one who has changed during your absence. Remember to take time for yourself to readjust slowly.

You will notice that you think differently about the US. You will spend time reflecting on the differences between the US and the countries you visited. Friends and family may be interested in stories or pictures for a while, but they often "really don't understand." It may be difficult to express your feelings in words. Remember that many people may have difficulty relating to what you are saying because it hasn't been part of their experience.

We strongly urge you to maintain contact with friends you have made abroad. You might find it helpful to volunteer to advise others who are thinking about studying abroad. And of course you can start thinking about when and how you will return! Some students have applied to graduate schools in an area they visited, have found employment possibilities or have just returned to visit places and friends they encountered. Keep the Study Abroad Office in the loop, and let us know when you change your e-mail addresses or move. We love to keep in touch with our alumni and welcome your updates!