Returning Home

Prior to returning to the U.S., you should request a transcript be sent from your host university to UIW. Transcripts should be sent to the following address:

Study Abroad Office
University of the Incarnate Word
847 E. Hildebrand
San Antonio, TX 78212

*Please note that your grades will affect your GPA.

One of the assessments utilized in study abroad programs are your grades earned at the completion of the semester(s) abroad. Your grades, in addition to the exit survey, will help determine whether your academic goals and objectives were achieved.

• Upon returning, all participants are required to complete and submit one of the following surveys pertaining to their program:
  • UIW Independent Study Abroad Re-entry Program Survey
  • UIW Faculty-led Study Abroad Program Survey
  • International Professional Development Program Survey
  • Non-UIW Participant Program Survey

Returning participants may also consider the following activities in order to assist with repatriation issues:

• Attending a re-entry session with the Study Abroad Coordinator
• Staying involved by...
  • volunteering to participate in upcoming events such as the Study Abroad Fair, information sessions, and classroom visits
  • sharing your story - Write a brief description of your international experience, including why you wanted to study abroad, where you went, what you learned, and how studying abroad contributed to your academic career, submit to the Study Abroad Office to be included on the website
  • submitting photos of your time abroad to the Study Abroad Office for use in future promotional efforts

International Opportunities

So you've studied abroad and now you're ready to go back? You may want to consider studying abroad for a second semester. First, be sure you are eligible. Then, contact the Study Abroad Office to start planning!

If you are interested in other opportunities abroad, below are a few resources. Please note that the Study Abroad Office assists UIW students in planning to study abroad. The Study Abroad Office does not offer work/intern/volunteer abroad opportunities.

Teaching Abroad

• Teachabroad.com
• ESL Cafe
• Jet Programme

Volunteer Abroad

• Peacecorps.gov
• Volunteerabroad.com

Work Abroad

• Cultural Vistas
• InterExchange

Reverse Culture Shock

One of the biggest challenges for students who study abroad can be returning home and readapting. You’re excited to see your friends and family that you miss and you expect to return home, but upon returning you may realize that things are different from how you left them, “home” has changed and you may have also changed. This "reverse culture shock" may be more difficult than the "culture shock" you felt while abroad. Each person’s experience is unique and reverse culture shock will vary. If return culture shock is severe, it is important that you seek help/counseling.

You are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Study Abroad Coordinator in order to further discuss issues that may arise upon returning home.