So you've returned home knowing that you've had the most eye-opening experience of your life, feeling that you've grown in many ways, and wanting to continue to be involved internationally. The following FAQs are designed just for you. They should help you with your reentry. What is reentry and what should I expect? Reentry is the adjustment period that individuals go through when they return from an extended study abroad experience. You know the feeling: no one wants to hear another of your amazing travelogues. Your friends seem to be out of sync with your needs. You want to share, but you feel somewhat alone in the world. These feelings are not unusual and are just part and parcel to the great experience you've had. Technically, reentry is the adjustment period you will need to feel completely at home again. For some students this period is very short indeed, but for others it can take longer to feel at ease with your old familiar surroundings.          Don't forget to read the materials about reverse culture shock and reentry sent to your permanent address. Be sure to share this information with your family. If you feel extremely tired or depressed, be sure to set up an appointment with our IPC office staff. We can give you some strategies for coping. Keep in mind that this time will pass and before you know it, you will feel like your old self, just wiser. Click here for some helpful websites. Do I need to do anything to keep my financial aid? Yes! Within one month of returning from your exchange, you should contact IPC and provide us with verification that you did complete your program and that we can expect grades. Failure to do so may make you ineligible for financial aid or scholarships. You can fill out the following form and return it to IPC for verification of completion of your program. If you studied abroad in the fall your transfer of credit must be completed by March 15 of the following semester, if you studied for the full year or the spring semester the credit must be posted by October 1. How do I ensure that my transfer credit is done? As soon as the new semester starts you should call IPC to see if your transcript has arrived. It is your responsibility to follow through with the transfer of credit process. If the transcript has not arrived, you will need to continue to contact IPC until you know that the transcript has arrived and that the courses are posted to your transcript. You will make a 15-minute appointment with IPC staff once your transcript has arrived in order to discuss your transfer of credit.          There are three common scenarios: you participated on a pre-approved program, all courses were pre-approved on your transfer credit form, you made some changes while you were gone and took courses that are not on the transfer credit form.          The third scenario requires that you have your department write a memo on your behalf to get major credit. This memo will go directly to the University Registrar's Office. You will be given advice on how to get that memo in a timely manner. How can I be involved with "things international" now that I have returned? There are many ways to keep yourself involved internationally. Two of those are discussed below (ISA and PAL); be sure to read on. The university also regularly gives presentations on Peace Corps and work abroad options. Various departments have activities that can keep you abreast of international events (Political Science, Romance Languages, German and Russian, to name but a few). You will receive IPC's Newsworthy, which should also help keep you informed. Many university organizations have an international focus (e.g., Rotaract, Model UN). Take the opportunity to participate. If you are serious about going abroad again, come by IPC for advice on going abroad again. Don't forget about Phillips-Hawkins (aka I-House). All activities are open to students across campus, but you can apply to live there in order to meet and interact with our international students on a more regular basis. I'd like to make a classroom presentation, but how can I do it? As part of your travel grant responsibilities, we have asked you to help promote study abroad and exchanges. Of course, all your friends will be a captive audience, but we ask that you make classroom presentations. You are welcome to come by IPC and pick up promotional materials to distribute. Just ask your new faculty (and old) whether you could make a brief presentation about the opportunities that UNCG provide for international study and travel. Your participation will ensure that our programs continue to thrive--you know, you are our best diplomats!! After all, you were chosen to go abroad. What is ISA and how can I be involved? The International Student Association (ISA) is an active organization on campus whose focus is intercultural exchange for our students. It is very easy to be involved. Any student who participates in two activities is considered to be a member. To get your name on the distribution list, just write an email requesting that you be put on the list to Michael Elliott. That way, you'll know in advance of the various activities. The weekly Friday fests and the yearly International Fest are activities sponsored by ISA. For more information click here. What is the PAL Program? UNCG's Peer Academic Liaison (PAL) Program is intended to help international students get integrated into our university. All you have to do to be a PAL is simply write an email expressing your interest to Tom Martinek, Jr.. Click here to learn more!          Whatever method you find works for you, be sure to expand on your international experience. You will find that it will serve you well. Back to the top Back to Student FAQ Back to Advanced Student FAQ Please forward any questions to: The International Programs Center UNCG, 127 McIver Street, PO Box 26170 Greensboro, NC 27402-6170 PHONE: 336-334-5404 ~ FAX: 336-334-5406 E-mail: studyabroad@uncg.edu This page is maintained by Penelope Pynes. Please direct questions and comments accordingly. This page was last updated on February 6, 2007