In the blog last week , we explored key areas of personal development arising from the sojourn experience. This week, we will shift the focus to examine enhanced professional development abilities that are immediately applicable, relevant, and valued by employers in the home context. Professional development abilities The experience of successfully completing an extended sojourn overseas inevitably results in a range of enhanced professional abilities that are immediately tra

In the blog last week , we explored a general overview of personal and professional development factors that can be shaped by living overseas for an extended period. This week we will focus on some typical examples of enhanced personal abilities that are relevant and immediately applicable for the returnee in the home context. Examples of sojourn personal development issues The experience of successfully managing an extended sojourn in an unfamiliar cultural environment will

In the blog last week , we evaluated several practical strategies that could help returnee sojourners to minimise re-entry challenges. This week we will begin to explore key areas of personal and professional development acquired while living successfully for an extended period in a host cultural context. Reflecting on personal and professional abilities One of the most significant benefits of living overseas for an extended period is the opportunity to develop a unique and d

In the blog last week , we examined an approach to systematically planning both the exit from the host nation and the return home. This week, we will evaluate several practical strategies that help returnee sojourners minimise typical challenges that can arise during the re-entry adaptation phases. The emotional challenge of the return home Several sojourners have described the initial re-entry into the home context as being a period of grieving. This uncomfortable experience

In the blog last week , we explored the key phases of the re-entry adjustment experience. This week we will review one approach based on the Johari Window that can facilitate effective planning when both exiting from the host nation and returning to the home context. Adaptation and application to the planning challenge After any extended period living overseas, planning the departure and re-entry home can be a daunting experience that typically requires several months to comp

In the blog last week , we explored a general overview of the re-entry home experience after an extended period of living overseas, together with some of the most frequently reported challenges faced by returnee sojourners. This week we shall focus on examining the key phases of the return adaptation process. Reviewing the key phases of the return experience With two notable exceptions at the outset and concluding stages, the 7 key phases of the re-entry home process are comp

In the blog last week , we initially defined the concept of reverse or re-entry shock. After this we explored several factors that can influence both potential exposure to such unwelcome surprises and the possible intensity of any encounter. This week we shall begin by focusing on a general overview of the return home experience and then review some of the commonly reported challenges by returnees commencing with the fascinating topic of reverse homesickness. An overview of

In the blog last week , we explored a brief introductory overview of the W-Curve model of cross-cultural adaptation. This week, we need to first define the concept of reverse or re-entry shock. After this, we shall critically review several factors that can influence both potential exposure to reverse shock and the possible intensity of this experience should it arise. Defining reverse or re-entry shock Reverse or re-entry shock is a significant challenge encountered by some

In the blog last week , we reviewed the final step in the U-Curve adaptation sequence known as the mastery phase. This week, we will...