Have you ever felt you're a stranger in your own country?
By theredquill
@theredquill (586)
Philippines
November 25, 2010 9:38am CST
I just got back to my home country after two years of living and working in Africa. When the plane landed, something in me didn't want to get off the plane and wanted to catch the next flight back to Africa. It was a very strange feeling. Everything seemed so unfamiliar: the people, the language, the smells, even the flag! I can't bear the traffic and the crowds in the malls. I felt so suffocated. I felt like a stranger in my own country.
We have been warned about this though. It's what they call "reverse culture shock", which is a usual phenomenon experienced by people who've been out of one's country for so long.
Has anyone ever experienced this?
6 responses
@zhpshql (693)
• China
27 Nov 10
Hi,theredquill,I can understand you...2years ago ,I once had the same feeling with you..even though I didn't go abroad..that time,I just moved from one city to another city..but maybe because of the huge differenct between the people, economic,traffic,and so many things..I felt I was a stranger...That feeling was so strange....^^
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
27 Nov 10
Very strange, isn't it? I guess for some of us, we put down roots wherever we go, so it's not at all easy to uproot ourselves again. But yeah, that's just how life is. We travel, we explore the world, then we go home, then maybe go travelling again. And I guess this "reverse culture shock" will always be part of us. Until we decide to settle down.
@Susanayako1988 (350)
• China
27 Nov 10
I haven't have the opportunity to go to another country, therefore I haven't experience the same kind of feeling you had experience. Maybe oneday i will.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
27 Nov 10
I'm sure you will have the opportunity one day to explore other countries. You see, the world is getting smaller and smaller. You're welcome to visit mine.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
25 Nov 10
Yes, I have experienced a long trip overseas and then felt like a stranger in my home country. I was 20 to 21 years old on my journey around the world that took over one year. When I got home I couldn't stand the climate and it seemed overcrowded. So much had changed and my best friend had got engaged to be married. It is interesting to hear that it is called reverse culture shock. I hope that you will soon feel at home again and in your home country. I came home with an Australian accent and an employment agency wanted to see my passport when I told them I was English.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
26 Nov 10
Oh yeah, reverse culture shock, they say, is a common phenomenon. However, some recover quickly but some take a long time to reintegrate into their communities or social networks again. For a person who don't usually put down roots like me, I'm quite surprised I still experience it. And yeah, I came back with a mixture of American, British, and African accents. I didn't notice it until my family and friends pointed it out to me! Haha! I hope I will get over this though. I'm home for four days now, but I still feel pangs of "homesickness" for Ethiopia.
@shia88 (4571)
• Malaysia
25 Nov 10
Hi,
I only have chance to travel back to my hometown once a year.
And I have been away from my hometown for more
than 15 years. I have get used to stay abroad and when I
first touch down at my hometown's airport, I feel bit
uneasy...smoky,local language and I have to try to adapt myself
back at my hometown.
Although I was at my hometown for more than 18 years,but after
leaving it for more than 15 years,it always has strange feeling for me.
But one thing for sure, I am very happy to be back to my
hometown again.
This year, I won't be back to my hometown....so my next trip will
be next year april....a few more month to go.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
26 Nov 10
Somehow it's good to know I'm not alone and that the feeling seems normal. It's strange though having to adjust and adapt again to the life in our home country. But there is no question about getting back and having the presence of your loved ones. Good luck on your next trip back.
@camposkat (306)
•
25 Nov 10
I think I did once when I went for a visit here in the UK. I only spent 3 months or so and when I came back to my home country, I felt weird for the first day that I came home. People pushing you in the airport without saying excuse me, pardon me. People rude at you. It's like you hate it already. And you feel like a newbie to that place where you have always been. But ofcourse when I got settled back in, you ignore these things and think they're just normal.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
26 Nov 10
I can totally relate to that. People seemed so different, the way they speak and act. But yeah, you get used to it again. Thanks for your response, my friend. Somehow I feel better thinking this is just normal.
@felcilicious (34)
• Philippines
26 Nov 10
I've been working overseas for a year. Its just a year but i adopt already the life there. When I got home in my home country its feels awkward that Im not used the life here already. I am used to phone a store for my grocery and they will just delivery it on my door, but in my country i really need to go store when i need to buy grocery..
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
26 Nov 10
It's a bit difficult to get used to a different kind of lifestyle and then readjust to suit another one. As for me, I've been used to living a simple life for two years, but now all the commercialism and technology back home is overwhelming me.
