o Re-establish relationships

People you were close to when you left, even those you remained in close contact with, will be separated from you by the unique experiences you have had in each other's absence. However, this separation is certainly not permanent, and new experiences can make for some very interesting conversation. Just keep in mind that since both of you have changed, you won't necessarily interact in the same way.

o Share your experience

Since only you have had your experience, there is no possible way that anyone can fully understand what you have gone through. While people will be interested in what you did abroad, nobody will be quite as interested as you - despite your amazing storytelling skills.

o Readjust

Fitting your new life into your old one can be frustrating. Since every country has a unique approach to life, it can be difficult if you're used to operating within your host country's cultural mode, or have made that approach to life a part of you, to return to your home country where the rules are different. It's easy to become frustrated with aspects of your homeland culture that no longer make sense to you. Try to keep things in perspective. Bear in mind that every country has its flaws and its strengths.

o Guard against the

"grass is greener" syndrome

Returning home is wonderful in so many ways. You can talk to family and friends without a phenomenal fee, you can eat at your favourite restaurant, sleep in your own bed, and whatever else you were looking forward to doing. However, there is always the danger of falling victim to the "grass is greener" syndrome. Just as it is possible to dramatize the glory of your return home, it is also possible once you've returned home to over-romanticize your experience abroad. Life is never cookie-cutter perfect. Home is not the impenetrable haven you might remember at times, and life would still not be flawless, even if you are back in the host country you left behind.

o A few more things that might help

Talk to others who have studied abroad, keep in touch with those you met abroad, use the emotional momentum to continue cultural interactions (check out on-campus groups like Friends of International Students and Scholars), and be patient with yourself and others. Savour the rare privilege of having two "homes"!

(Source: http://www.uiowa.edu)