returning students

Students often underestimate the time it takes to readjust back into American culture and SFAI. To varying degrees, you will encounter reverse culture shock and may find it challenging at times to readjust. Don’t worry! This is something that every study abroad student goes through and over time you will find your place again.

More than anything, it is important to incorporate your study abroad experience into your life back in the U.S. We’ve listed a few ways here to help you get started.

Get Involved

SFAI has an active international community, with students from more than 25 countries. You can also get involved in on-campus events, clubs, and organizations. For more information, see Student Engagement.

Share your Experience

Complete the SFAI Study Abroad Alumni Survey
Your valuable feedback will help improve the experience of future study abroad students. Take the Survey Monkey survey here.

Serve as a Contact for Future Participants
Prospective participants are always eager to ask questions and hear about study abroad experiences from a past participant’s perspective. Be sure to let the Global Programs Office know if you are interested in serving as a contact or sharing your tips and advice at information sessions and pre-departure orientation. 

Submit Your Photos and Interviews
The Global Programs Office would love to see photos of you, your study abroad site, your host family and friends, and scenic shots. If you have a few favorite photos that could be used in Global Programs Office materials, please send them to the office.

Quotations from interviews are also used in our informational materials and website. If you are interested in sharing your study abroad experience in an interview, contact the Global Programs Office.

Become an International Student Ambassador
Each year a small group of students are chosen to serve as International Student Ambassadors (ISAs). ISAs work with new international students preparing to come to SFAI and offer advice on anything from classes to take to finding an apartment in San Francisco. ISAs also help lead the International Student Orientation each semester and organize social activities throughout the year. If you are interested in applying to be an ISA, please contact the Global Programs Office for more information.

Contribute to Study Abroad Publications
Abroad View is a global education magazine and website focused specifically on study abroad experiences, where you can submit your writing for publication.

Transitions Abroad is a webzine that regularly publishes study abroad articles. It also hosts a student travel writing contest.  

Market Your International Experience 

Learn how to market your international experience for employers and graduate schools by identifying skills learned abroad and articulating your experience on resumes and in interviews. You can also look for an internationally related internship. Visit the Career Resources Center to learn how.

The Northern California Lessons from Abroad: Study Abroad Returnee Conference is a great way to take your study abroad experience to the next level. The conference covers teaching, short-term work opportunities, and volunteering abroad; international careers at home and abroad; resume writing and interview preparation; and travel writing and documenting your journey. Visit the conference website for more details and to register.

Academics

If you studied abroad through an SFAI program, your credits will automatically transfer to your transcript upon your return to campus. This process may take up to 12 weeks from the time your program ends, so be patient. If it has been more than 12 weeks since you returned and your credits still have not posted to your transcript, contact the Global Programs Office.

Once your credits are posted to your transcript you should meet with the undergraduate academic advisor to ensure that the courses are recorded to fulfill the appropriate major/minor requirements.