Becoming an
Au Pair is a wild, beautiful ride. You leave home, move to a completely new country, dive into a different culture, and somehow—over time—it starts to feel like home. You grow, you stretch, you build deep connections, and you collect unforgettable memories.
But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough:
Going home can be harder than leaving.
If you’ve just finished your Au Pair adventure, you might be feeling something really unexpected right now, like you don’t quite fit in at home anymore. That’s called
Reverse Culture Shock, and trust me, you’re not alone.
What Is Reverse Culture Shock, Anyway?
When you first moved abroad, you probably went through some
culture shock—it took you time to adjust to a
new language, new habits, and a different way of life. You expected that.
But when you
come back home, you might expect everything to feel comfortable and familiar again. Sometimes, it doesn’t.
Your home country might look the same, but you’ve changed. You see things differently now. And that can feel surprisingly uncomfortable.
Why Does It Feel So Strange to Be Home?
As an
Au Pair, you built a new life. You made
friends, maybe even fell in love with your host country’s culture. You probably became more independent, more open-minded, and maybe even picked up a new language along the way.
Then you come back home, and suddenly:
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Your friends are still talking about the same things.
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Family routines feel a little…small.
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You miss the freedom, the adventure, the feeling of discovery.
It’s not that home is bad—it just doesn’t feel like it fits the way it used to.
Signs You’re Dealing With Reverse Culture Shock
If you’re wondering whether this is what’s happening to you, here are some common signs:
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You feel bored, restless, or disconnected.
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You miss your Host family and life abroad more than you expected.
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You feel like nobody fully "gets" what you’ve been through.
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Everyday life at home feels too routine, too predictable.
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You’re constantly thinking (or talking!) about your time abroad.
It can be frustrating to feel so out of place in a place that’s supposed to be your comfort zone.
How to Handle Reverse Culture Shock
1. Give Yourself Time
You needed time to adjust when you moved abroad, right? This is no different. Be patient with yourself, these feelings won’t last forever.
2. Stay Connected to Your Host Country
Call your Host family. Keep chatting with your Au Pair friends. Watch shows or listen to music in the language you learned. You can carry your international life with you.
3. Find People Who Understand
Talk to other former Au Pairs or international travelers. They get it. Sometimes you just need someone who’s been there to say, "Yeah, me too."
4. Bring a Bit of Your Host Country Home
Cook your
favorite meals from abroad. Celebrate the holidays you loved there. Mix what you’ve learned into your life now.
5. Start Planning Your Next Adventure
That doesn’t mean you have to pack your bags tomorrow. But having something new to look forward to, whether it’s a trip, new studies, or another cultural exchange, can help ease the itch for adventure.
Reverse culture shock can feel weird, uncomfortable, and even sad sometimes. But it also means your time abroad really meant something. It changed you. It opened your world.
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