You Cannot Go Home Again: A Phenomenological Investigation of Returning to the Sojourn Country After Studying Abroad

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to describe the structure of the experience of individuals who returned home after studying abroad, became disillusioned with their home country, and returned to their sojourn country. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with participants. The emerging bipolar themes of conflict/peace, reality/idealization, freedom/restriction, changing/static, and comfort/discomfort were grounded in the theme of cultural comparison. Implications for counseling those who study abroad are included.