The Sojourner’s Return: Narratives on the Re-entry Experience

Abstract

This chapter reflects on the re-entry experience with emphasis on the cognitive, psychological, and behavioral aspects of the experience for individuals from sub-Saharan African nations. These issues will be discussed against the backdrop of Szkudlarek’s (2010) Expectations model; Gullahorn and Gullahorn’s W-curve hypothesis; and Martin and Harrell’s (2004), Intercultural Model of re-entry. The internationalization of higher education has become a priority among many institutions of higher education. Sojourning abroad comes with related issues such as culture shock. This notwithstanding, sojourners who choose to return often report many benefits of the stay abroad experience. Likewise, returning home after being away for several years also presents other challenges as students re-adjust to their home countries.