Dear Global Villagers . . .

. . .many U.S. expatriates I have met here in Munich describe their experience, when visiting the U.S. as very difficult.

Conversely Germans who, after a prolonged stay abroad, return, find it very difficult to adjust.

Many "global villagers" are aware of this phenomenon, also called "reverse culture shock".

Certainly the underlying psychological reasons are complex,
but more importantly there are ways of coping with this startling experience.

One first step would be to exchange thoughts about it.

In my case - I have lived in the U.S. for more than ten years - and find it extremely enriching - to have been exposed to more than one culture.

Yet at times there is also the feeling that it is difficult for other people to get a sense of who I am, which seems to make them anxious and irritated. This in turn bothers me a lot.

What are your experiences and how are you coping?