Why post-mobility support matters for students

There are many benefits to student mobility placements, whether it’s studying, working or volunteering abroad. Students are equipped with new perspectives, skills and personal growth. However, the return to their home university can be a bigger challenge for many students as they try to navigate reverse culture shock, reintegrating academically and socially, and facing uncertainty about how to apply these newly acquired skills towards their future. 

In a recent survey undertaken at Aberystwyth University of students who took part in a mobility programme in the academic year 2023-24, 64% indicated that they have experienced reverse culture shock ranging from ‘some’ to ‘a large extent’. 68% have found it difficult to readjust to social interactions and the cultural norms in the UK after spending time abroad and 52% of students cited that they have noticed changes in their behaviour since returning to the UK, such as increased cultural sensitivity and changes in their communication style. 

The survey also showed that students struggle with feelings of boredom, reverse homesickness and even feelings of alienation or isolation upon their return to the UK. So, the question is, how can we support students in this post-mobility stage? 

One of the key strategies we’ve implemented at Aberystwyth University is to encourage returning students to engage with each other and additionally, with the team in Global Opportunities. We arrange a ‘welcome back’ event for returning students to help ease their transition back into university life. This event offers the opportunity for us to address the challenges of reintegration such as reverse culture shock and the theory of now having two identities (i.e. an identity developed whilst abroad and the identity they have now come back to at their home university). As a department we try to offer guidance and support on a range of topics, including academic reintegration, career development and future mobility opportunities. We have found that facilitating this open dialogue with the returning students has empowered them to navigate the challenges of reintegration and helps them make the most of their mobility experiences. 

“…it was really reassuring and comforting for somebody to talk about these confusing and new emotions. Especially the ‘abroad identity and home identity’ thing you talked about, that really resonates and it’s good to know that’s not me forgetting all the ways I’ve changed and improved over the last year which it can kind of feel like sometimes, like it never happened and I’m just becoming the same as I was before I left.” – Returning student, Harvey. 

By fostering this sense of community, providing guidance and encouraging ongoing engagement, we are helping students navigate the challenges of reintegration and emerge as more confident, globally minded individuals. As we continue to refine our post-mobility support strategies and expand further, we are committed to empowering students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. 

To further explore this important topic, join Kirsten Förster and Sarah Hosker from Aberystwyth University for their breakout session at the Global Mobility Conference 2025, Aftercare: The importance of post-mobility support. 

This session will focus on helping students navigate challenges such as reverse culture shock, dual identities, and readjusting to university life after studying or working abroad. Attendees will also learn how to support students in leveraging their international experiences for career growth and future opportunities.

Check out the event's webpage to find out more.