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United States Colleges and Universities
Help for Student Victims of Hurricanes
- Introduction
- Potential Re-entry issues
1. Introduction
When thinking about returning home, it is important
to think realistically about problems you may encounter
so that you can prepare yourself
to face them. The following list includes potential problems
that those returning home after periods elsewhere often encounter,
and problems that
you may encounter as a result of Katrina. Which do you think
you will face?
2. Potential Re-entry issues
(The following questions are adapted from Rediscovering the
United States: A Sojourner’s Reentry. Module II, University of San Francisco
International Student Services by Christina E. Sanchez,
Ph.D.)
Changes in lifestyle-you and your family may live very differently now
Loneliness and alienation-friends may have moved from the area not to return
New and different interests from local peers as a result of where you’ve been this semester
Role or status differences-in family, community, at work, in school
Indifference of friends and relatives to your experience; lack of serious, interested, and willing listeners to your stories from your semester away
Adjustment to pollution, crowds, congestion, unsanitary conditions, less than optimum living conditions after Katrina
Changes in community’s conditions, priorities, policies, views
Economic uncertainties and conditions
How are you going to handle those potential problems you have identified? While you don't need to have all the answers, it is important to prepare yourself for the situations and feelings you will encounter upon your return.
There are of course many practical matters that must be taken care of before you go. Please continue to the next section for a Pre-Departure checklist will assist you.
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