Dr. Daniella Widdows
Director of Global Education and Study Abroad
July 31, 2020

Returning to campus after completing a Global Ed program?  Even though due to Covid-19 you have likely been home for several months now, returning to H-SC may be a strange adjustment.  Campus is going to look and feel different this year, and not only because you have been studying off the hill.  That said, here are some tips and resources returners often find helpful.

Build on the new:  Keep in touch with the friends and mentors you gained.  Join LinkedIn groups that speak to your new connections and interests.  Keep up with the media (news, movies, music, etc.) made in or about your host location.  Continue practicing the language or new hobbies you started.  Learn to cook a few dishes from your host location or order treats from international sources online.  Explore local communities, themed restaurants, film series, etc. in Virginia.  (Need help finding resources?  Just ask!)

Reconnect with H-SC:  Your close friends and family have no doubt heard a lot about your time away already, but your professors and other friends and mentors here at H-SC would love to hear from you as well.   What did you learn?  What did you enjoy?  What did you miss about being on campus?  What do you miss now?  What pictures do you have to share?  What new things are you interested in exploring now that you’re back?  And, don’t forget, if your campus friends/roommates no longer seem interested, Ms. Wright and I are always eager to enthuse with you!

Encourage others to consider a Global Ed program:  There are lots of ways to help out and returners are the best advocates!  Write an article for The Tiger.  Organize a returners tailgate group at a sports event. Offer to do a presentation for other students in your major or as a class presentation.  Hold an info session at your dorm or fraternity, or for your clubs or sports groups.  Global Ed is happy to help you organize and create targeted materials for any presentations or gatherings.  And we are looking for help creating videos to promote study abroad and study away.  Have other suggestions or interested in participating in Global Ed info sessions and class visits?  We’d love to hear from you!

Reflect to move forward:  Talk with your advisors, Global Ed, and the Career Center to help you clarify what skills you learned or enhanced while studying elsewhere.  What did you learn about yourself by participating (before, during, and after)?  Do you have new goals or ideas about what kind of life you want to build for yourself here at H-SC and after?  Work with the Career Center to discuss how best to represent yourself on your resume and in job applications and interviews, and to explore career paths and ways to network.

We look forward to seeing you soon!