Study Abroad & Exchange

Study Abroad Alumni

Welcome Home!

Most students tell us that the hardest part of the Study Abroad process in coming home! The deeper and more meaningful the experience you had abroad, the more challenging the re-entry process will be. Not to worry – just like “culture shock,” the growing pains of Re-entry Shock are short-lived and a normal part of the process.

The best way to prepare yourself for re-entry to the U.S. is to inform yourself about the process! Please see the Re-Entry Shock link for helpful information and articles. And don’t forget – Team Study Abroad is here for you! We’ve all been there, and we have plenty of tissue in our office if ever you’re in need for some genuine empathy. Lean on us.

A wonderful way to incorporate your international adventure into your life back in the U.S. is to get involved in the international academic community at CSU, Chico or to work, intern or volunteer in the Study Abroad Office. There are also many opportunities for you to go abroad again now that you have some experience under your belt.  This can be as simple as going on another exchange program or you can try to find a way to work or volunteer abroad.

And lastly, you can use your experience studying abroad to market yourself for a  future career. We have partnered up with the Career Center to help you with this. See Connecting Abroad to Career to find out ways to use your experience on your resume and cover letter.

Graduation Sash

Students who studied abroad through Chico State are encouraged to purchase a special SASH for graduation to display the colors of the flag of the country where you studied.

If you studied abroad in more than one country, you can get a sash that is half one country and half another, which includes an ADDITIONAL charge for each extra country (up to 4 countries total). 

Due to staffing limitations this semester, we will not be ordering the international graduation sashes in bulk through our office as we have done in the past. 

Instead, students can order their grad sashes directly from the company we recommend and typically order them through, Vision Wear International(opens in new window)(opens in new window)

Be sure to put in your order well before graduation to ensure it arrives on time, especially if you are ordering a sash with more than one country represented. 

Remind your Chico State friends who have also studied abroad to order one as well.  

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Study Abroad at 530.898.5415 or studyabroad@csuchico.edu

Alumni Pages