Redefining Home: Reverse Culture Shock Among Semester-Long Exchange Students: A Qualitative Research Mendefinisikan Ulang Makna Rumah:"Reverse Culture Shock" yang dirasakan oleh Mahasiswa Pertukaran Selama Satu Semester: Sebuah Penelitian Kualitatif

Abstract

This qualitative exploratory research investigates reverse culture shock experienced by semester-long exchange students, focusing on Indonesian students who joined the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards program at Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations of four students. Findings revealed participants struggled to readjust to life in Indonesia, as everything felt different from the structured, punctual lifestyle they experienced in Japan. They found aspects like traffic, public services, and social interactions more relaxed and less organized, which felt strange and frustrating after living in a more individualistic and efficient culture. The anticipated challenges of returning manifested in feelings of alienation, loneliness, loss, anomie, unhappiness, withdrawal, depression, and minor physical illness, typically lasting two to three months. Participants were aware of the potential for this phenomenon before returning. Several coping strategies were identified, including a strong desire to return to Japan. This study contributes to the limited discourse on reverse culture shock in qualitative research, especially among short-term exchange students. It highlights the importance of raising awareness and preparing students for re-entry challenges. Home universities are encouraged to provide better post-exchange support systems to ease the transition and help students reintegrate successfully.