Returning to the USA after a year in Italy

🌎Returning to the USA after a year in Italy allowed us to experience reverse culture shock and notice the differences between the two countries.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧Spending time with family and friends in Ohio and Michigan has been refreshing and rejuvenating for us.

📏The size difference between the USA and Italy, from roads to parking spaces, has been noticeable and somewhat overwhelming.

💬We've become more comfortable communicating in English and our kids have become bolder in talking to strangers.

💧Free water at restaurants in the USA is appreciated after experiencing the need to pay for water in Italy.

What is reverse culture shock?

—Reverse culture shock refers to the feelings of disorientation and discomfort that individuals experience when returning to their home country after living abroad for an extended period of time.

Did you miss your family and friends while in Italy?

—Yes, we missed our family and friends a lot during our time in Italy, which made returning to the USA and spending time with them even more special.

What were some noticeable differences between Italy and the USA?

—Some noticeable differences included the size of everything in the USA, from roads to parking spaces, as well as the convenience of free water at restaurants.

How did your kids adjust to being back in the USA?

—Our kids adjusted well and became bolder in talking to strangers. They also enjoyed reconnecting with their cousins and participating in cousin camp activities.

Did you have to tip in Italy?

—No, tipping is not customary in Italy, so it was an adjustment to go back to the practice of tipping in the USA.

00:00After a year in Italy, we finally leave the country and experience reverse culture shock upon our return to the USA.

05:00We spend time with family and friends in Ohio and Michigan, which is refreshing and rejuvenating for us.

10:00We notice the differences in size and communication between Italy and the USA.

15:00Our kids become bolder in talking to strangers and we appreciate the convenience of free water at restaurants.

20:00Overall, our return to the USA has been positive and rejuvenating, giving us a much-needed break and time to reconnect with loved ones.