Once Upon a Time I Returned from Abroad (or Three Ways Debriefing Helped Me)
After returning from living four years abroad—not just once, but twice—I realized how important debriefing those experiences were. There are probably dozens of ways debriefing benefited me, but here are three:
1. Debriefing helped me embrace my journey
My repatriation debriefing experience was an opportunity for me to shared about my time abroad—the ups, the downs, the adventure, the mundane, and everything in between. It gave me the chance to sift through my memories and feelings, which helped me adjust to being back with much more ease and far less stress. It was like unpacking my mental and emotional suitcase after a long trip, helping me feel grounded again in familiar surroundings.
2. Debriefing helped me appreciate my global skills
Debriefing was a spotlight, turning my overseas experiences into compelling chapters of my personal and professional story. It was a time for me to reflect on how much I had grown and how my unique skills could now help me both in my personal relationships and in the job market. It helped me translate my global adventures into my superpowers.
3. Debriefing helped me reconnect with my roots
Coming back initially felt like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, especially since I had changed and grown and experienced so much abroad. Debriefing helped me navigate this—offering insights on how to blend my expanded worldview with my home culture. It helped me find my place again among family and friends, armed with a broader perspective and deeper empathy. It was like recalibrating my social GPS to navigate familiar roads that now looked a bit (or even a lot) different.
Looking back, I see my debriefing was not just a formal process, but as a valuable stepping stone to help me leverage an important chapter in my life. Best of all, I felt seen, heard, and helped so that I could move forward with hope and momentum.
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