I had to leave the US because I couldn't get a work visa. The culture shock startled me.

"At that point, I hadn't heard the term "reverse culture shock" - a sense of disorientation you feel when returning to your country after a long stay abroad - but I now know this is what I experienced when I got back to India. Busy work mornings in New York were replaced by dull ones in India for the first few weeks while I waited to start my new job."

"My reverse culture shock was strong because I didn't return to India on my own terms. After graduating in the US, I received a one-year work permit, but I was hoping to get employer sponsorship for an H1-B visa, which would help me stay and work in the country longer. Though I tried my best to secure one with CBS and other companies, nothing worked out, and I had to leave."

"Over time, three steps helped me make the most of my new life and readjust to my home country. I even learned to appreciate it in ways I didn't expect."

Vaishali Gauba relocated to the United States at age 17 to study journalism and business management, eventually working at CBS News. After five years, she returned to India due to visa sponsorship challenges rather than personal choice. Upon returning, she experienced reverse culture shock—disorientation from readjusting to her home country. Initial weeks felt purposeless as she waited for employment while noticing stark cultural differences like excessive honking and different social norms. Through three key steps, including stopping self-blame for her visa situation, Gauba learned to readjust and develop unexpected appreciation for her home country.

Read at Business Insider