Re-entry Shock: Coming home to Laos – by Chansamone Senxayyachak
Dear readers,
I am Chansamone Senxayyachak, an exchange student from Savannakhet University, Laos, and I recently returned from my semester at PH Karlsruhe in Germany under the Erasmus+ scholars hip.
Have you ever felt like you did not quite fit into a place you have always called home?
That is exactly what I experienced when I returned to Laos after six months of my exchange programme in Germany. The familiar streets, the comforting smells of home-cooked food filled the air, carrying the rich aromas of familiar spices and childhood memories. The lively chatter of family gatherings brought laughter and warmth, as stories were shared over meals prepared with love. The presence of friends, their familiar voices and reassuring smiles, created a sense of belonging. Yet, deep down, something felt off. It was not that Laos had changed—the streets, the people, and the traditions remained as vibrant as ever—but I had. My experiences abroad had shifted my perspective, making me see my home in a different light, one filled with both nostalgia and a subtle sense of unfamiliarity. Six months abroad had shifted my perspective and my habits.
Now, two months back in Laos, I find myself caught between two worlds. On the one hand, I deeply miss the structured, fast-paced life in Germany. On the other hand, I am relearning to appreciate the slower, more communal lifestyle of home. But this process of readjustment of re-entry has been anything but smooth. In this post, I would like to share my journey through re-entry shock coming home after my exchange in Germany, the challenges I have faced, and the small victories that remind me that I am growing through this experience.
Six months in Germany felt like an entirely new chapter of my life. From the moment I landed, I was surrounded by new sights, sounds, and ways of living. I fell in love with the efficiency of public transportation, the simplicity of daily routines such as the predictable schedule of shops closing early, the structured meal times, the organized flow of daily life, and the way people valued their personal time.
The public transportation in Germany deeply impressed me, particularly since there is no efficient public transportation in my home country, Laos. Back home, if I want to go somewhere, I have to rely on either a motorcycle or a car. In Germany, however, I had the freedom to travel anywhere by using trams, buses, or trains. This allowed me to spend more time with myself and enjoy solo exploration. I often took the tram to explore the city I lived in. One of my favourite pastimes was visiting different supermarkets to compare their products and find unique differences from those back home in Laos. I also tried new kinds of food, from bratwurst to pretzels. This experience expanded my palate and made me appreciate the diversity of German cuisine.
Moreover, I had the privilege of studying at the English Department of the Karlsruhe University of Education, where I gained knowledge and experiences that broadened my perspective. I made many friends from Germany, Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan through the “International Club” of the university, which made my time there even more memorable. It was the best experience ever, as I learned very much about other cultures, languages, and traditions from my diverse group of friends.
One more thing I particularly admired about Germany was how much people valued their personal time. Germans are known for their punctuality, which is seen as a sign of respect for others. This was reflected not only in professional settings but also in everyday life. Another cultural aspect that stood out to me was “quiet Sundays”. In Germany, Sundays are considered a day of rest, and most shops except for essential ones remain closed. There is also a cultural norm to avoid making noise, as Sundays are meant for relaxation, outdoor activities, or spending time with loved ones. Families respect this quiet time, and it creates a peaceful atmosphere that I came to appreciate.
But it was not all smooth sailing. I had to adjust to cultural differences, such as how people value direct communication and how Sundays felt especially quiet with shops closed. Initially, it was a bit challenging, as I was used to a more bustling environment even on weekends. Nevertheless, these small challenges pushed me to grow in ways I did not anticipate.
In the end, Germany became my second home—a place where I could thrive as an independent individual and discover new sides of myself that I never knew existed.
Coming back to Laos after six months abroad was an emotional whirlwind. On the surface, everything seemed familiar, home smelled the same, sounded the same, and even felt the same. But as I stood among family and friends, I realized something had shifted. The place had not changed—but I had.
I noticed habits that I had picked up in Germany, like being punctual or appreciating personal space, did not always align with the more laid-back lifestyle back home. It felt like I did not belong in either place anymore. This struggle to fit back into my old routines while missing my life in Germany left me feeling unsettled.
As weeks turned into months, I realized that re-entry shock was not about choosing between two worlds but about blending them. I began to appreciate what both cultures had to offer. In Laos, I reconnected with the communal lifestyle I had missed, such as sharing meals with family or enjoying spontaneous visits from relatives. At the same time, I tried to maintain some of the structure and independence I had learned in Germany. For example, I became more intentional about managing my time to focus on my career. However, I also made sure to embrace the spontaneity of hanging out with friends and relatives, as it is deeply rooted in Lao culture.
Finding this balance was not easy, but it reminded me that I could carry pieces of Germany with me wherever I went. It was not about forgetting my exchange experience; it was about allowing it to shape how I live at home.
Looking back, I realized that my exchange journey was more than just a trip aboard. It changed how I see the world and myself. I have learned that stepping out of your comfort zone is the best way to grow. Overall, living in Germany taught me a lot of things, like adaptability and the value of embracing change. I have more confidence in myself than I used to; the old me was not brave enough to share my opinion with others. I always thought my opinion was not good and no one would agree with my opinion. Now, I do not care about something like that anymore. I will say what I think; I will do what I want and need, as long as it does not hurt or injure anyone. Returning to Laos reminded me of the importance of family, tradition, and staying grounded. This experience has inspired me to keep exploring, learning, and bridging the gap between the familiar and the foreign.
Finally, I realized that re-entry shock is not just about adjusting back to old routines. It is about redefining who you are after such a transformative experience. While my time in Germany has ended, its impact will stay with me forever. I’m grateful for the growth, the memories, and the small but powerful ways this journey has changed me. I also realized that it is okay to feel out of place because it is a sign that you have grown. And in the end, finding where you belong is a journey worth taking.
Living in Karlsruhe left a lasting impression on me. I miss its charm, the efficient public transportation, and the quiet Sundays that encouraged reflection and connection with loved ones. It was a city that helped me grow in so many ways, and its influence will always stay with me.
Text by Chansamone Senxayyachak
Photos by Chansamone Senxayyachak & student members of the PH Karlsruhe International Club