An exploratory and descriptive study of the overseas and reentry experiences of returned Canadian volunteers and its influence on their present lifestyle

Williams, Debbie M. (1991) An exploratory and descriptive study of the overseas and reentry experiences of returned Canadian volunteers and its influence on their present lifestyle. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This is an exploratory and descriptive study of the overseas and reentry experiences of Canadian returned volunteers and its influence on their present lifestyles. -- Ninety-one CUSO and 24 Canadian Crossroads International (CCI) returned volunteers responded to a mailed questionnaire. Over half of the respondents returned to Canada less than 10 years ago; 45% have been home for 10 years or more. -- Returned volunteers answered questions regarding many aspects of their overseas assignment. They were also asked to respond to questions regarding re-orientation, advice to returning volunteers and the impact of the experience on their lives. Respondents were encouraged to give their opinions and to discuss their responses. -- Frequency distributions, percentages, cross-tabulations and a t-test were used to analyze data. Results showed that volunteers were generally young, single, and well-educated. At the time of their assignment, although most volunteers experienced some degree of cultural shock, respondents generally felt positive about the experience overall. -- Reentry shock or reverse culture shock seemed a common phenomena. A number of factors that appear to be associated with reentry shock include age, gender, desire to return home, feelings upon initial reentry, and the commitment to change aspects of one's lifestyle upon return home. -- Those respondents who recall having the most difficulty upon return were younger, single and most were female. Compared to those reporting no reentry stress, the group experiencing difficulty appeared less ready to return home and less positive upon reentry. They were also more inclined to make a decision to change their lifestyle. -- Nearly all respondents (86%) felt that their present lifestyle was highly and moderately affected by the experience and report positive and growthful influences. Yet, a small number of respondents made comments suggesting that they still have unresolved issues connected to the overseas and reentry experiences. Respondents also expressed significantly less satisfaction with Canadian society (and how it works) upon return to Canada compared to their degree of satisfaction with Canadian society before leaving for the assignment. -- Recommendations are made to sponsoring agencies regarding reorientation. Recommendations were also made for further research.

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