Your time in the US as a study abroad student was an eye-opening experience of America.  You probably had a lot of preconceived notions about the culture of the US that were based on what you’d seen on TV, or in movies, heard in American music, or read in magazines. However the US has a population of over 300,000,000 people, and is a mosaic of races, religions, and ethnicities.  Add to that the sheer SIZE of the United States—9,826,630 sq. kilometers!  (For perspective think about the fact that the whole of the Netherlands is the size of Maryland, just 1 of the 50 states that make up the US.)

Be a Study Abroad Ambassador

Share your understanding of America and it’s culture with your friends and colleagues.  If you’re working with a local team from a multi-national corporation, or mentoring someone who plans to study in the US you can help prepare them for what to expect in America, or from their American counterparts in business.

Your family won’t be the only ones interested in seeing the photos and videos you took while away.  You could make an album on Facebook, or create a blog to put all your pics and anecdotes in one place—especially relatable will be the missteps you made.  People will appreciate that you have a sense of humor about yourself, and that you once knew just as little about American culture as them.

You can host an event, maybe a party thrown on an American holiday.  Halloween, the Fourth of July, or Thanksgiving.  Make traditional dishes and desserts to give your guests a taste of America.

Join or start a club related to American culture.  Not only will it be an excellent way to maintain your English language skills, but it’s also a terrific opportunity to network!

Volunteer with a local university’s study abroad office, or give a talk to grade schoolers about your about your time in the US and it’s culture.  Bring your favorite pictures, and tell them stories that inform and amuse.  Sharing your experience of the US will be fun for you, and an inspiration to others.