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Upon your return

Part of Guide for Going Abroad

Returning from your exchange signals the start of the final steps in completing your study abroad. This section guides you through the practical matters to handle upon your return, including finalising your exchange, settling financial issues, and reflecting on your experience, to help ensure a smooth transition back home.
On this page:

1. Transcript and credit conversion

When you return from your exchange, you will receive a transcript from your host institution listing the courses you completed and the grades you earned. The AUC International Office will use this transcript to verify your courses and convert credits to the ECTS system, ensuring they count toward your AUC degree.

  • 1.1 Transcript

    Host universities usually inform students on how to obtain their transcript, but it may not be sent automatically. If you are unsure, contact the International Office of your host institution Transcripts can be submitted to the AUC International Office in three ways:

    1. Hard copy/physical transcript
      A signed or stamped printed copy sent to you, the AUC International Office, or the UvA/VU International Office. If AUC receives a physical copy, we will process the credits, make a digital copy, and notify you when you can collect the original at the Student Service Desk. If your host university only issues a hard copy and you studied at a UvA partner, the UvA International Office will inform you where and when to collect it. It is your responsibility to ensure the transcript is submitted to AUC for your credits to be added to SIS.
       
    2. Verified digital transcript
      A digitally signed or stamped copy sent directly by the host university or UvA/VU International Office. AUC processes the grades and emails you a copy.
       
    3. Official digital transcript via a certification platform
      Some universities use a digital system to share or verify transcripts. You may need to provide an access code or password to AUC International Office so we can download your transcript.

    Important: Digital copies sent by students via email without a verification method are not considered official and cannot be processed. Always confirm with your host university how transcripts will be shared.

  • 1.2 Credit conversion

    The AUC International Office checks that the courses on your transcript match those submitted during course recognition.

    If your host university does not use ECTS, credits will be converted to ECTS for your AUC transcript and count toward your degree. Grades obtained abroad after 1 September 2022 are no longer converted and do not affect your AUC GPA.

    For more details, see section 2.11 of the AS&P.

     

2. Study Abroad Survey and Exchange testimonial

After your exchange, you will be asked to complete a Study Abroad Survey and write an exchange testimonial reflecting on your experience. This helps AUC improve the study abroad programme and provides valuable insights for other students considering the same destination.

  • 2.1 Using Testimonials as Inspiration

    The AUC International Office annually compiles student experiences into testimonial booklets per continent. These booklets are available in section 5 on the Study Abroad & Exchange page on student.auc.nl, and you are encouraged to use them as inspiration.

    In addition, you can optionally upload your testimonial to the UvA Worldmap, where other students researching study abroad destinations can read about your experiences. Submitting a testimonial to the AUC International Office is mandatory, while uploading it to the UvA Worldmap is optional.

  • 2.2 What to Include in Your Testimonial

    Your testimonial can be as detailed as you like. You do not need to answer all of these questions, but they may help guide your reflections:

    • How did you experience living in the host city and studying at the partner university overall?
    • How did you experience the courses or programme (size, level, type, course registration, educational differences or similarities with UvA)?
    • Did you use the host university’s housing? If so, how does it compare to AUC student dorms? If not, how did you find private housing and how satisfied were you?
    • Did you apply for or receive any scholarships during your exchange?
    • How does the city differ from Amsterdam (size, transport, weather, food)?
    • Was the country/city more expensive or cheaper than the Netherlands?
    • Did you travel to your destination sustainably? If yes, how? Any tips for future students?
    • What was your social life like? Did you participate in student activities, and how did this affect your experience?
    • What cultural differences should future students be aware of?
    • Which intercultural skills or personal development outcomes did your experience bring?
    • What advice would you give to someone going to the same university, city, or country?
    • What did you wish you knew before going abroad that could have made your transition easier?
  • 2.3 Tips for Writing Your Testimonial
    • Be honest and reflective: your personal insights are often the most useful advice for other students.
    • Include practical tips as well as observations about academic and social life.
    • Share both positive experiences and challenges; this helps future students prepare realistically.

3. Wrapping up your finances 

After returning from your exchange, it is important to take stock of your financial situation. Reviewing your expenses and any outstanding payments helps ensure a smooth transition back home and avoids surprises later.

  • 3.1 Check Your Expenses and Payments

    Take the time to review all financial matters related to your exchange:

    • Have you paid all outstanding bills to your landlord?
    • Has your subtenant paid all rent for your room, if applicable?
    • Do you have any unpaid credit card bills or other personal expenses?
    • Are there scholarships or loans you will still receive, or need to repay?
  • 3.2 Scholarships and Funding

    If you received any financial support during your exchange, you may need to complete certain forms or write a report about your experience. It is best to do this while your exchange is still fresh in your memory. Common types of funding include:

    • Erasmus Scholarships
    • AUF Individual Travel Grant
    • Private funds
  • 3.3 Other Financial Matters

    If applicable, remember to reload the studentenreisproduct on your OV-chipkaart. For more information, visit: Studentenreisproduct website.

4. Reverse culture shock 

Coming home after studying abroad can be exciting, but it can also feel unexpectedly difficult. The term reverse culture shock (or Being Back Blues) describes the mix of emotions you might experience once you return. Suddenly, the excitement of being home fades, and you may feel restless, grumpy, or disconnected.

  • 4.1 Signs of Reverse Culture Shock

    You might be experiencing reverse culture shock if you notice:

    • Friends and family seem uninterested in your abroad stories
    • You’re already thinking about your next exchange
    • Your current study programme or daily life feels boring or frustrating
    • You feel estranged from friends or family
    • It’s hard to integrate your abroad experiences into your life at home

    If most of these apply, don’t worry: many students go through the same feelings.

  • 4.2 Coping strategies

    Here are ways to ease the transition:

    • Stay in touch with friends you met abroad
    • Write about your experiences! Think of blogs, testimonials, or articles
    • Join the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) to meet and support international students
    • Become an AUC Buddy: mentor exchange students returning or arriving
    • Help with info sessions organized by the AUC International Office
    • Participate in Pre-Departure/Goodbye Meetings for students about to study abroad

    Over time, life will feel more normal again. Your abroad experience may have changed you. It made you more independent, confident, and aware of the world.

  • 4.3 Joining the ESN Network

    Back in the Netherlands, ESN helps over 1,200 international students integrate at UvA each year. Your experience abroad makes you an ideal volunteer, whether as a board member, committee member, or mentor.

    ESN organizes city trips, parties, sports events, and even canal tours on King’s Day. By volunteering, you help international students settle in and make the most of their time in Amsterdam.

    For more information, visit the ESN website.

Questions?

In case you have any questions after carefully reading this information, please contact the AUC International Office. 

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