W-curve

The w-curve is like a big rollercoaster ride that college students experience when they go to study in a new country or culture. At first, they may feel really excited and happy to be exploring a new place, meeting new people, and trying new things. This is the first hump in the rollercoaster ride, called the "honeymoon phase."

But after a while, they may start to feel homesick, lonely, or frustrated. This is the dip in the rollercoaster ride, called the "culture shock phase." They may miss their friends and family back home, struggle to adapt to new customs or language, and feel like they don't fit in.

But with time, effort, and support, they can start to climb back up the rollercoaster ride. They may feel more comfortable and confident in their new surroundings, and even start to appreciate and enjoy the differences they once found challenging. This is the second hump in the rollercoaster ride, called the "adjustment phase."

Finally, as they near the end of their time abroad, they may start to feel sad or anxious about leaving behind the people and experiences they have grown to love. This is the final dip in the rollercoaster ride, called the "reverse culture shock phase."

So, the w-curve is like a rollercoaster ride of emotions that college students experience when they study in a new country or culture. It goes up, then down, then up again, and finally back down before the ride is over. But just like on a rollercoaster, they can enjoy the ride and come out of it with new perspectives, skills, and memories.