Returning American going to EB in United States feeling worried

Hey guys, so I've been a long-time user of this forum but never really came across any threads expressing the worries I have as a returning American. I am a college student in Hong Kong (been studying here all my life and attend university here), I am also a US citizen but as mentioned, Ive been away from the US for almost my entire life so more or less feel like a local in Hong Kong (I speak canto too and attended local school, not international schools. all my friends are in hong kong). 

I had entered the recruiting cycle for both HK and US roles, and recently accepted an offer to join an EB (HLHZ, Lazard, EVC) in New York. It was a dream come true and I am thankful for the opportunity,  especially since In terms of recruiting locally in HK, my school would be considered target, but in the US, it's just non-target. I am not able to find anyone in my college who went the same route.

Having been away from the US for so long, and suddenly returning has got me feeling afraid, and with it being New York, seems even scarier. I do not have any family in the US, and do not know any of the college students who would be coming in the same analyst class as me as they are all US students (or US educated). So I feel quite isolated in this way. I am afraid of culture shock (though I think this is something even expats feel and learn to get over), and not knowing anyone in my analyst class. Even that aside, living alone in New York and getting used to that independence is also something to tackle.

I would like to know if anyone has been in this same position before (being a third culture kid, returning American after spending almost their entire life abroad and growing up in a  completely different culture). Was it difficult to integrate back into the American working environment? Any challenges? 

Would be great to talk more on PM too if anyone wishes to! 

4 Comments
 

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