The study abroad (SA) experience has been substantially researched. The SA research primarily examined the challenges of studying abroad, and the effects of international exposure on returnees’ work and personal life. Relatively fewer studies explored the re-entry experience and challenges. The majority of the studies have also largely drawn from the experiences of returnees from developed countries. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by documenting a developing country’s perspective on SA, transition experience, and re-entry challenges among academics who studied abroad. Twenty academics in a Malaysian public university participated in the study’s interviews. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that the benefits of SA were evident in regards to participants’ individual work-related activities. The impact of SA experience, however, was perceived to be relatively less significant on higher (e.g., faculty, institutional and/or societal) levels. Additionally, the transition journey was reportedly bumpy with numerous re-entry challenges. Implications of the findings are discussed.