Third Culture KidsBy Mr. Jordi Blanco

Barack Obama is a Multiracial Third Culture Kid born in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up in Indonesia and Chicago.

Definition of “Third Culture Kid”

“A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents’ culture.” (Pollock and Van Reken, 1999)

Examples of TCK’s

Children who move into another culture with parents due to a parent’s career choice

Children born to parents from at least two cultures or races.

Children of refugees

“Domestic” TCK’s—Children whose parents have moved in or among various subcultures within that child’s home country

2 Important things…

Identity

WHAT IS IDENTITY?

Is the process by we integrate our statuses and roles, as well as his diverse experiences, into a coherent image of self. (Epstein, 1978)

Culture

SIGNIFICANCE OF CULTURE

Being “in the know” gives us a sense of stability, deep security, and belonging.

When we are having to learn and relearn the basic rules by which the world around us is

operating, our energies are spent on surviving rather than living; struggling to understand.

Children and adolescents who move among different cultures are doing so before they have formed their own personal and cultural identity.

Cultural Shock

What about Pro’s and Con’s of being a TCK?

Pros of Being a TCK

Understanding of other cultures

Reflective thinkers—knowing that there are many ways to approach a given situation

Thinking outside of the box.

Stronger practical skills. Linguistic skills.

But not everything is great…

Cons of Being a TCK

Lack of a ‘home base’ means it’s hard. “I don’t belong anywhere”.

The emotional upset of having to say goodbye to people and places on a regular basis.

Make new connections and friends—”what’s the point if we’re going to move on again soon anyway””

Educational gaps due to different curriculums being followed at different schools

Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

gIlpSavAeag

This documentary was presented at the November 2010 ECIS conference by Ms. Laura Cowan (MS Counselor) and was filmed onsite at the Shanghai American Schools

What can parents do to help?

Involve your children in decision-making during and/before the move (to the extent possible). Even if they do not have any power in the outcome!. Example. American not saying.

Establish a sense of control in their lives (where to have dinner, what movie to see, etc.)

Provide time for children to grieve and be supportive of their needs—each move is a TRUE loss for them.

What can children do to help themselves?Research where you are going before you get there.

Learn about the new country you will be living in prior to moving there

Be involved in family conversations and decisions about where you are moving to

Connect with your new school. Become involved in after school activities, clubs and community events

Have someone you can talk to about your feelings.

Know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and unsure. It is part of the process..

Return “home” and reacclimatize

Pros Chance to reconnect with

home culture and learn what it means to be from a certain country

Reconnect with family

Far more schooling options

Challenge of new school environment

Community opportunities

Cons Sense of not belonging

Not well-equipped to deal with transitions on own

Superiority/inferiority complex

Can be far from parents

Often not recognized as international by university

Any Questions??