By Ingrid Schmoutziguer, Communications Advisor
Third Culture Kids are individuals who have grown up outside their culture of origin, often moving between different countries and adapting to various environments.
Strengths & Struggles
On the one hand Third Culture Kids have an incredible skill set, whilst on the other hand they can struggle to figure out who they are and where they belong.
As Kate Berger explained, TCK's can experience a sense of rootlessness, always having to say goodbye. They can be confused about their own identity, and experience a lack of stability. On the more positive side, TCK's are often empathetic, multilingual, culturally aware, open minded, resilient, adaptable and equipped with good social skills.
Want to find out more?
Parents of children and youngsters struggling, can find more information on the website of Ms Berger's practise: Expat Kids Club.
She also recommends the following books to read on the subject:
- Third Culture Kids, by Ruth van Reken and David Pollock (2017)
- Belonging everywhere and nowhere by Lois Bushong (2013)
- Safe passage by Douglas Ota (2014)