Third Culture Kids By 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

Video  g g  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??