Third culture kid (TCK) is a term coined by American sociologist Ruth Useem, whose focus was on children “whose parents had moved abroad for career purposes.” TCK is “a child who grows up in a culture different from the one in which his or her parents grew up..some grow up in a number of different places” - Merriam webster dictionary
Their international background is a wonderful gift, as it helps them:
Have greater understanding of different cultures
Be able to adjust to new situations
Excellent communication and diplomatic skills
It is also common to experience unique challenges in relation to their rich and varied cultural experiences.
“Where are you from?” Many Adult Third Culture Kids feel like citizens of the world, which is mostly empowering to them. The question is dreaded by many of them, though. Their international experience is bitter-sweet, as it is also common to deal with:
Feelings of not belonging or feelings of loneliness
Painful identity issues
Adult Third Culture Kids can experience “re-entry shock” when they return to live in their original home-country. This experience can also be called “reverse culture shock.” (Hisano, Yoko, 2015)
If you are an Adult Third Culture Kid, it will be relieving for you to receive therapeutic guidance in dealing with complex experiences and feelings together with a mental-health specialist. You are the expert on your life, so you can expect a session where respect is a keyword.