Third Culture Kids: Growing up with mobility and cross-cultural transitions

Abstract

The study reported in this paper focuses on the narratives of six adult Third Culture Kids (TCKs) who lived in multiple countries during developmental years. It explores their childhood experiences with mobility and the impact that multiple shifts in location, culture, and language have had on their adult lives. The results indicate that they come to terms with their identities, which are closely connected to multiple cultures and countries. Participants reported a desire to maintain nomadic lives, which may have been impacted by the multilingual competence and nuanced cultural understanding they gained through mobile upbringings. They also commonly expressed a desire to build social relationships with other individuals with migrant backgrounds. The results demonstrate the necessity of supporting the growing community of TCKs in maximizing the potential benefits of cross-cultural experiences while helping them navigate the challenges of identity, transition, and relocation.

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