What does being a third culture kid mean?

In an increasingly globalised society, people from different cultures have more opportunities to interact, collaborate, and create unique cultural identities. This phenomenon has led to American sociologist Ruth Hill Useem coining the term ‘Third Culture Kids’ in the 1950s. But what does being a third culture kid actually mean? And what does it mean if you’re a third culture kid heading to university? Find out the definition of a third culture kid, as well as what it’s like to be one. And, importantly, how does being a third culture kid impact being a university student?

What does a third culture kid mean? Definition

A Third Culture Kid is a person who has spent a significant portion of their youth in a culture different from their parents’ (or the culture of their passport country). The term “third culture” comes from the fusion of the child’s original culture (the first culture) and the new culture of where they spent their childhood (the second culture). This unique blend creates an entirely new and separate third culture, which people like Ruth Hill Useem argue becomes the child’s true cultural identity.

Third Culture Kids often come from families working in international organisations, diplomacy, military, or multinational corporations, where they move between countries frequently. As a result, they develop a global perspective, multicultural understanding, and a high level of adaptability. However, there are also some challenges many Third Culture Kids report.

Challenges Faced by Third Culture Kids

Third Culture Kids sometime face a unique challenges, including an identity crisis or lack of sense of belonging. This can make it difficult to have lasting friendships and connections, and may make you feel lonely at times.  There’s also the challenge of fitting in to one of the cultures, where Third Culture Kids often have to juggle being part of one or the other (e.g. their parents’ culture or where they live). Furthermore, when Third Culture Kids return to their passport or parents’ country, they may encounter reverse culture shock as they struggle to readjust to their home country’s customs, language, and social norms. It’s important to note that not all Third Culture Kids experience these challenges, and some may enjoy their unique upbringing.

Strengths of Third Culture Kids

From multilingualism to open-mindedness, being raised with multiple cultures can be beneficial. These skills can be highly advantageous for future careers too. Third Culture Kids usually have great cultural intelligence that enables them to navigate complex social situations and interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Their adaptability, developed from living in different cultures and adjusting to new environments, makes them highly flexible and resilient, skilled at managing change and finding solutions to problems.

Moreover, their multilingualism, acquired at a young age, not only enhances their communication skills but also expands their educational and career opportunities. TCKs also develop a global mindset, which allows them to view the world from multiple perspectives, understand the interconnectedness of societies, think critically, approach problems creatively, and appreciate the value of diversity.