Hey guys! I decided to write this post about TCKs since that is what this blog is all about. It was really interesting once I started doing research, and I really enjoyed writing this article.
What is a TCK?
« A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents’ culture. The TCK frequently builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership in any. » (David Pollock)
The third culture that the name references is a mix of the person’s original/passport culture and their host culture.
Fun facts about TCKs:
85% of TCKs are bilingual
47% are trilingual
The term TCK was first used by Ruth Hill Useem in the 1950s, who defined a TCK as “children who accompany their parents into another culture.” Since then, a lot more studies have been done and more sociologists have gotten interested in the concept and been able to complete her research.
A lot of TCKs work in education, management, medicine, other highly skilled jobs, or are self employed. ATCKs (adult TCKs) are usually flexible and good with change.
They are usually also good with languages.
Numbers (on average)
4: The number of cities TCKs have lived in
4.5: The age TCKs were when they moved for the first time
44%: The percentage of TCKs who obtained a college degree before the age of 22
30%: The percentage of TCKs who have done postgraduate studies
4: The number of times more likely TCKs are to have a Bachelors degree
1/3: The amount of TCKs that get a Masters degree
(These three facts are due to the good quality of education in other countries)
230 million: the estimated number of people living outside of their passport country.
230 million people is a lot. I didn’t realize how many other kids were going through the same thing I am, even if most of the 230 million might be adults.
Guys, even if it’s hard to live overseas, you’re not alone. There are around 230 million people going through the same thing.
Bye for now,
Rose 🌹
Sources :
David C. Pollock, Michael V. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken, 2017, Third culture kids : growing up among worlds, 3rd edition, Nicholas Brearly Publishing
I love this post, Rose! I learned so many things about TCKs that I didn't know before.