5 Pluses from a Life Lived Across Borders

So much of what is said or written about TCKs focuses on the challenges they face that we often overlook what they gain.

Some of the traits which adult TCKs attribute to their internationally mobile childhoods:

1.      A global mindset

TCKs not only grow up away from their passport country in a foreign country, but are also often surrounded by classmates and teachers from many other countries and cultures. As a result, they are able to see things from diverse perspectives and worldviews, and understand the impacts of differences in geography, history and political systems.

2.      Cultural awareness

Their exposure while growing up makes them more willing and able to make friends across cultures. They instinctively accommodate differences and adapt where necessary, and work well in multicultural teams.

3.      Adaptability and empathy

TCKs learn to adjust quickly to new norms and social expectations, and relate to people from other backgrounds. Seeing things from others’ perspectives makes them more empathetic.

4.      Curiosity and adventurousness

Having been exposed to so much variety, TCKs are usually curious about other people and places, and more willing than most to try new and unfamiliar things.

5.      Resilience

The TCK childhood is not always smooth, and every change poses challenges. Facing and overcoming these challenges enables TCKs to learn flexibility and resilience.

Parents may ask: should we bring our kids overseas? Is it worth it? They can take comfort that TCKs will gain from their internationally mobile life!

* A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is someone who has spent a significant part of their childhood living outside their passport country.