Third Culture Kids: Transition and persistence when repatriating to attend university

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: This qualitative study used heuristic phenomenology and involved 20 interviews at 3 different sites, 2 focus groups, formal and informal observations, and the analysis of various artifacts including photos, drawings, and documents.

Findings and Conclusions: Third culture kids are a diverse group of individuals who spent at least a portion of their developmental years (from birth - 18 yrs.) in a country other than the one listed on their passport as home. These individuals reported experiencing challenges when repatriating including those associated with Erikson's stage 5, identity formation vs. role confusion, and stage 6, intimacy vs. isolation, and Kubler-Ross' five stages of grief. Upon repatriating to attend university, these challenges appear to intensify. Participants related struggling with identity, feelings of isolation, frustrations with cultural misunderstandings, feelings of "not fitting in" living a paradoxical existence, being hidden immigrants, struggling with language, committing cultural faux pas, not understanding the currency, not having transportation, no place to go during holidays, homesickness, anger, depression, relationships, and inability to put down roots. Participants also expressed hope for the future, pride in their independence, not being afraid to take risks, open-mindedness, accepting, and a desire to help others. Many related feeling "stuck" in Erikson's stage 5, or one of Kubler-Ross' stages of grief, unable to progress toward acceptance