Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds

Sociologist and author David Pollock describes a TCK as 'a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents' culture. The TCK builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership of any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated into the TCK's life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of a similar background.'

Filled with real-life anecdotes, Third Culture Kids examines the TCK experience and its effect on maturing, developing a sense of identity and adjusting to one's 'passport country' upon return. For many third culture kids, this book will be their first opportunity to discover that they share a common heritage with countless others around the world.

This expanded edition profiles their personal challenges, from feelings of rootlessness and unresolved grief to struggles with maturity and identity. Highlighting dramatic changes brought about by instant communication and new mobility patterns, the new edition shows how the TCK experience is becoming increasingly common and valuable. The authors also expand the coverage to include 'cross-cultural kids', children of bi-racial or bi-cultural parents, immigrants and international adoptees - all of this bringing hidden diversity to our world and challenging our old notions of identity and 'home'.