A TOPIC OF RESEARCH I FIND PERSONALLY VERY INTERESTING
I feel that I can very much relate to this article that explains the concept of 'Global Nomads or Third
Culture Kids'. These terms were coined by Norma Mccaig in 1984. The terms refer to anyone that has lived outside of their passport country for a significant period during their developmental years, due to the work of their parents.
My husband is Dutch, I am South African and our 3 boys were all born in Cape Town, South Africa. When the youngest was 1 years old and the oldest was 4 years old we took an assignment and moved to rural Sumatra in Indonesia. We lived there as expats on an oil compound with a small group of exapts from different parts of the world. After having spent close on 4 years living there we are now in South Africa about to move to Holland, a period that is described as transition. As an international school teacher I was familiar with the term and witnessed it a lot with children that I taught. Now as a mother of TCK I understand it even better. Plenty of research has been done on the topic and this is of great help to families that are going through different stages of moving and settling.
I find it interesting to read that children actually go through a far harder time repatriating in their own country once having lived abroad. By reading the research on this topic teachers and families can better undestand the processes and better support one another through the different stages. By understanding your child's emotions you can be a stonger support when needed.
Reference
Schaetii, B. (N.D.). Global Nomad, Third Culture Kid, Adult Third Culture Kid, Third Culture
Adult: What Do They Mean? Retrieved from http://www.figt.org/global_nomads
Hello Amanda,
ReplyDeleteWow you and your family have been to a lot of different places. Do you teach in South Africa and if so how is it different from in terms of teaching in the States. That’s great how you found an article on what children experience when living abroad. I know it can truly be a transition for children and their families
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteUnderstanding and Flexibility, tolerance and strong observation skills are cross cultural skills par excellence. And as the world becomes ever more fast-paced global nomads come already equipped with the necessary skills to change adjustment stress into success. As cultures and communities come increasingly into contact, global nomads know how to respect, observe and learn from cultural differences. We don't assume that our way is the best or only way. We are life-long learners, and the world is our classroom. These are critical skills in a world looking for economic prosperity and peace, when in the past there has been a tendency to destroy what we don't understand and annihilate those who are different.