Third-culture kids are a distinct group of people who spend a major portion of their upbringing outside of their parent’s native culture. Third culture kids usually accompany their parents’ on postings abroad, relocating for a length of time to one or more countries. This lifestyle comes with its own set of challenges and rewards.
Home is “everywhere and nowhere” is the experience and feeling of many third culture kids on the journey between worlds and discovering their identity. These are the kids who don’t have a straightforward answer when asked where they are from. Often, when asked to specify their ethnicity, on university applications, for example, they identify themselves as global or international citizens.
We spoke with Kyle Dante, a Filipino who was born and raised in Thailand. Now, he works as a marketing manager for a hotel and a few food and beverage outlets. His parents moved to Thailand to study master’s degrees at the Asian Institute of Technology and they’ve been here ever since. That’s why he has not had a chance to live in the Philippines. “It’s a real struggle, in terms of trying to sort out your identity. I think never really consider any place as home. I lived in Thailand, but I was not Thai. I couldn’t speak the language. I always felt and still am treated like an ex-pat, like a foreigner. Even when I go to the Philippines, which is considered my home, my motherland, I don’t speak the language. I’ve never lived there. I am not very integrated into Filipino culture, so I never really felt Filipino either”, he said.
Third culture children are a growing group of people. While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly how many there are, according to Interaction International, it’s estimated that there are 230 million people who could call themselves third culture kids. If they were to claim a place on the globe as their own and gather all together, they would become the fifth most populous nation in the world. It is understandable that, while living overseas, families tend to find comfort and build relationships with other ex-pats, as they undergo similar experiences.
He also said he has more freedom to explore, which also brings opportunities for him to go to other places, explore other countries and be more ambitious and adventurous. It really opened his eyes and opened up a range of opportunities.
Third culture kids have a lot to offer in terms of their perspectives, experiences and skills. As they move through different countries and cultures, they develop unique qualities, which set them apart from others. These include adaptability, empathy, resilience and flexibility. They can use these qualities to their advantage as they pursue higher education, careers and personal goals.
The journey of a third culture child is not always easy, but it is undoubtedly rewarding. As they continue to explore the world, they leave gather a wealth of experience and memories that shape them.
By Thi Dieu Linh Nguyen, Thai PBS World
