I am truly grateful that im a TCK. it really sucks in some ways but im glad i had the opportunity to experience different cultures and expand my view of the world. i didnt know i was different until this year when i moved to the suburbs of the US and went to a public school, because i always went to international schools with TONS of TCKs.
This is a brilliant video. I grew up in So. Ca., but moved to Tehran for two years during the '70s (before the revolution). Like you, I was furious when (at age 11) my parents told us we were going, and two years later furious that we were moving back to my original home town. Yes, it was culture shock.
I've always stayed in touch with several of my Iran friends, but since social networking, have hooked up with many, many more.
I also lived in China and Thailand. Went to SIS in Shekou 96-99 and International School Bangkok 99-2002. I'm 21 now, so I thought I'd see if we had crossed paths before.
@Nyder I moved out to HK in 98, but I'm a little older than you, I think. Bet you knew some of my friends' siblings though - they were at SIS around the same time.
I was born in the US and spent enough time there to consider myself an American, but I've lived in Saudi Arabia for 7 years and France for 3. (I've also lived in Taiwan for 1 year at age 7, and Dubai for 3 months). I consider my home to be the United States and France to be a second home.
What an excellent description of the TCK experience that changes a growing child forever. I was born and raised in my Third Culture from birth through high school graduation. Every two years we had two months to visit my fathers' famiiies in the Netherlands and my mother's in the States. I always felt life a visitor. Forty eight years later, I still feel exiled in my passport country. My native island will always be home. Only other corporate kids from that island understand what we share.
you moved away from the town you were born and grew up in until you were like 11, left for 3 years, and then moved back to the same place..... calling yourself a TCK is surely a bit of a stretch wouldn't you say?? Am I the only one who thinks 3 years is a little short to say 'Third Culture Kid?' Three years is no more than an interesting family move for a little while, especially as you moved back to where you originally came from...
@feensta89 Nope, don't think it's a stretch. Yes, plenty of people have spent more time in another country, but that doesn't mean a shorter experience is meaningless. I actually think moving back "home" makes it harder - people have an idea of you as you used to be, but you no longer fit with it, whereas if you move somewhere new, no one has any preconceptions about you. And I had only been there for 4 years when we moved. It's about takeaways, not time, at least to me.
Hi! I'm a 43 year old TCK whose heart still hasn't found a home. If you are a TCK woman in the same situation then you can relate fully. Please contact me :-)
3 years isn't a HUGE amount of time outside of your home country... I was born in HK, lived there for 9 years, moved to LA for 6 years, and have been living in London for the past 5 years. Both my parents are 100% Australian and that where we go for most of our holidays. And YOU think you're confused?!?!?!?!
That feeling never goes away, at least in my experience. The feeling that those you bring close to you will someday be gone...
Being a TCK has been great, but it's also been a terrible experience. Considering the "normal" exposure most americans have to other cultures, it's been a challenge at best. The worst experiment in my life was to try and "relate"...because they couldn't relate with me.
Regardless, great video. I hope you find what you seek.
Kowloon; Kowloon hk we like hk that's the place 4 u, WALKING DOWN THE STREET FULL OF JOY.............i WISH i COULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN A CHANCE TO LEAVE IN HK WHEN I GREW UP SO I COULD LEARN CANTONESE, NOW IT WONT BE EASY
I'm currently writing a paper about TCKs and this video helped me! My experience is similar to yours, but i liked what you said about how we learn to cope. Thanks for this!
Hi, TCK Hong Kong, Thanks for sharing your story. I grew up in England, Brasil, U.S and then lived as a teacher in China, Morocco, Slovakia and Indonesia. I could relate to what you said in the vid, especially the coping part. Encouraging note of hope at the end! BTW, perfect song for a TCK vid! How'd you pick it?
The song was actually recommended to me by another TCK -- I found it by sending out a message on a TCK facebook group, and got the song title, lyrics, and a very good translation sent to me by some of the members. "Coming home" by city and color was recommended as well, but this seemed to fit better with the video's tone.
this was a great story. i understand the part about gravitating more towards friends of an asian background. i do that, only i think i try to have at least one friend from every ethnic group around me. i guess it makes me feel like i'm in a different country....
Thanks to everyone for your positive comments! I actually made this video for a class project at college, and wasn't sure I really wanted to post it publicly, since it's such a personal struggle, at least for me. Hearing all of you say how you've struggled with the same things and that you're glad to have found this makes it all worthwhile!
Great job! Of course, I completely relate. I never lived in the US my whole life until college and it was the worst culture shock ever. For me, I call Egypt home, and it's so strange to meet folks around here that have never left the state. GREAT video, bravo!
The book "Third Culture Kid" really helped me realize that I'm not the only one with these types of experiences (I lived in HK too, but I went to West Island School)...I resonate with everything you said...I really think other TCKs are the only other peope you can really relate to, whether or not they lived in the same countries as you, it's all about appreciating the nomadic lifestyle.
I'm not sure it has to be other TCKs, but an appreciation of other cultures and that kind of "blendedness" definitely helps. I've found that multiracial kids (I'm one of those too) tend to have similar feelings, as do kids who either immigrated when they were young or are first generation. It's not quite the same, but it's a similar struggle to figure out what culture you "belong" to.
Amen to all that... as an adopted korean that grew up all over the world... primarily in Taipei.. I totally can relate to your struggles, triumphs, and general search for who you have become! What glorious stories we have to tell! just leavin my props! lovin it TCK!
i did not know there was a term for this. so i guess i am a tck as well. i would never change anything about my childhood, because in a lot of ways i feel like i got an incredible education and learning experience out of it. but i've had many of the same problems as you too. i am sort of glad that i am not the only one out there who's been through such an experience. thanks for posting.
i had no idea there was a term for this. i am a tck as well. i loved how i did not live in the same place for my whole life, because in some ways it was the best education. but i guess i have the same problems as you too. seeing this video made me glad that i am not the only one out there who had such an experience. thanks for posting.
I word that. Grew up in 9 different places before I went to college. I have pretty much all of the same feelings you just mentioned, and I'm still trying to come to terms with it. I really think there should be a manual on how one is to raise a child whilst living an expat life. Anyway, I hope you find your way, Peace out.
I agree with you, I'm a third culture kid too. I struggle to fit in and find my place in this world. God bless you! We will find our place! Third culture kids Rock!!!
i think this is kind of stretching it to call yourself a third culture kid, but i do understand where you're coming from.
canadianintlschool 2 months ago
I am truly grateful that im a TCK. it really sucks in some ways but im glad i had the opportunity to experience different cultures and expand my view of the world. i didnt know i was different until this year when i moved to the suburbs of the US and went to a public school, because i always went to international schools with TONS of TCKs.
jessicakim8 7 months ago
This is a brilliant video. I grew up in So. Ca., but moved to Tehran for two years during the '70s (before the revolution). Like you, I was furious when (at age 11) my parents told us we were going, and two years later furious that we were moving back to my original home town. Yes, it was culture shock.
I've always stayed in touch with several of my Iran friends, but since social networking, have hooked up with many, many more.
Daphydyl 1 year ago
I also lived in China and Thailand. Went to SIS in Shekou 96-99 and International School Bangkok 99-2002. I'm 21 now, so I thought I'd see if we had crossed paths before.
Nyder 1 year ago
@Nyder I moved out to HK in 98, but I'm a little older than you, I think. Bet you knew some of my friends' siblings though - they were at SIS around the same time.
tckhk 1 year ago
@tckhk
HAHAHAH i spent like 3 years in SIS as well in 93-94 im sure u know some one that i know as well if not theres the teachers
lalani1926 10 months ago
Nice video. I can relate in that I'm a TCK too.
I was born in the US and spent enough time there to consider myself an American, but I've lived in Saudi Arabia for 7 years and France for 3. (I've also lived in Taiwan for 1 year at age 7, and Dubai for 3 months). I consider my home to be the United States and France to be a second home.
Maniaclaughter 1 year ago
What an excellent description of the TCK experience that changes a growing child forever. I was born and raised in my Third Culture from birth through high school graduation. Every two years we had two months to visit my fathers' famiiies in the Netherlands and my mother's in the States. I always felt life a visitor. Forty eight years later, I still feel exiled in my passport country. My native island will always be home. Only other corporate kids from that island understand what we share.
arubaborn 1 year ago
you moved away from the town you were born and grew up in until you were like 11, left for 3 years, and then moved back to the same place..... calling yourself a TCK is surely a bit of a stretch wouldn't you say?? Am I the only one who thinks 3 years is a little short to say 'Third Culture Kid?' Three years is no more than an interesting family move for a little while, especially as you moved back to where you originally came from...
feensta89 1 year ago
@feensta89 Nope, don't think it's a stretch. Yes, plenty of people have spent more time in another country, but that doesn't mean a shorter experience is meaningless. I actually think moving back "home" makes it harder - people have an idea of you as you used to be, but you no longer fit with it, whereas if you move somewhere new, no one has any preconceptions about you. And I had only been there for 4 years when we moved. It's about takeaways, not time, at least to me.
tckhk 1 year ago
Very good digital storytelling piece. I liked the use of the photos and maps. Also, your voice? Very soothing to listen to. :)
This is inspiring me to create my own TCK video now! :)
sonjalind 1 year ago
@sonjalind aww, thanks! the world could use more tck stories in it for sure!
tckhk 1 year ago
Hi! I'm a 43 year old TCK whose heart still hasn't found a home. If you are a TCK woman in the same situation then you can relate fully. Please contact me :-)
robertjohnson487 1 year ago
3 years isn't a HUGE amount of time outside of your home country... I was born in HK, lived there for 9 years, moved to LA for 6 years, and have been living in London for the past 5 years. Both my parents are 100% Australian and that where we go for most of our holidays. And YOU think you're confused?!?!?!?!
feensta89 1 year ago
That feeling never goes away, at least in my experience. The feeling that those you bring close to you will someday be gone...
Being a TCK has been great, but it's also been a terrible experience. Considering the "normal" exposure most americans have to other cultures, it's been a challenge at best. The worst experiment in my life was to try and "relate"...because they couldn't relate with me.
Regardless, great video. I hope you find what you seek.
englanddg 2 years ago
Hi there,
I live in Hong Kong now and have been all my life, but I can sort of understand how you feel, being left out.
In school, we're doing an assignment based on this video. You are such an inspiration!
Love-- celebprincess23
celebprincess23 2 years ago
i'm watching this as a class project, I live in HK now! 9always have but im frm india
tropicgurrl 2 years ago
Wow, it's cool to hear that my class project is now part of yours! Hope it's helpful!
tckhk 2 years ago
Kowloon; Kowloon hk we like hk that's the place 4 u, WALKING DOWN THE STREET FULL OF JOY.............i WISH i COULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN A CHANCE TO LEAVE IN HK WHEN I GREW UP SO I COULD LEARN CANTONESE, NOW IT WONT BE EASY
kopalniaguwna 2 years ago
I'm currently writing a paper about TCKs and this video helped me! My experience is similar to yours, but i liked what you said about how we learn to cope. Thanks for this!
Joyrica15 2 years ago
Hi, TCK Hong Kong, Thanks for sharing your story. I grew up in England, Brasil, U.S and then lived as a teacher in China, Morocco, Slovakia and Indonesia. I could relate to what you said in the vid, especially the coping part. Encouraging note of hope at the end! BTW, perfect song for a TCK vid! How'd you pick it?
koolkg 2 years ago
The song was actually recommended to me by another TCK -- I found it by sending out a message on a TCK facebook group, and got the song title, lyrics, and a very good translation sent to me by some of the members. "Coming home" by city and color was recommended as well, but this seemed to fit better with the video's tone.
tckhk 2 years ago
@tckhk Here's another good TCK song: "Another Country" by Mango Groove, a South African fusion band. /v=mMmUtvYL4B8
TheLastYogurt 7 months ago
thanks for sharing your experience
anpanmanrocks 3 years ago
this was a great story. i understand the part about gravitating more towards friends of an asian background. i do that, only i think i try to have at least one friend from every ethnic group around me. i guess it makes me feel like i'm in a different country....
once again, good job!
mtirby60 3 years ago
Thanks for posting this!
EcuadorJM 3 years ago
Thank you so much for posting this. As a TCK myself, I understood completely!
SunnyD325 3 years ago
Thank you so much for posting this video. This and others resonate with me so much...
Shufei 3 years ago
U and i both kid!!!
im a thrid culture kid completely
hopefully in the next month or two ill put up
my speech i wrote about being one
thats really great u had an expirence like this though
i know what its like! i love being a TCK though.. when i went back to the states i got all sorts of looks when i talked about my expirences..
u give me hope though when i go back to the states this summer i can survive :-)
KueenEmerald 3 years ago
Thanks to everyone for your positive comments! I actually made this video for a class project at college, and wasn't sure I really wanted to post it publicly, since it's such a personal struggle, at least for me. Hearing all of you say how you've struggled with the same things and that you're glad to have found this makes it all worthwhile!
tckhk 4 years ago
Great job! Of course, I completely relate. I never lived in the US my whole life until college and it was the worst culture shock ever. For me, I call Egypt home, and it's so strange to meet folks around here that have never left the state. GREAT video, bravo!
ambercinders 4 years ago
i lived in Europe for a bit and adjusting to life back in the states was difficult...and it still is after 8 years of living here
mmmjay819 4 years ago
hey there! Really good video!
I'm a TCK too and I totally relate to your feelings and experience.
I also came back to the same town I had lived before I went overseas, and the reverse culture shock was terrible.
I'm also figuring myself out right now, and I love the positive way that you say "I will find a way, I will succeed, I will belong".
Thank you for sharing your great video!
mairabay 4 years ago
The book "Third Culture Kid" really helped me realize that I'm not the only one with these types of experiences (I lived in HK too, but I went to West Island School)...I resonate with everything you said...I really think other TCKs are the only other peope you can really relate to, whether or not they lived in the same countries as you, it's all about appreciating the nomadic lifestyle.
frandarwin 4 years ago
I'm not sure it has to be other TCKs, but an appreciation of other cultures and that kind of "blendedness" definitely helps. I've found that multiracial kids (I'm one of those too) tend to have similar feelings, as do kids who either immigrated when they were young or are first generation. It's not quite the same, but it's a similar struggle to figure out what culture you "belong" to.
tckhk 4 years ago
Amen to all that... as an adopted korean that grew up all over the world... primarily in Taipei.. I totally can relate to your struggles, triumphs, and general search for who you have become! What glorious stories we have to tell! just leavin my props! lovin it TCK!
tpe621 4 years ago
i did not know there was a term for this. so i guess i am a tck as well. i would never change anything about my childhood, because in a lot of ways i feel like i got an incredible education and learning experience out of it. but i've had many of the same problems as you too. i am sort of glad that i am not the only one out there who's been through such an experience. thanks for posting.
ayeseviche 4 years ago
i had no idea there was a term for this. i am a tck as well. i loved how i did not live in the same place for my whole life, because in some ways it was the best education. but i guess i have the same problems as you too. seeing this video made me glad that i am not the only one out there who had such an experience. thanks for posting.
ayeseviche 4 years ago
I word that. Grew up in 9 different places before I went to college. I have pretty much all of the same feelings you just mentioned, and I'm still trying to come to terms with it. I really think there should be a manual on how one is to raise a child whilst living an expat life. Anyway, I hope you find your way, Peace out.
helix427 4 years ago
I agree with you, I'm a third culture kid too. I struggle to fit in and find my place in this world. God bless you! We will find our place! Third culture kids Rock!!!
ShamrockShannon 4 years ago