Transcript University Admissions Review

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How to Best Support your Third Culture Student as an
International Educator
Megan Corazza, Upper School Counselor
The American School of Madrid
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Session Overview
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Discussion as to what defines a “global nomad” & “third culture”
kids as represented by current practice
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Discussion of the unique developmental processes and needs of
these particular students in relation to their many transitions
both in the classroom and in life
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Review of David Pollack's 5 Stages of Transition as it relates to
students’ academic and social progress
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Participant activity representing the experience of “culture
shock”
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Discussion of resources and curriculum examples to support
your school’s inclusion of activities to support your third culture
students
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What are Global Nomads &
Third Culture Kids?
Link to Vimeo, “So Where’s Home?”
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Definition of a Third Culture Kid
 “A
Third Culture Kid (TCK) is 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
in any. Although elements from each culture
are assimilated into the TCK’s life experience,
the sense of belonging is in relationship to
others of similar background.”
(Pollock and Van Reken, 1999)
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Myriad Examples of TCKs
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Traditional TCK’s— are children who move into another culture
or host country with parents due to an intentional move or
relocation for work.
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Bi/multi-cultural children—are children to parents from at least
two cultures or races.

Children of immigrants—are children whose parents have made a
permanent move to a new, host country that is not identified with
their home country or culture.

Children of refugees—are children whose parents are living
outside their original country or place due to unchosen, traumatic
circumstances such as war, violence, famine, or other natural
disasters.
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What is Culture?
“Culture is an integrated system of learned
behavior patterns that are characteristic of the
members of any given society. It includes
everything that a group of people thinks, says,
does and makes—its systems of attitudes and
feelings. Culture is learned and transmitted
from generation to generation “
(Kohls, 1996)
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What is Identity?
“Represents the process by which the person seeks
to integrate his/her various statuses and roles, as well
as his diverse experiences, into a coherent image of
self”.
(Epstein, 1978)
“Identity vs. Role Confusion stage consists of
adolescents trying to figure out who they are in
order to form a basic identity that they will build on
throughout their life.” The primary concerns of a
basic identity for this theory are social and
occupational identities.
(Erickson, 1968)
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Identity Development and
Challenges of Cross/Third Cultural Kids
 The
notion of Cultural confusion
 The
2 Realities of Being a “TCK”
 The
Flip Side & Emotional Toll
 Cross
Cultural Skills
 Cultural
Chameleons
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David Pollack’s 5 Stages of
Transition
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Stage 1-Involvement
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Stage 2-Leaving
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Stage 3-Transition
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Stage 4-Entering
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Stage 5-Reinvolvement
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David Pollack’s 5 Stages of
Transition
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Stages of Cultural Adjustment (Oberg, 1960)
1st Stage~ Cultural Euphoria (Honeymoon Phase)
Often referred to as the "honeymoon" phase. Everything seems to be
new, unique and exciting with of course some slight drawbacks. The focus
tends to be on the more noticeable and surface aspects of the culture such
as: clothing, food, scenery etc.
2nd Stage ~Cultural Confrontation (Culture Shock)
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Some of the initial excitement retreats and more frustrations arise. Some
things seem much more difficult to do in your host country. Many say this
is the hardest stage. These are all normal feelings and are part of the
cultural adjustment.
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It is important for individuals in transition to not to take their frustrations
out on the host country and people. Continue to explore where you are
living and take time to enjoy it! Get out and meet local people, this will
help making you feel more comfortable.
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Stages of Cultural Adjustment (Oberg, 1960)
3rd Stage~Cultural Adjustment (Adjustment Phase)
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Individuals feel increasingly more comfortable in their host country.
Additionally, individuals may still feel homesick but are now more
comfortable with interacting with people from your host country.
Individuals should revisit their initial ideas of their host country.
4th Stage~Cultural Adaptation (Recovery Phase)
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By now individuals are feeling more and more comfortable with your host
country and speak with less of an accent and/or crave local foods!
Individuals at this time have been able to integrate some of the new
culture aspects into their own culture and routine.
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Anticipate the effects of reverse culture shock. Transitioning individuals
should not worry as this is normal.
Adapted from: Maximizing Study Abroad by Paige, Cohen, Kappler, Chi,
Lassegard from the University of Minnesota
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Culture Shock Activity
A
brief Pair & Share with your Neighbor,
answer/discuss the following prompts from
personal experience,
What poignant experience in your transitions to
do you most recall (it can be a reaction to culture
or culture reacting to you)?
What events do you believe represented each of
the 4 stages of adjustment, honeymoon stage,
culture shock, adjustment and recovery?
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Recommendations for International
Teachers & Educators
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FIRST….assure students that culture shock is a normal part of
the acculturation process. Let students know that others
experience the same thing.
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Help students reflect on situations that have led them to
experience culture shock through group dialogues and
activities.
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Teachers can also share personal experiences in
encountering a new culture and previous experiences.
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Develop transition materials and utilize them when working
with the students. (either coming or going)
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Sources & Resources
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Erikson, E.H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. New York: Norton
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Pollack, David. (1980. The Transition Process.
http://www.interactionintl.org/history.asp
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Oberg, Kalervo. Cultural Adjustment Theory, 1960.
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Fisher, J.P. The Transition Process Theoretical Model
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Quick, Tina. The Global Nomad's Guide to University Transition.
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Dave Pollack & Ruth Van Reken, Third Culture Kids: Growing Up
Among Worlds, Dave Pollack & Ruth Van Reken
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JP Fisher, The Transition Process Theoretical Model
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Denizen: for TCKs (www.denizenmag.com)
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www.interactionintl.org
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www.denizenmag.com
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http://www.internationalfamilytransitions.com/