Growing Up Among Worlds

David C. Pollock & Ruth E. Van Reken, revised edition 2009

In Third Culture Kids the authors explore systematically and with compassion the experiences of those who have become known as ’third culture kids’ (TCKs) – children who grow up or spend a significant part of their childhood living abroad. Rich with real-life anecdotes from TCKs, this book fully examines the nature of the TCK experience and its effects on maturing, developing a sense of identity and adjusting to one’s ‘passport-country’ upon return. The authors give readers an understanding of the challenges and benefits of the TCK life and provide practical suggestions and advice on maximizing the benefits. TCKs and adult TCKs, parents, relatives and friends of TCKs, advisers who counsel them, and the organizations that send them abroad will find this book a valuable resource.