gis - where we're from
DESCRIPTION
A Celebration of Our Multi-cultural CommunityTRANSCRIPT
A Celebration of Our Multi-cultural Community
Content
1Where We're From
Where We’re From 3
Some of The Great Things About Being A Third Culture Kid 28
Some of The Difficulties 40
Making it Work 47
Going ‘Home’ 56
Content
1Where We're From
Where We’re From 3
Some of The Great Things About Being A Third Culture Kid 28
Some of The Difficulties 40
Making it Work 47
Going ‘Home’ 56
3Where We're From2 Where We're From
Where We’re From
“A Celebration of Our Multi-cultural Community”by Students of Garden International School, Kuala Lumpur
The Garden International School population is made up of a widely varied and frequently changing collection of Third Culture and Cross Cultural students from more than fifty different countries. Even our Malaysian children who are not cross cultural by ethnicity, become so in their thinking and understanding once immersed in our international community.
Many third culture kids struggle with personal identity and a feeling that they don't really belong in one place, so answering the question “ where is home for you?” often elicits a complicated sentence, rather than the simple name of a city or country. Indeed many of our students chose to identify home as more than one place.
This book celebrates their cultural diversity by sharing some of our primary students’ images of where they are from. The pictures were created between January and June 2011, as part of a project exploring how our multicultural students define their origins.
Over the last three school years we have studied the effects of third culture living and run many workshops annually for staff and GIS families. The tips in this book are collected from these workshops, from the book Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds by David C Pollock and Ruth Van Reken, which is a highly recommended read for any third culture family, and shared by families I have worked with over the last four years.
Hazel McClureHead of Counselling
3Where We're From2 Where We're From
Where We’re From
“A Celebration of Our Multi-cultural Community”by Students of Garden International School, Kuala Lumpur
The Garden International School population is made up of a widely varied and frequently changing collection of Third Culture and Cross Cultural students from more than fifty different countries. Even our Malaysian children who are not cross cultural by ethnicity, become so in their thinking and understanding once immersed in our international community.
Many third culture kids struggle with personal identity and a feeling that they don't really belong in one place, so answering the question “ where is home for you?” often elicits a complicated sentence, rather than the simple name of a city or country. Indeed many of our students chose to identify home as more than one place.
This book celebrates their cultural diversity by sharing some of our primary students’ images of where they are from. The pictures were created between January and June 2011, as part of a project exploring how our multicultural students define their origins.
Over the last three school years we have studied the effects of third culture living and run many workshops annually for staff and GIS families. The tips in this book are collected from these workshops, from the book Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds by David C Pollock and Ruth Van Reken, which is a highly recommended read for any third culture family, and shared by families I have worked with over the last four years.
Hazel McClureHead of Counselling
5Where We're From
My name is: Anahita Bordoloi
My class is: 6W
The country I was born is: India
I have also lived in these other countries: Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: India
The country my father is from is: IndiaMy name is: Jigs
My class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Philippines
I have also lived in these other countries: East-Timor and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: PhilippinesThe country my father is from is: Philippines
4 Where We're From
BruneiMalaysia
My name is: Zain PanayiMy class is: 2IThe country I was born is: BruneiI have also lived in these other countries: Brunei and MalysiaThe country my mother is from is: BruneiThe country my father is from is: England
5Where We're From
My name is: Anahita Bordoloi
My class is: 6W
The country I was born is: India
I have also lived in these other countries: Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: India
The country my father is from is: IndiaMy name is: Jigs
My class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Philippines
I have also lived in these other countries: East-Timor and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: PhilippinesThe country my father is from is: Philippines
4 Where We're From
BruneiMalaysia
My name is: Zain PanayiMy class is: 2IThe country I was born is: BruneiI have also lived in these other countries: Brunei and MalysiaThe country my mother is from is: BruneiThe country my father is from is: England
Where We're From
My name is: Georgina PerryMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: EnglandI have also lived in these other countries: Malaysia and SwitzerlandThe country my mother is from is:Malay / ChineseThe country my father is from is: England
My name is: John Junior GrandaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries: South Africa, Austria, Philippines,Malaysia and IndonesiaThe country my mother is from is:PhilippinesThe country my father is from is:Austria
76 Where We're From
England
Malaysia
My name is: ImeshaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Sri LankaI have also lived in these other countries:Sri LankaThe country my mother is from is:Sri LankaThe country my father is from is: Sri Lanka
Where We're From
My name is: Georgina PerryMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: EnglandI have also lived in these other countries: Malaysia and SwitzerlandThe country my mother is from is:Malay / ChineseThe country my father is from is: England
My name is: John Junior GrandaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries: South Africa, Austria, Philippines,Malaysia and IndonesiaThe country my mother is from is:PhilippinesThe country my father is from is:Austria
76 Where We're From
England
Malaysia
My name is: ImeshaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Sri LankaI have also lived in these other countries:Sri LankaThe country my mother is from is:Sri LankaThe country my father is from is: Sri Lanka
98 Where We're From
My name is: Imesha
My class is: 6I
The country I was born is: Sri Lanka
I have also lived in these other countries:
Sri Lanka
The country my mother is from is:
Sri Lanka
The country my father is from is:
Sri Lanka
My name is: TimMy class is: 6GThe country I was born is: AmericaI have also lived in these other countries:Singapore, USA and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:Singapore
The country my father is from is:Singapore
My name is: Taichi
My class is: 6W
The country I was born is: Brazil
I have also lived in these other countries:
USA and Japan
The country my mother is from is:
JapanThe country my father is from is:
Japan
Where We're From
98 Where We're From
My name is: Imesha
My class is: 6I
The country I was born is: Sri Lanka
I have also lived in these other countries:
Sri Lanka
The country my mother is from is:
Sri Lanka
The country my father is from is:
Sri Lanka
My name is: TimMy class is: 6GThe country I was born is: AmericaI have also lived in these other countries:Singapore, USA and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:Singapore
The country my father is from is:Singapore
My name is: Taichi
My class is: 6W
The country I was born is: Brazil
I have also lived in these other countries:
USA and Japan
The country my mother is from is:
JapanThe country my father is from is:
Japan
Where We're From
Where We're From 1110 Where We're From
My name is: Noproud CherehawankulMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: Thailand I have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia, Libya, England, Scotland and IndonesiaThe country my mother is from is:ThailandThe country my father is from is: Thailand
My name is: Daniel Alexander WatsonMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries:Russia, Romania and SwitzerlandThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: England
My name is: Shirin AbdolvahabMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: AustriaI have also lived in these other countries: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: AustriaThe country my father is from is: Iran
Where We're From 1110 Where We're From
My name is: Noproud CherehawankulMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: Thailand I have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia, Libya, England, Scotland and IndonesiaThe country my mother is from is:ThailandThe country my father is from is: Thailand
My name is: Daniel Alexander WatsonMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries:Russia, Romania and SwitzerlandThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: England
My name is: Shirin AbdolvahabMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: AustriaI have also lived in these other countries: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: AustriaThe country my father is from is: Iran
13Where We're From12 Where We're From
My name is: Annika TomaMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: AustriaI have also lived in theseother countries: MalaysiaThe country my motheris from is: AustriaThe country my fatheris from is: Germany and Iraq
My name is: Jasmine Koh Wen HuiMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: MalaysiaJapan, Brunei, China and MalaysiaThe country my motheris from is: MalaysiaThe country my fatheris from is: Malaysia
My name is: Tae HwanMy class is: 5SThe country I was born is: KoreaI have also lived in these other countries:MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: KoreaThe country my father is from is: Korea
Korea
13Where We're From12 Where We're From
My name is: Annika TomaMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: AustriaI have also lived in theseother countries: MalaysiaThe country my motheris from is: AustriaThe country my fatheris from is: Germany and Iraq
My name is: Jasmine Koh Wen HuiMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: MalaysiaJapan, Brunei, China and MalaysiaThe country my motheris from is: MalaysiaThe country my fatheris from is: Malaysia
My name is: Tae HwanMy class is: 5SThe country I was born is: KoreaI have also lived in these other countries:MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: KoreaThe country my father is from is: Korea
Korea
15Where We're From14 Where We're From
My name is: Ariz Mirza
My class is: 6I
The country I was born is: Malaysia
I have also lived in these
other countries: England
The country my mother
is from is: Malaysia
The country my father
is from is: Malaysia
My name is: Ashwariya
My class is: 6L
The country I was born is: India
I have also lived in these other countries: Malaysia and Singapore
The country my mother is from is: India
The country my father is from is: IndiaMy name is: JoshuaMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: TaiwanI have also lived in these other countries:Taiwan, Hong Kong and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: TaiwanThe country my father is from is: Taiwan
15Where We're From14 Where We're From
My name is: Ariz Mirza
My class is: 6I
The country I was born is: Malaysia
I have also lived in these
other countries: England
The country my mother
is from is: Malaysia
The country my father
is from is: Malaysia
My name is: Ashwariya
My class is: 6L
The country I was born is: India
I have also lived in these other countries: Malaysia and Singapore
The country my mother is from is: India
The country my father is from is: IndiaMy name is: JoshuaMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: TaiwanI have also lived in these other countries:Taiwan, Hong Kong and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: TaiwanThe country my father is from is: Taiwan
17Where We're From16 Where We're From
My name is: Eu-WayneMy class is: 6SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is:Malaysia
My name is: BrianMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Malaysia
My name is: AkhilMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries:MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: BruneiThe country my father is from is: Tanzania
My name is: ImeshaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Sri LankaI have also lived in these other countries: Sri LankaThe country my mother is from is: Sri LankaThe country my father is from is: Sri Lanka
17Where We're From16 Where We're From
My name is: Eu-WayneMy class is: 6SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is:Malaysia
My name is: BrianMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Malaysia
My name is: AkhilMy class is: 6LThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries:MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: BruneiThe country my father is from is: Tanzania
My name is: ImeshaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Sri LankaI have also lived in these other countries: Sri LankaThe country my mother is from is: Sri LankaThe country my father is from is: Sri Lanka
19Where We're From
My name is: Sophia Lim
My class is: 6L
The country I was born is: Malaysia
I have also lived in these other countries: Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: Malaysia
The country my father is from is: Malaysia
My name is: Qadira Razman-HafidzMy class is: 4I
The country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Malaysia
18 Where We're From
My name is: Aina Farzana Amir HamzahMy class is: 4SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in theseother countries: MalaysiaThe country my motheris from is: UKThe country my fatheris from is: Malaysia
19Where We're From
My name is: Sophia Lim
My class is: 6L
The country I was born is: Malaysia
I have also lived in these other countries: Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: Malaysia
The country my father is from is: Malaysia
My name is: Qadira Razman-HafidzMy class is: 4I
The country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Malaysia
18 Where We're From
My name is: Aina Farzana Amir HamzahMy class is: 4SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in theseother countries: MalaysiaThe country my motheris from is: UKThe country my fatheris from is: Malaysia
Where We're From
My name is: Sheersh ChetalMy class is: 4IThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries: Malaysia and IndiaThe country my mother is from is: IndiaThe country my father is from is: India
My name is: Min Sung ParkMy class is: 5K The country I was born is: South KoreaI have also lived in these other countries: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:South KoreaThe country my father is from is:South Korea
2120 Where We're From
My name is: Hamzah PatelMy class is: 4WThe country I was born is: SingaporeI have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia, Singapore, Congo and KenyaThe country my mother is from is:SingaporeThe country my father is from is: Congo
My name is: ImeshaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Sri LankaI have also lived in these other countries:Sri LankaThe country my mother is from is:Sri LankaThe country my father is from is:Sri Lanka
Where We're From
My name is: Sheersh ChetalMy class is: 4IThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries: Malaysia and IndiaThe country my mother is from is: IndiaThe country my father is from is: India
My name is: Min Sung ParkMy class is: 5K The country I was born is: South KoreaI have also lived in these other countries: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:South KoreaThe country my father is from is:South Korea
2120 Where We're From
My name is: Hamzah PatelMy class is: 4WThe country I was born is: SingaporeI have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia, Singapore, Congo and KenyaThe country my mother is from is:SingaporeThe country my father is from is: Congo
My name is: ImeshaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Sri LankaI have also lived in these other countries:Sri LankaThe country my mother is from is:Sri LankaThe country my father is from is:Sri Lanka
My name is: Sheersh ChetalMy class is: 4IThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia and IndiaThe country my mother is from is: IndiaThe country my father is from is: India
2322 Where We're From
My name is: DhaneshMy class is: 5SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:SwitzerlandThe country my father is from is:Malaysia
My name is: Alex Hartless
My class is: 4K
The country I was born is: England
I have also lived in these other countries:
America and Spain
The country my mother is from is:
SpainThe country my father is from is:
England and Ireland
Where We're From
My name is: Sheersh ChetalMy class is: 4IThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia and IndiaThe country my mother is from is: IndiaThe country my father is from is: India
2322 Where We're From
My name is: DhaneshMy class is: 5SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:SwitzerlandThe country my father is from is:Malaysia
My name is: Alex Hartless
My class is: 4K
The country I was born is: England
I have also lived in these other countries:
America and Spain
The country my mother is from is:
SpainThe country my father is from is:
England and Ireland
Where We're From
Where We're From 2524 Where We're From
My name is: EmadMy class is: 4KThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia, Germany, Holand,Swtizerland and IndiaThe country my mother is from is:IndiaThe country my father is from is: India
My name is: AdanMy class is: 4SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Canada
My name is: VickyMy class is: 4SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: South KoreaThe country my father is from is: South Korea
Where We're From 2524 Where We're From
My name is: EmadMy class is: 4KThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia, Germany, Holand,Swtizerland and IndiaThe country my mother is from is:IndiaThe country my father is from is: India
My name is: AdanMy class is: 4SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Canada
My name is: VickyMy class is: 4SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: South KoreaThe country my father is from is: South Korea
27Where We're From26 Where We're From
My name is: Natasha
My class is: 4S
The country I was born is: Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: Malaysia
The country my father is from is: UKMy name is: Shouna MuraseMy class is: 3WThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries:Japan, USA, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong KongThe country my mother is from is: MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Japan
My name is: ImeshaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Sri LankaI have also lived in these other countries:Sri LankaThe country my mother is from is:Sri LankaThe country my father is from is:Sri Lanka
Malaysia
27Where We're From26 Where We're From
My name is: Natasha
My class is: 4S
The country I was born is: Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: Malaysia
The country my father is from is: UKMy name is: Shouna MuraseMy class is: 3WThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries:Japan, USA, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong KongThe country my mother is from is: MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Japan
My name is: ImeshaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Sri LankaI have also lived in these other countries:Sri LankaThe country my mother is from is:Sri LankaThe country my father is from is:Sri Lanka
Malaysia
29Where We're From28 Where We're From
Some of the great things about being a third culture kid: My name is: Pranit SinghMy class is: 3LThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries:South Korea, Singapore, India, Malaysia andDubai (United Arab Emirates)The country my mother is from is: IndiaThe country my father is from is: India
My name is: JazminMy class is: 3LThe country I was born is: SingaporeI have also lived in these other countries:Singapore and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: IndiaThe country my father is from is: Denmark
having opportunities to see the world firsthand and learn about it personally in and out of the classrooms. Having a ‘hands on’ or ‘real’ education in geography, history, basic anthropology, social studies and language acquisition.
being more confident about the world and how it works.
learning to think from a global perspective and develop understanding and empathy with others from all over the world.
learning to cope with a range of experiences and develop confident coping and problem solving skills for all sorts of issues.
developing higher order social skills based on cross cultural experience.
recognising, accepting and celebrating individual differences.
learning through going to school with children of other races and cultures that friendship and respect have nothing to do with skin colour or cultural differences.
developing a strong network of friends and contacts from all over the world.
feeling quite comfortable with adults because generations usually mix much more in third culture communities.
being able to think critically and choose responsibly.
develop empathy and respect for others.
29Where We're From28 Where We're From
Some of the great things about being a third culture kid: My name is: Pranit SinghMy class is: 3LThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries:South Korea, Singapore, India, Malaysia andDubai (United Arab Emirates)The country my mother is from is: IndiaThe country my father is from is: India
My name is: JazminMy class is: 3LThe country I was born is: SingaporeI have also lived in these other countries:Singapore and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: IndiaThe country my father is from is: Denmark
having opportunities to see the world firsthand and learn about it personally in and out of the classrooms. Having a ‘hands on’ or ‘real’ education in geography, history, basic anthropology, social studies and language acquisition.
being more confident about the world and how it works.
learning to think from a global perspective and develop understanding and empathy with others from all over the world.
learning to cope with a range of experiences and develop confident coping and problem solving skills for all sorts of issues.
developing higher order social skills based on cross cultural experience.
recognising, accepting and celebrating individual differences.
learning through going to school with children of other races and cultures that friendship and respect have nothing to do with skin colour or cultural differences.
developing a strong network of friends and contacts from all over the world.
feeling quite comfortable with adults because generations usually mix much more in third culture communities.
being able to think critically and choose responsibly.
develop empathy and respect for others.
31Where We're From30 Where We're From
My name is: FaizaanMy class is: 3LThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries:Canada, Pakistan and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:Pakistan / CanadaThe country my father is from is:Pakistan / Canada
My name is: Georgina HooperMy class is: 3GThe country I was born is: EnglandI have also lived in these other countries:New Zealand and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:EnglandThe country my father is from is:England
My name is: SebastianMy class is: 3GThe country I was born is: RomaniaI have also lived in these other countries:England, Malaysia, Scotland, Germany, Italy, France,Romania and SingaporeThe country my mother is from is:RomaniaThe country my father is from is:Romania
31Where We're From30 Where We're From
My name is: FaizaanMy class is: 3LThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries:Canada, Pakistan and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:Pakistan / CanadaThe country my father is from is:Pakistan / Canada
My name is: Georgina HooperMy class is: 3GThe country I was born is: EnglandI have also lived in these other countries:New Zealand and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:EnglandThe country my father is from is:England
My name is: SebastianMy class is: 3GThe country I was born is: RomaniaI have also lived in these other countries:England, Malaysia, Scotland, Germany, Italy, France,Romania and SingaporeThe country my mother is from is:RomaniaThe country my father is from is:Romania
33GIS Kids Culture
My name is: Sunny
My class is: 3G
The country I was born is: Singapore
I have also lived in these other countries:
China, Singapore and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: China
The country my father is from is: CanadaMy name is: Adam Felix Oscar Sandell
My class is: 3KThe country I was born is: Sweden
I have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia and Norway
The country my mother is from is: NorwayThe country my father is from is: Sweden
32 Where We're From
My name is: Sawati SahdevMy class is: 3IThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in theseother countries: MalaysiaThe country my motheris from is: IndiaThe country my fatheris from is: India
My name is: ImeshaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Sri LankaI have also lived in these other countries: Sri LankaThe country my mother is from is: Sri LankaThe country my father is from is: Sri Lanka
33GIS Kids Culture
My name is: Sunny
My class is: 3G
The country I was born is: Singapore
I have also lived in these other countries:
China, Singapore and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: China
The country my father is from is: CanadaMy name is: Adam Felix Oscar Sandell
My class is: 3KThe country I was born is: Sweden
I have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia and Norway
The country my mother is from is: NorwayThe country my father is from is: Sweden
32 Where We're From
My name is: Sawati SahdevMy class is: 3IThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in theseother countries: MalaysiaThe country my motheris from is: IndiaThe country my fatheris from is: India
My name is: ImeshaMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: Sri LankaI have also lived in these other countries: Sri LankaThe country my mother is from is: Sri LankaThe country my father is from is: Sri Lanka
Where We're From
My name is: Adan Au-YeungMy class is: 3KThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries: CanadaThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Canada
My name is: Denis EsermanMy class is: 3IThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries: Germany, India, Switzerland and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:GermanyThe country my father is from is: Germany
My name is: HannaMy class is: 3IThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:EnglandThe country my father is from is: India
3534 Where We're From
Malaysia
Germany
Where We're From
My name is: Adan Au-YeungMy class is: 3KThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries: CanadaThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Canada
My name is: Denis EsermanMy class is: 3IThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries: Germany, India, Switzerland and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:GermanyThe country my father is from is: Germany
My name is: HannaMy class is: 3IThe country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:EnglandThe country my father is from is: India
3534 Where We're From
Malaysia
Germany
My name is: Enrico Siidharth RaoMy class is: 3IThe country I was born is: IndonesiaI have also lived in these other countries:India, Indonesia and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: IndonesiaThe country my father is from is: India
3736 Where We're From
My name is: NatashaMy class is: 31The country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia, England and WalesThe country my mother is from is:Malaysia
The country my father is from is:England
My name is: Evan Safal Graham
My class is: 2K
The country I was born is: Oman
I have also lived in these other countries:
Oman, Thailand and Hong Kong
The country my mother is from is:
NepalThe country my father is from is:
Wales
Where We're From
My name is: Enrico Siidharth RaoMy class is: 3IThe country I was born is: IndonesiaI have also lived in these other countries:India, Indonesia and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: IndonesiaThe country my father is from is: India
3736 Where We're From
My name is: NatashaMy class is: 31The country I was born is: MalaysiaI have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia, England and WalesThe country my mother is from is:Malaysia
The country my father is from is:England
My name is: Evan Safal Graham
My class is: 2K
The country I was born is: Oman
I have also lived in these other countries:
Oman, Thailand and Hong Kong
The country my mother is from is:
NepalThe country my father is from is:
Wales
Where We're From
Where We're From 3938 Where We're From
My name is: RobertMy class is: 2LThe country I was born is: England The country my mother is from is:England The country my father is from is:England
My name is: Megan JonesMy class is: 2KThe country I was born is: England
The country my mother is from is:
IrelandThe country my father is from is:
Wales
My name is: Spandan BiswasMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in theseother countries: MalaysiaThe country my motheris from is: IndiaThe country my fatheris from is: India
Where We're From 3938 Where We're From
My name is: RobertMy class is: 2LThe country I was born is: England The country my mother is from is:England The country my father is from is:England
My name is: Megan JonesMy class is: 2KThe country I was born is: England
The country my mother is from is:
IrelandThe country my father is from is:
Wales
My name is: Spandan BiswasMy class is: 6IThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in theseother countries: MalaysiaThe country my motheris from is: IndiaThe country my fatheris from is: India
Malaysia
41Where We're From40 Where We're From
losing friends and support networks repeatedly
feeling hesitant or struggling to settle into a new country and make new friends
having no extended family nearby and losing the sense of belonging to one
feeling different socially from peers who have not left home, due to life experience and personal maturity
a lack of roots/sense of home
loss of personal identity – confusion over who they are and where they are from after multiple moves
feelings of not fitting in wherever they are
occasionally difficulty with commitment
expatriate mums operating without their usual home/support system
expatriate dads frequently absent, travelling for work away from their family
development of parenting consistency issues from the “Santa Claus Syndrome” of frequently travelling dads
transient friendships and relationships for everyone in the family
difficulty with acceptance for ‘reformed’ families in some countries, where divorce, remarriage or singleparenthood may not be common
lack of cultural identity/lack of knowledge about their “own country” – including sometimes lack of competence in their home language
differences between cultural expectations within the family home and at the international school
difficulty transitioning back into the local school system in their home country on return
possible loss of options for college or opportunity to return to study/work in their home country
Some of the difficulties My name is: Hantze LiowMy class is: 2LThe country I was born is: SingaporeI have also lived in these other countries:Indonesia and SingaporeThe country my mother is from is: MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Malaysia
My name is: Rory LangeMy class is: 2SThe country I was born is: Hong KongI have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia and Hong KongThe country my mother is from is: EnglandThe country my father is from is: England
Malaysia
41Where We're From40 Where We're From
losing friends and support networks repeatedly
feeling hesitant or struggling to settle into a new country and make new friends
having no extended family nearby and losing the sense of belonging to one
feeling different socially from peers who have not left home, due to life experience and personal maturity
a lack of roots/sense of home
loss of personal identity – confusion over who they are and where they are from after multiple moves
feelings of not fitting in wherever they are
occasionally difficulty with commitment
expatriate mums operating without their usual home/support system
expatriate dads frequently absent, travelling for work away from their family
development of parenting consistency issues from the “Santa Claus Syndrome” of frequently travelling dads
transient friendships and relationships for everyone in the family
difficulty with acceptance for ‘reformed’ families in some countries, where divorce, remarriage or singleparenthood may not be common
lack of cultural identity/lack of knowledge about their “own country” – including sometimes lack of competence in their home language
differences between cultural expectations within the family home and at the international school
difficulty transitioning back into the local school system in their home country on return
possible loss of options for college or opportunity to return to study/work in their home country
Some of the difficulties My name is: Hantze LiowMy class is: 2LThe country I was born is: SingaporeI have also lived in these other countries:Indonesia and SingaporeThe country my mother is from is: MalaysiaThe country my father is from is: Malaysia
My name is: Rory LangeMy class is: 2SThe country I was born is: Hong KongI have also lived in these other countries:Malaysia and Hong KongThe country my mother is from is: EnglandThe country my father is from is: England
43Where We're From42 Where We're From
My name is: Caroline Brendberg AndersenMy class is: 2SThe country I was born is: DenmarkI have also lived in these other countries: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: DenmarkThe country my father is from is: Denmark
My name is: GianMy class is: 2KThe country I was born is: KoreaI have also lived in these other countries:MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: KoreaThe country my father is from is: Korea
My name is: Ishan Chander BhanotMy class is: 2SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: SinaporeThe country my father is from is: Malaysia
43Where We're From42 Where We're From
My name is: Caroline Brendberg AndersenMy class is: 2SThe country I was born is: DenmarkI have also lived in these other countries: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: DenmarkThe country my father is from is: Denmark
My name is: GianMy class is: 2KThe country I was born is: KoreaI have also lived in these other countries:MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: KoreaThe country my father is from is: Korea
My name is: Ishan Chander BhanotMy class is: 2SThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is: SinaporeThe country my father is from is: Malaysia
45Where We're From44 Where We're From
My name is: Etienne MailleMy class is: 1/2MThe country I was born is: FranceThe country my mother is from is:FranceThe country my father is from is:France
My name is:Isabela Jungweira Nogueira MontarboyosMy class is: 2MThe country I was born is: BrazilThe country my mother is from is:BrazilThe country my father is from is:Brazil
My name is: Maho KuboiMy class is: 1/2MThe country I was born is: JapanThe country my mother is from is:JapanThe country my father is from is:Japan
FRANCE
45Where We're From44 Where We're From
My name is: Etienne MailleMy class is: 1/2MThe country I was born is: FranceThe country my mother is from is:FranceThe country my father is from is:France
My name is:Isabela Jungweira Nogueira MontarboyosMy class is: 2MThe country I was born is: BrazilThe country my mother is from is:BrazilThe country my father is from is:Brazil
My name is: Maho KuboiMy class is: 1/2MThe country I was born is: JapanThe country my mother is from is:JapanThe country my father is from is:Japan
FRANCE
Malaysia
47Where We're From46 Where We're From
My name is: Adam SuardiMy class is: 2SThe country I was born is: EnglandI have also lived in these other countries: New Zealand and EnglandThe country my mother is from is: New ZealandThe country my father is from is: Indonesia
England
New ZealandMaking it work:
Set aside special times for family and make family traditions. Ensure that your family retains it’s family identity in each new world. Prioritising the needs of the family will help reassure the children feel secure in this different world.Creating new traditions over time normalizes this experience and can help reassure children of the validity of their new life.Maintain affection between parents where possible when the children are around. This is reassuring to children that ‘all is still OK’ during the confusing adjustment period in a new country.Similarly a show of commitment to each other as parents and to each other’s viewpoints helps reassure unsettled children. Respect and support for each other send strong ‘safety’ messages to children.Build strong ties with the local community. Help your family to connect and feel a part of the local and/or the 3rd culture community.Build strong ties with relatives back home. Maintain these relationships to minimize losses to the children and to help them feel they still belong to an extended family.Build strong ties with new [and old] friends. Relationships are important for self-esteem, reassurance, regulation of social norms in this new setting and self confidence as well as company.Help children find identity in being a Third Culture Kid. Research this with them explore the unique benefits of belonging to this ‘tribe’. Encourage older children to find their own meaning in this and connect with other TCKs. ( eg through websites and forums).Return to the same ‘home’ perodically . Provide children with a ’root/homebase’.Tour when travelling between countries. Enjoy the opportunities provided by being in such a different place for a while.
Tips to help families build a successful TCK experienceExplore and become involved in the local surroundings. Enjoy the opportunity to explore the area and help the family feel connected to it as well as develop cultural understanding.Acquire ‘sacred objects/souveniers’ in your family from each country. Help to give this experience a legitimate and permanent place in everyone’s memory.Allow children to choose some specific objects to bring with them that will help them develop a new feeling of home as quickly as possible. Posters are lightweight to pack and help children take ownership of their new bedroom quickly.Some children find it helpful to develop family rituals to help mark losses when they leave each country. [eg children visiting each favourite play place before they leave to ‘say goodbye’ or keeping a scrapbook or photo album of places/things]. TCK children face repeated losses of people and places over years so managing these effectively can be extremely important.A good mentor is important in each new country for children [and adults!] to help everyone settle in. A friend in school for the children and some adults who have had a similar experience and can share their knowledge and personal tips with you.Be ready to help your younger child take part in their new social circle at school. If playdates are the ‘preferred’ way for children to socialize in their new school community, enabling them to join in will help them make friends [and mentors] faster.Try not to anxiously ‘hang around’ when you drop off your child to their new school in the mornings, or to ‘overhelp’ them with the ‘settling in’ process. The anxiety may be yours and not theirs, whilst your presence there may additionally be sending a message to other children that your child is not free to play.
Malaysia
47Where We're From46 Where We're From
My name is: Adam SuardiMy class is: 2SThe country I was born is: EnglandI have also lived in these other countries: New Zealand and EnglandThe country my mother is from is: New ZealandThe country my father is from is: Indonesia
England
New ZealandMaking it work:
Set aside special times for family and make family traditions. Ensure that your family retains it’s family identity in each new world. Prioritising the needs of the family will help reassure the children feel secure in this different world.Creating new traditions over time normalizes this experience and can help reassure children of the validity of their new life.Maintain affection between parents where possible when the children are around. This is reassuring to children that ‘all is still OK’ during the confusing adjustment period in a new country.Similarly a show of commitment to each other as parents and to each other’s viewpoints helps reassure unsettled children. Respect and support for each other send strong ‘safety’ messages to children.Build strong ties with the local community. Help your family to connect and feel a part of the local and/or the 3rd culture community.Build strong ties with relatives back home. Maintain these relationships to minimize losses to the children and to help them feel they still belong to an extended family.Build strong ties with new [and old] friends. Relationships are important for self-esteem, reassurance, regulation of social norms in this new setting and self confidence as well as company.Help children find identity in being a Third Culture Kid. Research this with them explore the unique benefits of belonging to this ‘tribe’. Encourage older children to find their own meaning in this and connect with other TCKs. ( eg through websites and forums).Return to the same ‘home’ perodically . Provide children with a ’root/homebase’.Tour when travelling between countries. Enjoy the opportunities provided by being in such a different place for a while.
Tips to help families build a successful TCK experienceExplore and become involved in the local surroundings. Enjoy the opportunity to explore the area and help the family feel connected to it as well as develop cultural understanding.Acquire ‘sacred objects/souveniers’ in your family from each country. Help to give this experience a legitimate and permanent place in everyone’s memory.Allow children to choose some specific objects to bring with them that will help them develop a new feeling of home as quickly as possible. Posters are lightweight to pack and help children take ownership of their new bedroom quickly.Some children find it helpful to develop family rituals to help mark losses when they leave each country. [eg children visiting each favourite play place before they leave to ‘say goodbye’ or keeping a scrapbook or photo album of places/things]. TCK children face repeated losses of people and places over years so managing these effectively can be extremely important.A good mentor is important in each new country for children [and adults!] to help everyone settle in. A friend in school for the children and some adults who have had a similar experience and can share their knowledge and personal tips with you.Be ready to help your younger child take part in their new social circle at school. If playdates are the ‘preferred’ way for children to socialize in their new school community, enabling them to join in will help them make friends [and mentors] faster.Try not to anxiously ‘hang around’ when you drop off your child to their new school in the mornings, or to ‘overhelp’ them with the ‘settling in’ process. The anxiety may be yours and not theirs, whilst your presence there may additionally be sending a message to other children that your child is not free to play.
My name is: Se WanMy class is: 1SThe country I was born is: South KoreaThe country my mother is from is:South KoreaThe country my father is from is: South Korea
My name is: Yamato ObinataMy class is: 1MThe country I was born is: JapanI have also lived in these other countries: IndonesiaThe country my mother is from is:JapanThe country my father is from is: Japan
My name is: Mao KishimotoMy class is: 1MThe country I was born is: JapanI have also lived in these other countries: JapanThe country my mother is from is:JapanThe country my father is from is: Japan
49Where We're From48 Where We're From
My name is: Se WanMy class is: 1SThe country I was born is: South KoreaThe country my mother is from is:South KoreaThe country my father is from is: South Korea
My name is: Yamato ObinataMy class is: 1MThe country I was born is: JapanI have also lived in these other countries: IndonesiaThe country my mother is from is:JapanThe country my father is from is: Japan
My name is: Mao KishimotoMy class is: 1MThe country I was born is: JapanI have also lived in these other countries: JapanThe country my mother is from is:JapanThe country my father is from is: Japan
49Where We're From48 Where We're From
My name is: Lee Huen
My class is: 1M
The country I was born is: Korea
I have also lived in these other countries:
Malaysia
The country my mother is from is:
KoreaThe country my father is from is: Korea
My name is: Alexander Tuxen
My class is: 1M
The country I was born is: Denmark
I have also lived in these other countries:
Saudi Arabia and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is:
Denmark
The country my father is from is:
Denmark
My name is: Malak Nooh
My class is: 1G
The country I was born is: Jordan
I have also lived in these other countries:
Jordan and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is:
JordanThe country my father is from is: Jordan
51Where We're From50 Where We're From
My name is: Lee Huen
My class is: 1M
The country I was born is: Korea
I have also lived in these other countries:
Malaysia
The country my mother is from is:
KoreaThe country my father is from is: Korea
My name is: Alexander Tuxen
My class is: 1M
The country I was born is: Denmark
I have also lived in these other countries:
Saudi Arabia and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is:
Denmark
The country my father is from is:
Denmark
My name is: Malak Nooh
My class is: 1G
The country I was born is: Jordan
I have also lived in these other countries:
Jordan and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is:
JordanThe country my father is from is: Jordan
51Where We're From50 Where We're From
53Where We're From52 Where We're From
My name is: Joshua Dylan CitrinMy class is: 1WThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is:USA
My name is: Yasmin Kiara DesouzaMy class is: 1KThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:EnglandThe country my father is from is: England
My name is: Aayush PandeyMy class is: 1KThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries: Singapore and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:IndiaThe country my father is from is: India
53Where We're From52 Where We're From
My name is: Joshua Dylan CitrinMy class is: 1WThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is:USA
My name is: Yasmin Kiara DesouzaMy class is: 1KThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:EnglandThe country my father is from is: England
My name is: Aayush PandeyMy class is: 1KThe country I was born is: IndiaI have also lived in these other countries: Singapore and MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:IndiaThe country my father is from is: India
55Where We're From54 Where We're From
My name is: Izzalia
My class is: 4S
The country I was born is: Singapore
I have also lived in these other countries: Dubai, Qatar and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: Malaysia
The country my father is from is: England
My name is: Isla Cornfoot
My class is: 1KThe country I was born is: Thailand
I have also lived in these other countries:
Belgium, Thailand and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: Scotland
The country my father is from is: England
My name is: MatthewMy class is: 5KThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is:Malaysia
Dubai
Qatar
Malaysia
55Where We're From54 Where We're From
My name is: Izzalia
My class is: 4S
The country I was born is: Singapore
I have also lived in these other countries: Dubai, Qatar and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: Malaysia
The country my father is from is: England
My name is: Isla Cornfoot
My class is: 1KThe country I was born is: Thailand
I have also lived in these other countries:
Belgium, Thailand and Malaysia
The country my mother is from is: Scotland
The country my father is from is: England
My name is: MatthewMy class is: 5KThe country I was born is: MalaysiaThe country my mother is from is:MalaysiaThe country my father is from is:Malaysia
Dubai
Qatar
Malaysia
57Where We're From56 Where We're From
Many Third Culture Kids feel relief on discovering that they have a group identity as a TCK or Global Nomad. They will always be a TCK, even after returning to their home country because at least some of their developmental years were spent in a 3rd culture environment. Their friends at home are unlikley to be TCKs and the difference in ways of thinking can cause TCKs to feel that they are a misfit within their home culture.
The tips below have been shared by other families who have returned to their home countries.
Don’t forget to share any other tips you find useful with your school counsellors so they may pass these onto other families in the future.
Going ‘home’Be ready to help your younger child take part in their new social circle at school. Try to create opportunites for them to socilaise with any other TCK families occasionally. This will help both parents and children share and value their experiences abroad while reassuring children there are other kids around who think like they do.Remember not to anxiously ‘hang around’ when you drop off your child to their new school in the mornings, or to ‘overhelp’ them in settling in. Most TCKs returning home already have adequate skills for this task.
Make contact with other TCK families in your home country, or other families who have made a similar move to share experiences and advice, discuss dilemmas. This can help children feel less unusual and maintain some friends who understand their more global ways of thinking.TCK webs can be a source of contact through their online forums, and a source of reassurance that other people feel the same way.Set aside special times for your family and make family traditions. Ensure that your family retains it’s family identity in each new country – including your home country. Creating new family traditions over time spent in different countries, normalises this experience and can help reassure children of the validity of their unique life.Build strong ties with the new community. Help your family to connect and feel active and valued parts of the local community.Build strong ties with new [and old] friends. Relationships are important for self-esteem, reassurance, regulation of social norms in this new setting and self confidence as well as company.Display your ‘sacred objects/souveniers’ from each country at home. It helps to keep memories alive and shows that the time abroad was a valid and permanent part of your family‘s history. While the time abroad may be short in adult years, it is likely to have been a large percentage of the child’s life.Some children find it helpful to develop family rituals to help mark losses when they leave each country. [eg children visiting each favourite play place before they leave to ‘say goodbye’ or keeping a scrapbook or photo album of places/things]. TCK children face repeated losses of people and places over years so managing these effectively can be extremely important.A good mentor back home is vital for children [and adults!] to help everyone settle in. A friend in school for the children and some adults who have had a similar experience and can share their knowledge and personal tips with you. The chosen mentor also needs to understand that part of the mentoring process is helping the TCK learn the basic survival skills for this culture. These should include new technologies [like how to use the local cell phone system and other pop culture tools] and updating on significant changes in youth culture.
57Where We're From56 Where We're From
Many Third Culture Kids feel relief on discovering that they have a group identity as a TCK or Global Nomad. They will always be a TCK, even after returning to their home country because at least some of their developmental years were spent in a 3rd culture environment. Their friends at home are unlikley to be TCKs and the difference in ways of thinking can cause TCKs to feel that they are a misfit within their home culture.
The tips below have been shared by other families who have returned to their home countries.
Don’t forget to share any other tips you find useful with your school counsellors so they may pass these onto other families in the future.
Going ‘home’Be ready to help your younger child take part in their new social circle at school. Try to create opportunites for them to socilaise with any other TCK families occasionally. This will help both parents and children share and value their experiences abroad while reassuring children there are other kids around who think like they do.Remember not to anxiously ‘hang around’ when you drop off your child to their new school in the mornings, or to ‘overhelp’ them in settling in. Most TCKs returning home already have adequate skills for this task.
Make contact with other TCK families in your home country, or other families who have made a similar move to share experiences and advice, discuss dilemmas. This can help children feel less unusual and maintain some friends who understand their more global ways of thinking.TCK webs can be a source of contact through their online forums, and a source of reassurance that other people feel the same way.Set aside special times for your family and make family traditions. Ensure that your family retains it’s family identity in each new country – including your home country. Creating new family traditions over time spent in different countries, normalises this experience and can help reassure children of the validity of their unique life.Build strong ties with the new community. Help your family to connect and feel active and valued parts of the local community.Build strong ties with new [and old] friends. Relationships are important for self-esteem, reassurance, regulation of social norms in this new setting and self confidence as well as company.Display your ‘sacred objects/souveniers’ from each country at home. It helps to keep memories alive and shows that the time abroad was a valid and permanent part of your family‘s history. While the time abroad may be short in adult years, it is likely to have been a large percentage of the child’s life.Some children find it helpful to develop family rituals to help mark losses when they leave each country. [eg children visiting each favourite play place before they leave to ‘say goodbye’ or keeping a scrapbook or photo album of places/things]. TCK children face repeated losses of people and places over years so managing these effectively can be extremely important.A good mentor back home is vital for children [and adults!] to help everyone settle in. A friend in school for the children and some adults who have had a similar experience and can share their knowledge and personal tips with you. The chosen mentor also needs to understand that part of the mentoring process is helping the TCK learn the basic survival skills for this culture. These should include new technologies [like how to use the local cell phone system and other pop culture tools] and updating on significant changes in youth culture.
58 Where We're From
Third C
ulture
Kids
58 Where We're From
Third C
ulture
Kids
A Celebration of Our Multi-cultural Community