Expatriate life - full of ups and downs?

I myself experienced this upon my return to Canada at age 17. My mindset had changed; I realized there is a whole world to be explored and so much to learn. In fact, I remember many of my old friends complaining that all I ever talk about is Asia!

In fact, TCK's often describe moving back home as the hardest part of expatriate life. Many times they will have changed so much that when they return it is hard to "fit in" with the people who were once very good friends!

My own daughter seems to go through a “sad” period as we leave each country and tries to settle in the next. She seems downhearted for the first few weeks before she starts to make friends and enjoy things again.

Children tend to worry about things like making new friends, missing family and friends back home and whether they will like it in the new country. Talking through this process and remembering others moves which were similar can help children to manage their emotions well. Meeting other children who have experienced similar feelings will also help your child to realize they are not alone and their feelings are normal.

Despite the downsides to being a third culture kid mentioned above TCKs do experience many benefits from expatriate life. A key study of adult TCKs conducted early on in the 1990s by Useem recognized that the experience of being a TCK is for most a positive one.

Some of the benefits of the expatriate life for kids has been found in various studies and include increased adaptability, bilingualism, mediation skills, global views, flexibility, culturally knowledge and problem solving. Indeed, these are the same skills needed to become top leaders in most international companies. Living abroad as a child certainly opens up the doors in the future.

Also, adult TCKs differ considerably from their peers who have not lived overseas when matched up to their educational achievement levels. Individuals who spent over a year of their childhood abroad were four times more likely to receive a bachelor’s degree according to one study.

In addition, 81 percent of TCK’s who finished their bachelor’s degree went on to earn postgraduate degrees. This is thought to be because of the high quality of schooling available nowadays overseas. In fact, where as many children may have been in public schools in their home countries they are now entering private schools with highly trained teachers, smaller class sizes and a global outlook.

Read more about the benefits of being a third culture kid.

Check out these tips for expatriate life with kids.

Helen Maffini is the author of the new book Sammy's Next Move which is a must read for all children who are moving to a new country. This book is written for kids ages 3-10 to help them transition to a new culture and becoming a TCK or third culture kid.

Helen has also created an interactive Sammy's Moving Pack filled with games, coloring, puzzles and more to help kids moving overseas with the transitions-this is the perfect gift for kids to do on the plane ride when the are relocating abroad. Order Sammy's Next Move Here.

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