Understanding Third Culture Kids
What is a “TCK” and how is Bucharest Christian Academy committed to supporting families of TCK’s?
According to TCK World, a Third Culture Kid (TCK) is “an individual who, having spent a significant part of the developmental years in a culture other than that of their parents, develops a sense of relationship to both. These children of business executives, soldiers and sailors, diplomats and missionaries who live abroad, become ‘culture-blended’ persons who often contribute in unique and creative ways to society as a whole.”
As an international Christian school, BCA believes it is important to acknowledge and embrace particular traits of TCKs—to help students and their families understand the strengths of these traits, as well as some challenges they might face living in transitory environments.
BCA hopes to come alongside families and offer support in understanding and managing behavioral patterns, as well as building and maintaining stable relationships.
Building a RAFT.
Upon departure of a family, we encourage students to see saying goodbye as building a “RAFT.” Students are helped through the process of: [R]econciliation. [A]ffirmation. [F]arewells. [T]hink Destination.
TCK Resources
The following resources offer more information about TCK strengths and challenges, and how you can support your children as they grow. If you have concerns about how your child might be adjusting to recent or upcoming changes, the staff and administration at BCA are happy to discuss more.
TCK Life
This site features contributed articles, back copies of the EduCare e-magazine and information about the EIMESC (European Inter-mission Education Standing Council). Its resources relate to TCKs, family dynamics and flow of TCK care.
Interaction International
Interaction’s focus is:
TCKs—not only those who are growing up today, but also adult TCKs of all generations.
Internationally mobile families from the missions, military, business and diplomatic communities.
Those who impact the lives of TCKs (i.e. parents, educators, counselors, caregivers, etc.)
Cross Cultural Kid
Ruth E. Van Reken, a second generation adult TCK and mother of three adult TCKs, offers insight on challenges related to global family living. She is co-founder of Families in Global Transition.
Mu Kappa
"Mu Kappa ... is like a family away from home ... [it] provides the support and assistance I need ... is a way to meet people who are from a similar background ... gives me a circle of friends with whom I can have good talks ... is [made up of] people who understand and care, especially when I'm homesick ... [and] provides an environment which encourages spiritual growth.” —MKs in the founding Mu Kappa Chapter
International Family Transitions
This comprehensive service specializes in helping TCKs successfully manage their transition to college or university—whether they are returning to their home country or going on to another host country. IFT also provides resources to those who support TCKs and other international students.
Youth Transition Network
A resource to aid parents and churches address the loss of youth by conducting research, executing training, providing resources, and helping connect high school seniors to ministries before they leave home.
Michele Phoenix
Author and speaker Michele Phoenix grew up as a missionary child in France, boarded at Black Forest Academy in Germany, and returned to serve on staff there for nearly 20 years.