What is A
Third Culture Patriot

A third culture kid (TCK) is an individual raised during significant childhood developmental years in a culture different from their parents or a culture different from their country of nationality. The first culture refers to the culture of the country from which the parents originated, the second culture refers to the culture in which the family currently resides, and the third culture refers to the distinct cultural ties among all third culture individuals that share no connection to the first two cultures. The third culture is a placeholder for a new identity created by mixing in multiple cultures. A Third Culture Patriot is a TCK who, even though raised in another country, has developed a love and appreciation to this culture mix of the first and second culture.

The multicultural background of a Third Culture Patriot develops a special understanding of culture and culture’s effect on society. Due to the move between cultures, for some TCKs they do not get the chance to fully develop a cultural identity. The challenge as a TCK is to feel a sense of belonging while split by  multiple cultures.

There are many benefits of being a TCK. The exposure to different world views develops Cross-cultural competence or cultural intelligence: which is the capacity to function effectively across national, ethnic, and organizational cultures. TCKs have the ability to adapt to other cultures quicker and studies found that they are generally more tolerant. Many TCKs are often exposed to a second (or third, fourth, etc.) language while living in their host culture, being physically exposed to the environment where the native language is used in practical aspects of life. These language skills develop cross cultural understandings of police social norms.

Third Culture Patriots overcome identity challenges and use their culture competency to share a cross cultural worldview. TCP’s international experience is a key asset for understanding the effects of a globalist world.