Group Discussions

Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds

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  I am just diving into the pages of "Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds" by David C. Pollock.
  
  
  
  Has anyone read this or other books about raising children in different cultures? Has anyone spent time abroad with their children? Or are you thinking about it in the future? We work for global companies, so doing a several year stint overseas may be a reality in the not so distant future for us.
  
  
  
  My husband was disgusted by this book, he felt that it was a bunh of whining... oh poor me stores. We know numerous families who have spent 3 + years abroad without negative impact on the children. I would love to hear some thoughts!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Yes, Mommy has to work today on 5th November 2007
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  I haven't read the book, but it sounds interesting - I'll have to check it out.
  
  
  
  I have a slightly different perspective - I immigrated to the US when I was young (13) and so grew up in 2 different cultures. It was one of the hardest things I went through - some of it was so bad I blocked it out - but overall, the experience, it's really defined who I am and I think it's been amazing for me.
  
  
  
  I've had friends who've moved abroad for a few years with their kids - for work. Reviews were mixed, but overall, most felt that this enriched their kids' lives.
  
  
  
  Are you considering any country in particular?

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Nataly on 5th November 2007
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  We are likely to land somewhere in Asia... most likely Vietnam or Taiwan. We won't know until a few weeks or couple months before we go. It will be for 3 years and then we have the option of coming home or going on to another location. We could also end up in Amsterdam at some point. It is something I am looking forward to, but I do have some reservations.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Yes, Mommy has to work today on 28th November 2007