Do you want to update our Facebook Logo picture? The picture of the book is better known and it has been in use on Facebook for a few years, but our friend Ruth Van Reken is updating the TCK book this year …. maybe it’s time for a change for us too? The new logo has pictures of TCK meetup groups from Taiwan to New York of members that would better represent the community.

Old logo on Facebook

New logo on Facebook

(New logo Option #3)

(New logo Option #4)

(New logo Option #5)

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

You decide. Vote or leave your comments.

Do you have suggestions? Want to create a logo? Please feel free to submit pictures and suggestions.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Pop star Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles, aged 50.

Watch the video and leave your comments here or on Youtube:

Love him or loathe him, Michael Jackson had the power to unite people of different cultures like no other.

Brice

Popularity: 3% [?]

June 17, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As globalized market forces increasingly lead families to temporarily relocate to other countries, parents should be aware of the challenges facing the youngest family members upon their return home.

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – Children who live abroad with their parents on extended sojourns may experience a setback to their psychological wellbeing, say researchers in a recent study. But not in the way experts initially thought.

Traditionally in the United States, large companies, Christian missions and the State Department considered regularly repatriating back to the country beneficial for children in helping them retain their national identity and a sense of “home.” Some missionaries are even required to spend a year in the U.S. for every three or four abroad.

However, a recent Smith College study of 170 children of American parents found that multiple repatriations to the U.S. seemed to compromise childrens’ adjustment abilities as adults. Meanwhile, the total number of years the children spent living abroad did not affect their ability to ultimately adjust to life back in the U.S.

The study examined American citizens aged 18 to 25 who had returned to the U.S. For men, researchers found, multiple repatriations earlier in life were related to a less positive psychological wellbeing. For women, multiple repatriations were associated with higher levels of prejudice, lack of introspection and feelings of moral superiority.

“It seems that while periodic return to the U.S. may sound good in theory, in reality it may be something that parents should not take for granted,” said Bill E. Peterson, associate professor of psychology at Smith. “Vacationing in the U.S. is probably fine, but coming back to live in the U.S. for a more extended time between sojourns may be bad for the later adjustment of their kids.”

Peterson co-authored the paper, “Third culture kids and the consequences of international sojourns on authoritarianism, acculturative balance, and positive affect,” with Laila T. Plamondon, a Smith undergraduate at the time. It is available online in the Journal of Research in Personality.

Third culture kids – or TCKs – is a term first coined in the 1950s to designate the numerous cultures these children inhabit – the “first culture” being their country of origin; the “second,” their host country; and “third,” the transient community of expatriates, said Plamondon. Importantly, while a parent makes a conscious decision to go abroad, the children accompany them whether or not they want to.

Instead of transitioning back and forth between the U.S. and foreign assignments, it may be better for children to stay abroad in a larger chunk of continuous time.

“For example, it might be better for someone working in business to take her family to India, Japan, and Korea in succession rather than come back and live in the U.S. between sojourns,” said Peterson. “This, of course, has serious implications for sending agencies and families living abroad.”

More research needs to be done to replicate the findings, according to the researchers. “TCKs provide a fairly unique opportunity for psychologists interested in studying the effects of globalization on culture and identity,” added Peterson.

-30-

Popularity: 9% [?]

TCKID has released its first annual list of the top 10 cities in the world in which TCKs live, ranking them by popularity based on its membership of 21,458 Cross Cultural people. (This is not a poll or a survey. It’s the location of our members based on their I.P addresses as given to us by Facebook.)

The table below lists the largest 20 cities in the world based on population for the year of 2009 of people who identity themselves as “Cross Cultural” and/or “Third Culture”.

The most popular city is New York!

Top 10 Cities

1. New York 474
2. Bangkok 381
3. Singapore 306
4. Hong Kong 290
5. Washington 279
6. London 274
7. Sydney 259
8. Los Angeles 222
9. Makati 213
10. Jakarta 210

Other Cities

Toronto 210
Seoul 204
Dubai 202
Chicago 197
Kuala Lumpur 177
Seattle 166
Melbourne 163
Atlanta 157
Houston 157
Oslo 148

Learn more the TCKID New York City group.

Join a local TCKID group (over 50 cities)

Top Countries

United States 8,549
United Kingdom 1,829
Canada 1,003
Australia 841
China 453
Thailand 387
Germany 348
France 342
Netherlands 313
Japan 311
Philippines 308
Hong Kong 302
Singapore 299
Indonesia 274
India 259
South Korea 221
Norway 218
Malaysia 215
United Arab Emirates 206
Switzerland 202

Where to meet TCKs?

Want to meet TCKs in your area? Join a local group and meet other TCKs from 50 locations.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Jennifer, a member of our community asked this question:

“Hello everyone…I’m a parent of a Cross Cultural Kid. I have one 3 year old son who is half American and half Filipino. We are currently living in the Philippines but may soon relocate to another Asian country. My husband and I are in the process of deciding when and if we should expand our family with more children. Due to the current economic situation and extreme expenses of living and traveling abroad, we are contemplating not having any more children. A main concern of mine, however, is that my son will feel even more “alone” if he doesn’t have another TCK sibling to share his unique and many times frustrating experiences with. Is anyone out there an only TCk child? I would greatly appreciate any thoughts you may have on this. I really want to try to be senstive to my son’s (and any future children’s) needs when it comes to being a TCK. Any and all opinions are welcome. ”

What’s your opinion? Vote Now
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Popularity: 21% [?]

Decide How We Can Help TCK writers (Vote now)

The Challenge:

We have many incredible and valuable stories written by TCKs which aren’t getting the online visibility and credit they deserve. To solve that problem, we propose adding a Featured Story section or starting an Online Magazine. Every article would go through an editorial process, have a graphic, and be featured on our main page.

Your decision:

How do you want TCKID to give more visibility to TCK writers?

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Links of interest:
What’s the difference between an online magazine and a blog?
Among World Magazine

Tell us if we should go ahead with the feature section, or position it as an online magazine with regular contribution from aspiring TCK writers.

If you’re a writer or editor: This is your chance to use our resources and make a difference. How do you want to get involved? What would you want to write about? If you’re already an editor of a magazine, how do you want to get involved and help? Share your ideas and thoughts here.

Reminder:

Please do not post links to promote your blog, website, etc, as this will not encourage discussion so please leave your interests at the door and come for a conversation to get connected and share ideas.

If you want to post links, please do it in the appropriate category. Click on Blog or Organization. Thank you!

Popularity: 2% [?]

Design the new TCKID re-launch.

Big changes are coming to TCKID.com, and you can help shape the future of the TCK community. Mark your calendar for the TCKID Re-launch on Monday December 8th, 2008. At the time of writing, there are 6 days left to share your ideas and shape the new design.

Starting this week, you’ll have more interactive opportunities, see a dramatic new design, and find new ways to get involved in shaping the future of TCKs. We’re also working on a social network for you.

This is your community. You’re here because you care about TCKs. You should be given the opportunity to decide what you want this community to look like. Change is coming, and you can be a part of it.

1. WEEK 1: Design the new TCKID. (Official RE-LAUNCH is on Monday December 8th, 2008)
2. WEEK 2: You decide how we should celebrate.

What is your opinion of the new design?

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Get involved in building your Third Culture Kid community. Share your ideas to improve and shape the design.

If you want to get more involved, join our TCKID team by volunteering.

DECEMBER 4TH UPDATE:

Thanks to everyone for sharing your feedback! The response from the community has been very impressive. There has been 87 emails today, and they keep coming.

Many offered some great quote suggestions, and 6 new people offered to volunteer. I hope we can bring them on the team. You will all soon be able to share your ideas and decide on what they should work on.

Thanks again for being part of this change. It’s great to see everyone getting involved in shaping the future of this community.

Keep the feedback and ideas coming. If you want to get involved, volunteer to join the team.

I’ll post a follow-up soon!
-Brice

We’re going to take all of your feedback and update the design in the coming weeks.

I’ll make a list of the recent changes:

-World map added in the background
-Mosaic added
-World languages added
-Plane added. (will possibly be removed)
-Passport added. (will possibly be removed)
-Obama’s handsome face has been removed, and we’ll continue to change the theme from the Obama site. (If it was up to me, I would put his face everywhere of course because I’m a fanboy, but you design this site!)

We need your help to choose our TCKID’s new official quote.

Please share your ideas in the comments below. Keep your feedback and suggestions coming!

Popularity: 19% [?]

Halloween is one of the World’s oldest holidays. The name Halloween is a Scottish contraction, derived from the proper name “All Hallow’s Eve.” It was named such because it falls on the night before the Catholic “All Hallows” day, or, “All Hallowed Souls” day. Halloween is also known as the Day of the Dead. Throughout the world, many countries celebrate Halloween, each in their own unique ways.

Austria

In Austria it was once believed that leaving bread and water on a table with a lit lamp would help welcome dead souls back to Earth on this powerfully cosmic night.

Spain

In Spain, a pastry named Bones of the Holy, shaped like skulls, is eaten on Halloween day. It contains anise seed and is covered with an orange glaze. Children play tricks for treats. Later on, families go to the cemetery to visit deceased family members where they remain, keeping vigil throughout the night. The next day is spent cleaning the family burial plots.

Japan

In Japan, water and food is placed in front of a photo of the dead, then lanterns are lit and set afloat in the water or next to a body of water to light the way of the dead souls back to Earth and to show them where their families can be found. It is called the Obon Festival, and it is a celebration of the memory of the dead.

Germany

German households put away all knives on Halloween night, so that the spirits returning to Earth will not be accidentally hurt during the celebrations. Cemeteries are cleaned and wreaths and lanterns are placed at family grave sites.

Italy

In Italy it is custom to set a bountiful table and then leave the house open while spending the day in church praying for the souls of the dead. They pray, hoping that the dead will return and consume the food that is left for them. One traditional food made for this day is a bread or cookie baked in commemoration of the dead called Fave dei morti (Italian for Bones of the Dead). It is made with almonds, pine nuts, sugar, eggs, and flour and shaped into large beans.

Mexico

In Mexico, Halloween is celebrated with picnics, often had at the graves of dead relatives. Children run in the streets asking for coins and candy shaped as coffins or a skull and crossbones. Lanterns are hung outdoors, fireworks shows add a spectacular glow, and bonfires are ablaze. It is a very happy and festive occasion.

Russia

In Russia, blue cats, such as the Russian Blue, Burmese, and British Blue, are said to bring good luck on this day.

Ireland

Ireland has celebrated Halloween for centuries. It is said that the practice of carving and lighting Jack-o’-lanterns started there. A man named “Stingy Jack” was said to be too mean to be let into heaven, but because he played so many tricks on the devil, he was also not welcomed into the netherworld. With nowhere to go after he died, “Stingy Jack” was destined to walk the earth for all eternity carrying a carved-out turnip with a glowing lump of coal inside. Soon people began making their own Jack-o’-lanterns to sit in front windows and porches to scare away Stingy Jack’s ghost.

Scotland

Scotland also shares the legend of “Stingy Jack.” They hollow out turnips or potatoes and set a lit candle inside. Soul Cakes or Dirge Loaves made out of oat flour are made in hopes of keeping the souls of the dead safe.

North America

The North American Halloween is a popular celebration. Jack-o’-lanterns are made by hollowing out pumpkins, then a face is carved and a candle is set inside. Children dress in costume and go door to door asking for treats by chanting rhymes like “Trick or Treat,” “Halloween Apples,” or “Shell out, shell out, the witches are out.” It was once believed that on this night, souls who had not yet crossed over into the next world would come back to walk the streets, visiting their old haunts.

India

India celebrates Mahalaya, which is a religious ritual believed to awaken dead spirits. Following Mahalaya, it is believed the souls go back to a peaceful rest for the remainder of the year. When night falls, the people pray for help against evil spirits.

With Halloween so near, I would now like to wish you all a Happy Halloween wherever you live in the world.

Sources:

http://studenttravel.about.com/od/coolevents/ss/halloween_6.htm

http://www.socyberty.com/Holidays/Halloween-Celebrations-Throughout-the-World.5087

http://www.novareinna.com/festive/world.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1158788/halloween_around_the_world.html

Popularity: 3% [?]

Where In The World Is There Comfort For My Losses? (Free Teleconference for TCKs)

Have you lived outside your Passport culture and then struggled trying to fit in with people that you have nothing in common with when you returned “home”?

Are you a parent, family member, counselor, international school teacher or administrator, relocation specialist or anyone interested in learning more about meeting the needs of the expatriate family and feel like you want to learn more about Third Culture Kids?

Join us for an informative Q & A discussion with Counselor, Therapist and Grief Expert, Tom Query, M.Div, LPC.

Learn valuable tips and strategies to deal with unresolved grief issues, trauma and other emotional impacts connected to expatriate lifestyle.

In Tom Query’s 75-mins interview, you will:

- Learn About The Obstacles and Goals for Healthy Attachment
- Why “Attachment is the Hardest Thing To Do”
- Discover “Take-Away” Strategies and Helpful Suggestions… “The Only Way Through It Is Through It!”.

About Tom Query
Tom Query is a psychotherapist practicing in Roswell, Georgia. He has extensive training and experience with individuals, couples, families and teens. He especially likes working with young adults trying to figure out life, their direction, relationships and how to be and individual.
“More and more our world is a global neighborhood and I believe that TCK’s are our pioneers into this new order. What you are experiencing now is going to help others in the future. There are natural reactions to your experience that do not have to cause problems into your adult life.” – Tom Query

When? Saturday, August 9, 2008.
What time? 6:00 PM Eastern Time.
Topic: Shedding light on unresolved grief, trauma and loss as an ATCK/ACCK. (Third Culture Kids/Adults / Cross Cultural Kids/Adults)
Where? From the comfort of your home or office.
Is it free? Yes, if you decide to listen online. There will be long distance charges if you call outside the U.S. (you can ask questions online or on the phone.)

What if you can’t attend? Sign up to get the MP3 recording.

For those of you who missed TCK Academy’s previous teleconferences, here are what attendees have said:

- “I have tears just falling from my eyes. I hear tears from others too. It is powerful to hear so many others validate my experiences.”

- “These past few weeks of the TCK Academy have been more help in tying so many threads of my life together than years of on & off therapy with a number of therapists.”

- “It makes me feel like a bird happily flapping around in a bird bath. I felt so ‘at home’ with you all yesterday.”

- “What a breath of fresh air to have at last some practical observations and advice on TCK issues.”

- “I would STRONGLY recommend the teleclass to anyone thinking of joining in.”

You can get all the details about this teleconference at this web page:

http://tckacademy.com/class/005?tck1

IMPORTANT: Please check out that page right away.
This is a time limited AND space limited event to 200 people.

Kind Regards,

Brice Royer
TCK Academy

P.S: We are trying to spread the word so please forward this email to anyone who might be interested in the event.

Here is the link again to the event:

http://tckacademy.com/class/005?tck1

Popularity: 2% [?]

According to research, ATCKs tend to marry late–41 percent did not wed until after 25.

How old were you when you got married? If you’re planning on getting married, when will that be?

From the research:

“FAMILY AND COMMUNITY: A number of our respondents continue to feel rootless, alienated, and unable to make commitments to people or places. Most, however, marry (80 percent) and settle into their communities. Commitment is suggested by the fact that the divorce rate is lower than the national average; two out of three who marry do so only once. However, ATCKs tend to marry late–41 percent did not wed until after 25. While nearly all married Americans, most (60 percent) in this study married someone who had at least some international experience when they met; a number married other TCKs.

… ATCKs tend to marry late–41 percent did not wed until after 25.

Most of those who marry (80 percent) have children and typically report that their child-rearing is in some way influenced by having lived abroad. These answers are undoubtedly an important way TCKs differ from other globally mobile individuals such as immigrants. Rather than stress a national or ethnic identity, these ATCKs seek ways to introduce their offspring to the diversity of the world’s people and cultures. Their message, overwhelmingly, is one of accepting, respecting, and treasuring differences.

A sense of fitting in, of finding a home, is indicated by the fact that 70 percent say it would be somewhat or very difficult to leave their present community. For some this is a matter of obligations, but for most it is because they are integrated into community or friendship groups, and, as a number pointed out, “I’ve lived here longer than any place in my life.” While saying that they would hate to leave, the TCK background surfaces in many who added that they could move easily and would, in fact, enjoy meeting new people and new challenges.

Source: http://www.tckworld.com/useem/art5.html

Popularity: 5% [?]