just stumbled on this site
I am a parent of 2 multicultural( American/ Pakistan)/TCK (living in Dubai)teen boys. My eldest is a senior in HS and going to US for University next september and the younger going in 2 years. We have visited the States often, but neither have ever lived there…so what I am looking for are resousrces, advise, warnings etc on this major transition for him ( and us ).
I will send them the link to this site also, if they are interested and then probably I would back out…but for now, any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. He just finished his college apps, so we don’t know exactly where he will be . The college list was made specifically to make sure there was a decent size international population in the school, and for the most part in the surrounding community.
Thanks in advance.
7 Comments to “just stumbled on this site”
January 1st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Hi Sara, welcome to tckid! You’re a parent of 2 multiracial TCKs? That’s cool, and I hope your kids join the site because I’m one too!
Repatriation and/or transition, especially to the U.S, is probably the hardest thing for a TCK.
I highly suggest to get the TCK book if you haven’t already done so. It deals with all the problems and issues you’ve mentioned, including transition.
You can read a comprehensive overview and review of it here: http://tckid.com/third-culture-kids-book.html
We have lots of interesting discussions in the forum that will help, including from some parents of TCKs.
Glad you could join us!
Here’s your picture welcome
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January 2nd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
hey, welcome to tckid sara!
ooh i like dubai!
anyways, i agree with brice. repatriation IS hard, and if i were you, i would take his advice
although hey, it might still be fun for them to repatriate, it really dependd on the person, right?
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January 2nd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
This is just out of experience but maybe if the school is aware of TCKs it would be very helpful. I wish I had something like that in school.
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January 2nd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Picking a school with a large international student population will DEFINITELY help your son out. Especially if he is used to being around “international students”. There are a lot of colleges in the U.S which don’t cater to the international population that effectively, so I think it’s pretty important to research all that before choosing one.
Out of curiosity, if I may ask, what schools has he applied to?
(I went to college in the U.S, and so did my sister. We have had two different experiences in relation to being a “international student” because of the importance (or lack of importance) our schools placed on international students. Hers barely cared to assist with a lot of “international” matters and were largely ignorant on a lot of issues (visas, etc), while mine had an office especially catered to helping international students in the U.S (every step of the way). Of course the size of my school was MUCH bigger than hers, and much more expensive. Hah.
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January 2nd, 2008 at 11:46 pm
I agree with Sindhu. Find a school that is knowledgeable in the field of international student information in the US especially after the heightened security.
I also went to a large school so they had a specific office just for international students. My brother went to a small arts school and only had one advisor I think but the person was still helpful. My tuition was cheaper than my brother’s though LOL
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January 5th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
You may want to see if the univeristy has a MuKappa group it is a group for MKs but they often have resources that may help and I think they would proably be happy to help them fit in depending on who is leading the group at the university. mOst large univerisys have one.
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January 25th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Thanx everyone for the comments and advice.
We certainly did look at percent of international students, on campus organizations and offices that cater to or are meeting places for international kids.
We also have found at least 2 schools that specifically address US citizens educated or grown up out of the US. (One being Tufts) which my son found very encouraging. The recognition of his status as something particular that needed addressing, really made him feel as if he would be very welcome, and comfortable, Now we just have to wait for the admin decisions! Also, a couple of others, had specific areas of leeway for international students who couldn’t go home for holidays, and needed to stay in the dorms. These type of questions are important i think for prospective students to ask when visiting or writing to schools.
Julie, what is MuKappa?
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