Pulling on the same rope: factors affecting third culture kids’ adjustment abroad

Abstract

Third culture kids (TCKs) are individuals who spend a significant portion of their developmental years abroad. This research aims to expand the understanding of factors affecting the adjustment of non-native-English-speaking TCKs during their parent(s)’ expatriation. Recognizing individuals’ experiences as TCKs acquired in different cultures around the world can help individuals, families, and organizations navigate international transitions. The study explores unique qualitative and two-phase data on the adjustment of non-native-English-speaking TCKs to life abroad, whereas previous research mainly focuses on TCKs who spoke English proficiently. The current research also encompasses the pre-departure experiences of TCKs. This work relies on data collected in 34 semi-structured interviews and observations from a small pilot study. The participants were all Finnish adults who retrospectively reported their adjustment experiences as youngsters in 18 different host countries. The data were content analyzed. The study unveils various factors connected with TCKs’ adjustment to a move abroad and identifies a set of new factors unreported in earlier studies: openness to experience, pre-departure knowledge, language fluency (knowledge of the school language), school systems, and an internationally mobile lifestyle. The study has implications for firms providing support to smooth the adjustment of staff and their families to foreign postings.