David C. Pollock - Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds

As an adult TCK, I have long wrestled with how I fit into this world. This book is the bible for anyone who wants to understand the blessings and the curses of growing up multiculturally.

Wm. Paul Young, New York Times Bestselling author of The Shack

Growing up as a Third-Culture Kid is a gift that I will always treasure. As a senior military officer and US diplomat, I frequently interacted with world leaders and often drew upon my knowledge of different cultures to complete my work. My TCK experiences were invaluable in my efforts to negotiate international agreements. As a TCK, it was easy for me to understand various perspectives and to navigate through cultural nuances to achieve a positive outcome for both sides. I am delighted to see the lessons learned from the traditional TCK experience live on in this new edition of Third Culture Kids.

Scott Gration, Maj. Gen., USAF (Ret), Executive Chairman, Champion Afrik and author, Flight Path: Son of Africa to Warrior-Diplomat

Visionary, bold, and embracing. This may be the first book ever that hasnt left a single person out.

Dr. Douglas W. Ota, author of Safe Passage: How Mobility Affects People & What International Schools Should Do About It

I called the earlier editions of Third Culture Kids absolutely brilliant. This third edition continues to earn that acclaim. Its a powerhouse of a book through which readers growing up among worldsand their parents and the professionals responsible for their care and teachingbecome able to take leadership of the challenges and opportunities presented by such a rich and complex childhood.

Barbara F. Schaetti, Ph.D., co-founder of Personal Leadership Seminars, LLC

The additions on parenting of TCKs to this seminal book are life-changing. Though I own the first and second editions I need this one too. I wish I had read it before our TCKs became teenagers.

Jo Parfitt, publisher, Summertime Publishing, author of Career in Your Suitcase and founder of the Families in Global Transition Writing Residency Program

Ruths writings consistently set a high bar in any discussion or writing on Third Culture Kids. The added value of this new edition is the inclusion of the thoughts of Davids son, Michael. This makes it even more valuable, as the reader is able to catch a glimpse of the thoughts and reflections of the next generation.

Lois J. Bushong, Author of Belonging Everywhere & Nowhere: Insights into Counseling the Globally Mobile

This has been the single-most influential book in the field of personal intercultural transitions, drawing its audience both from individual TCKs who read it for self-discovery and the professionals who study and support them. With this important third edition, the authors continue their perceptive analysis. Written in an engaging style that crosses disciplinary bridges, theres critical information here for TCKs (at any point in their self-awareness) and the parents, researchers, educators, counselors and administrators who are cheering them on.

Anne P. Copeland, PhD Executive Director, The Interchange Institute

Michael Pollock and Ruth Van Reken do not disappoint with the third edition! Michael has deftly stepped in to fill his fathers shoes and together with Van Reken they continue to explore the evolving implications of having lived a cross-cultural childhood. Expanded thinking on how expatriates can deal with re-entry and new transition models make this resource a must-read for anyone living the mobile life.

Tina L. Quick, Author of The Global Nomads Guide to University Transition and Survive and Thrive: The International Students Guide to Succeeding in the U.S.

As an early childhood educator, I am so excited that this book now includes more practical information on why the cross-cultural mobility in childhood matters. This goes hand in hand with the expanded chapter on practical tips for parents. The PolVan Cultural Identity diagram is a wonderful way to help the international schools have more knowledge about their students.

Julia Simens, author, Emotional Resilience and the Expat Child

When I read this book I understood why it was so special. I realized that I finally belonged somewhere... Knowing that I was a Third Culture Child, that other people experienced the same thing, was a sort of liberation.

Amel Derragui, founder of TandemNomads.com

This book is a MUST read for anyone raising children abroad or people having grown up overseas. The best parts are the practical and real life tips, experiences, and guidelines that Michael and Ruth bring to the discussion from perspectives of both parents of TCKs and TCKs themselves.

Dr. Amos A. Lyso, Adult TCK, Vice Principal at Yew Chung International School - Secondary, Hong Kong

Filled with profound insight and counsel, this essential book provides a glimpse into the world of globally mobile children (regardless of why they moved) and how to be supportive of all the transitions they may encounter.

Amanda Bates, adult third culture kid raised bi-culturally between Cameroon and the US, and is founder/editor-in-chief of The Black Expat

Michael Pollock and Ruth Van Reken have built on the foundational principles and ideas produced by Michaels father, David. This book is a wonderful tribute to Daves life and ministry as the original co-author. It is full of new insight regarding transition and the TCK experience, and I would encourage you to open your heart and allow for Gods still, small voice to speak into you whether you are a TCK or work with TCKs.

Dan Egeler, President, Association of Christian Schools International

A deeply validating book for anyone who has lived and/or is living an intercultural life.

Elizabeth Liang, Actor/Writer/Producer, including ALIEN CITIZEN: An Earth Odyssey

A must-read for those who identify as TCKs or who have lived cross-culturally, those who are raising families in cross-cultural settings, schools who are educating students from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and universities interested in helping cross-cultural students transition effectively.

Dr. Dan Long, Upper School Dean of Students, Taipei American School, Taiwan

I will never forget the day I began reading Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds. On each page I found more truth and tools that helped me understand, accept, and navigate the TCK experience. Building on the previous volume, this new edition provides more research, practical tips, increased attention to the complexity of terms, and the added bonus of questions for reflection. This book is a treasure, not only for TCKs, but for all those whose experience includes living between.

Marilyn R. Gardner, Author of Passages Through Pakistan: An American Girls Journey of Faith and Between Worlds: Essays on Culture and Belonging.

First trade edition published in 2001 by Nicholas Brealey Publishing
This edition published in 2017 by Nicholas Brealey Publishing
An imprint of John Murray Press
An Hachette company

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First and second editions copyright David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken 1999, 2001, 2009

This third edition copyright David C. Pollock, Ruth E. Van Reken, and Michael V. Pollock 2017