Belonging, identity and Third Culture Kids

Abstract

This article is based on a multiple case study which examines the lives of a group of 11 former international school students who all attended an international school between 20 and 50 years ago. The research design was based on a review of the literature on third culture kids and adult third culture kids, covering emotional and relational issues such as sense of belonging, identity and the nature of relationships formed. Data were gathered through both postal questionnaires and indepth interviews and multi-dimensional pictures of the lives of the former international students have been generated. Links between the literature and personal experiences are explored.