Helping Young Internationals Thrive

There are now over 300 million people living outside of their passport country: migrants, immigrants, refugees, expatriates. If all of these people were together in one place, it would create the 5^th largest nation in the world!

Perhaps you are one of them; or most certainly, you know someone who is. The world is on the move.

Contained within this 300 million, it is estimated there are approximately 40 million youth under the age of 20. Most of these are children following their parents around the world. Many times, growing up between worlds, these children are called ‘Third-Culture Kids’ (TCKs) or ‘Cross-Cultural Kids’ (CCKs) who meaningfully interact with multiple cultures during their formative years.

As a parent or caregiver of these young people, it is important to recognize that in many cases their experience in the international community is significantly different from that of the adults who surround them. The fact that exposure to and interaction with multiple cultures is occurring during their formative years, means that deep and varied roots are being formed in their personalities before becoming adults.

Each young person has many factors impacting their international experience. School, language(s), caregivers, environment, faith, church, and cultures all have an influence on how they navigate life. Having a caring community surrounding each young person, involving many adults who understand the cross-cultural experience and unique perspectives of children growing up cross-culturally is key to adapting and adjusting well.

Many young internationals have the feeling that they are ‘in-between’. They may feel a strong connection to the passport culture of the parents, but also experience an equal or greater affinity for the culture(s) they are living amongst. Their sense of belonging is not found in a geographic location, but in relationships.

What are some practical ways in which parents, caregivers and the International Church can support and encourage youth in these communities? Here are some suggestions-

1. Get informed. To understand the experience of a young person growing up between cultures you may want to read the book “Third Culture Kids” by Ruth Van Reken and David Pollock (ASIN: ‎B004774S1O) Make sure those working with youth in your church or community are trained in understanding CCKs.

2. Understand that experiences amongst members of the same family may differ greatly according to their varied perspectives. (see graphic)

   

3. Realize that children cannot always tell you what they feel
   1. They don’t want to spoil your enthusiasm
   2. They perceive that they have no choice in where they live
   3. They simply can’t describe the feeling of being in-between

4. Comfort before encouraging. Seek to see things from their perspective and allow grieving, instead of simply stating that the future will be better.

5. Celebrate successes with your children- they are navigating a complex set of circumstances, while also growing life long skills of adaptability and cultural understanding. They are becoming adults who can ‘bridge cultures’ because of their experiences.

6. Create opportunities for youth to serve others. Looking beyond their current circumstances can often put their life in perspective.

7. Create regular community on purpose. Remember that the sense of home and belonging is rooted in relationships. Bringing CCKs together with adults who understand their experience can help them grow and adjust.

8. Emphasize that God is a constant. Even in periods of great change, He does not change.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast. – Psalm 139: 7-10

The experience of international youth abroad is a rich one. With many adults involved in caring for youth as they experience cross-cultural challenges and joys during their formative years, a young person is given opportunity to thrive and grow.

YouthCompass is an organization committed to helping individuals and organizations support international young people. By serving international churches, schools and other community organizations, we seek to create a healthy environment for children growing up internationally. For more information on how we can serve you see https://youthcompass.org/

Thomas Speckhardt
Board Chairman of YouthCompass