When you tell your friends and family that you are moving your family abroad you will likely be met with some interesting comments. People will be confused as to why you would do that. What they don’t realize is that children that move abroad end up with many advantages in life. They are called Third Culture kids and studies show that there are a lot of benefits.

Third culture kids (TCKs) are individuals who have spent a significant portion of their developmental years in a culture other than that of their parents or the culture of the country where they hold citizenship. TCKs often have unique experiences and perspectives as a result of their multicultural upbringing. In this article, we will go over many of the benefits.

1 – Adaptability

TCKs often have to adapt to new cultures and environments as they move between countries or regions. This process of adapting to new surroundings can help TCKs develop greater adaptability and flexibility.

TCKs may become skilled at quickly learning new social norms and customs, and may be more open to trying new things and stepping outside of their comfort zone. Even in a culture as different as Japan, they can thrive (If you are thinking of relocating to Japan then check out some more information). This adaptability can serve TCKs well in a variety of situations, whether it be starting at a new school, moving to a new country, or simply interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Additionally, TCKs may develop a sense of independence and self-reliance as they navigate different cultures and environments, which can also contribute to their adaptability.

2 – Language skills

TCKs may have the opportunity to learn and use multiple languages as a result of their multicultural upbringing. For example, they may learn the language of their parents, the language of the country where they are living, and/or the language of their school.

This exposure to multiple languages can help TCKs develop strong language skills and the ability to communicate in a variety of languages. Additionally, TCKs may become more proficient at learning languages in general, as they may have more practice and exposure to language learning.

This can be a valuable skill for TCKs in both personal and professional settings, as the ability to speak multiple languages can open up new opportunities and facilitate communication with a wider range of people.

3 – Strong social skills

TCKs may develop strong social skills as a result of their multicultural upbringing and their ability to navigate different cultural norms and expectations. Being exposed to a variety of cultures from an early age can help TCKs develop a better understanding of how to communicate and interact effectively with people from different backgrounds.

They may become more comfortable in social situations and more adept at building relationships with others. Additionally, TCKs may develop strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills as they learn to navigate unfamiliar environments and cultural differences. All of these skills can contribute to strong social skills and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with others.