The Global Nomad's Guide to University Transition

by Tina L. Quick, Ruth E. van Reken (Foreword)

Children who grew up interacting with two or more cultures during their developmental years often have an inability to connect with their home-country peers. This guide addresses the common issues students face when they are making the double transition of not only adjusting to a new life-stage, such as college, but to a cultural change as well.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

300 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2010

Reviews

[Esther B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never judge a book by its cover! Ha! I wish this guide was around when I was at uni. Why not update it with more global stories for those transitioning to counties other than US. Or with a more contemporary personality model like the enneagram model rather than the now somewhat limiting Myers-Briggs.. Still found lots of timeless TCK cornerstone gems here that will help uni students to thrive in their transition: Dr. Pollock, Libby Stephens, Dr. Schaetti.. well done on compiling such a compelling book, Tina!

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purchased this after seeing Tina Quick speak at school. Very helpful guide for both students and parents. While I read the entire book, each chapter stands alone and can be read when you need it. Even though I wasn’t a TCK, this book would have been enormously helpful when I left home to attend university over 1,000 miles away.

[Ccdemaio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any expat with teenage kids. Honestly, Tina Quick has hit upon nearly every subject my college age daughter and I have discussed it issue we have run into. It has also helped with the communication and understand between my HS age daughter who was forced to move in her HS years. A go-to book for us for sure!!

[Minky Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

read in a college and life prep class. helpful in collecting and organizing your thoughts about being a TCK, but most of the info seems a little like common sense. might be nice to read for reminders during university transition.

[Alexa]

I wish I had been able to read this book when I started college!

[AmyLyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful book for the transition from an expat life to university. No big revelations but a useful review.

[Linda A Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was required reading for our son before he headed back 'home' to university last year, and he/we have referred to it many times since. Don't be deceived: this book is terrific not only for young global nomads/expats/TCKs heading off to university, but also for their peers choosing to go straight into the working world, and parents/family members for a fuller awareness of what they're going through.

The key is that Quick builds on the work of the cross-cultural pioneers who came before her, most notably David C. Pollock & Ruth Van Reken who wrote the book on Third Culture Kids. The book includes all of the important information about what makes global nomads/expats/TCKs different from their 'domestic' peers, the challenges they've dealt with in inter-cultural transitions and the baggage they may carry as a result, how/why it might not translate immediately in the university setting, and what to do about that. The stories ring true, and the suggestions are credible and useful. My favorite parts? Helping young global nomads/expats/TCKs see their strengths resulting from their experiences, and when she makes the point that learning to handle the transition model when going off to university is really preparation to handle the life transitions that will come up in future years.

[Cameron Nash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty boring, and honestly i really had to force myself through it. BUT, there was a lot of importance for someone like me as a missionary kid to read this. It was very practical in everything it had to said. Instead of just telling me that it would be hard to transition into college, it gave me easy checklists and expectations for my next year. I recommend this book for all my friends because, even though it was boring, and yes, you will have to force yourself through it, it is valuable for us MK's to be ready for the next step that is college...and life.

[Zane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offered valuable insight for TCKs and their parents. It is also valuable for educators and college counselors to help guide and offer transitional assistance about what it means to be "different"or not know where you are from. I also appreciated this offering the term Third Culture Person or TCP as many people now living abroad also share a diverse and culturally rich perspectives that are similar to TCKs. A very helpful book for anyone living abroad and especially those with Third Culture Kids (TCKs) who are transitioning to college/University.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to supplement "Third Culture Kids." It was much more current and useful as the parent of a child considering returning to the US for university after being raised in Holland. I would highly recommend this to all my expat friends--not only should they read it, but their kids should too.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good information contained in the book! I wish it had been written in a way that would be more engaging for high school seniors with somethings for parents. I will continue my search and definitely reference this book and recommend it to parents

[Merridy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Both for parents and children. Filled with anecdotes as well as practical information for you and your child as they transition from school to university.