Third Culture Kids Quotes

“TCK builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated into the TCK’s life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background.”
― David C. Pollock, Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds

“Anthropologist Gary Weaver suggested looking at culture as a kind of iceberg: one portion is clearly visible above the surface of the water, while the much larger chunk of ice is hidden below. The part above the water can be considered surface culture––what we can physically see or hear, including behavior, words, customs, language, and traditions. Underneath the water, invisible to all, is the deep culture. This place includes our beliefs, values, assumptions, worldview, and thought processes.”
― David C. Pollock, Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds

“When we think of the word culture, obvious representations such as how to dress, eat, speak, and act like those around us come to mind. But learning culture is more than learning conformity to external patterns of behavior. Culture is also a system of shared concepts, beliefs, and values. It is the framework from which we interpret and make sense of life and the world around us.”
― David C. Pollock, Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds

“Growing up among cultural differences is already, or soon will be, the rule rather than the exception—even for those who never physically leave their home country.”
― David C. Pollock, Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds: The original, classic book on TCKs