Working with Third Culture Kids (TCK's) and International Students

Working with TCKs and International Students in the College Application Process

Presented by:

Rebecca Grappo, M.Ed, C.E.P.

Founder of RNG International Educational Consultants, LLC

So Why are We Here?

www.rnginternational.com | [email protected]

Today’s Goals

• Clarify who are the students that we are

serving

• What are the unique cultural considerations?

• How are these students viewed by admissions

offices?

• Some issues that are different in the

admissions process

What’s the Difference Between an International Student and a TCK?


An international student is someone who does not have an

American passport or is registered as a “Permanent Alien”

(Green Card)


“A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a person who has spent a

significant part of his or her developmental years outside

the parents' culture. The TCK frequently builds

relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full

ownership in any. Although elements from each culture

may be assimilated into the TCK's life experience, the

sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar

background.” David C. Pollack and Ruth Van Reken

What is a TCK?


The Importance of Culture

What are Attributes of a TCK?


• Adaptable

• Flexible

• Three-dimensional view of the world

• Resilient

• Can make new friends easily

• Like diversity

Possible downside of being a TCK


• Rootless and restless

• Internal clock is ticking - time to move on

• When things aren’t going well, just move on

• Sometimes make quick but superficial friendships -

attachment issues?

• Finding others with whom a TCK can relate can be tough

• Fitting in

• Being far from home - if you know where “home” is


Where is Home?

How might it affect my college experience?


• Fitting in and feeling at home

• Relating to other students

• Finding a group to hang out with that gets you

• Might be first time living in U.S., re-entry, or parents may

move overseas

• Where will you go on long breaks if you can’t go home?

How might that affect your college search?


• Do you need to be near home?

• Near relatives?

• Near other TCKs?

• Doesn’t matter?

• Need urban area?

• Will remain focused on academic opportunities primarily

• Do you need to feel connected to a community?


• What TCKs look for in colleges may be different from your

domestic students

• Their adjustment issues may be even more difficult than

that of international students because they expect to be

going “home” to their passport country


• Fitting in and feeling at home

• Relating to other students

• Finding a group to hang out with that gets you

• Might be first time living in U.S., re-entry, or parents may

move overseas

• Where will you go on long breaks if you can’t go home?

Some Issues with Adjusting

For more wisdom from others who have been there….


• www.denizenmag.com

• #TCKchat - http://seachangementoring.com/06-august-14-

transitions-first-year-of-collegeuniversity/

• The Global Nomad’s Guide to University Transition

by Tina Quick

http://seachangementoring.com/06-august-14-transitions-first-year-of-collegeuniversity/

How Are These Students Viewed by Admissions Offices?


• Some universities are flooded with applications from

international students and TCKs – they aren’t that special

• Other universities are seeking to increase their diversity

with these student demographics

• Ask the student – do you want to be with lots of other

international students or stand out for being special?

• Ability to pay is more and more important


• Different colleges have different ways of working with

international students from start to finish

• Most colleges do not distinguish TCKs in the application

process

• How colleges work with international students and TCKs

can make a huge difference in the way they adjust

Some Issues that Are Different for These Students

Different School Systems


• Coming from international schools versus national schools

• Other curriculae – IB, French Bac, German Abitur, A levels,

other systems

• Some coming from American international schools

Why Choose an American University or College?


• For international students need to explain the difference

between public/private, college, university

• Liberal arts are often not recognized, understood or valued

• Don’t expect everyone to understand basic terms, even if they

are American

• Name brand universities

Dual Citizens


• Who is the international student?

• Checking the “dual citizen” box

• An American citizen cannot check “international”

• Address the real question families have: Is it an advantage

to apply as an international student?


• Not all universities have the same

approach to international student support

• Almost no universities consider support

that TCKs will need

• Important to help students understand

how they can “plug in” to university

culture, activities, make friends

Finding Student Support Services


• Often goes by other names

• Need to show financial resources to pay for the first year

(some universities are requiring even more than one year)

• Need bank letters

• Different schools require it at different times in the process

• Have to look it up – often hard to find on websites

Certificate of Finances


• Often teachers don’t know how to write them for U.S.

universities

• Sometimes teachers refuse to write them

• Need to protect integrity of the letter

Letters of Recommendation


• Access to SAT and ACT testing dates more limited – plan

in advance

• Need TOEFL or ILETS exams for English proficiency

• Some great test prep companies who do test prep online

• Some universities are test-optional for international

students, or vice-versa

• If they need psycho-educational evaluations, that’s another

story!

Testing


• Need to get transcripts – not always easy

• Sometimes they need to be translated

• Sometimes they need to be evaluated

• Students in American international schools will usually have a transcript we recognize

Transcripts


• Need-based aid very difficult for international students

• Merit-based aid available for international students – same

rule applies, though (not at the most selective universities)

• Many universities say that the student MUST apply for aid

the first year or not at all

Financial Aid


• Some don’t understand the amount of time needed to

prepare for college applications

• Some kids are not ready for college - consider foundation

programs, ESL programs like the University and College

Intensive English Programs http://www.uciep.org/

• PG programs

• Some might not have the time or opportunity for college

visits

Understanding the Timelines

The Essay



• Some students have never written a narrative essay before

• TCK “I am a citizen of the world” essay is overused

• Dilemma with non-native English speakers – how much

should I edit?

• What if their English is too limited?

Essays


• Articles – all found on www.rnginternational.com

• Email Becky at [email protected]

• www.rnginternational.com/blog

• http://rnginternational.com/third-culture-kid/

Additional Resources

http://rnginternational.com/third-culture-kid/

Thank You and Best WishesContact Us:

[email protected]