The things we would’ve told our freshman year selves, if we could.
So, here are our words of advice, the things we would’ve told our freshman year selves, if we could. It’s not dressed up, it’s not loaded with research. Honest thoughts, in our own words, from real Third Culture Kids.
I’m not pretending to be an expert, but for international students moving to the United States, there are many factors to consider that may be obvious to American students but not as clear to those coming from abroad.
It may seem obvious, but taking the time to say proper goodbyes is critical. So, instead of clocking out from your relationships early, make a point of letting friends and family know just how much you care.
You may not know how to drive, but odds are your new American friends will be more than willing to drag you on a crazy cross-country bender courtesy of the nation’s interstate highway system. Adventures and hilarity will surely ensue in the land of Route 66.
As TCKs, we’ve been blessed with a lifetime of unique cultural experiences. If we use that same awareness that we’ve developed and keep an open mind, it can go a long way towards making the transition easier – and maybe even fun.
You’re a freshman now — no obligations, no history — you have a blank slate in a new place. That is an incredible opportunity.
If you expect others to understand your unique TCK background and experiences, then you should also take the time to understand and appreciate their background, too.
Writing a paper or doing a project on the country you lived in as a kid will often lead to seeing your home in a whole new light. There are often so many political and social issues that you don’t always notice when growing up abroad, and now that you’re outside of the country, you can study it with a new perspective.
You might look and sound like an American, but we know that you’re a cultural n00b. Here, the Denizen editorial team helps explain some tricky American quirks that college TCKs may stumble upon.
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