http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-855369.mp3
Lawrence, KS – Remember the recent Presidential Campaign when people were identifying Barack Obama as a Muslim, possibly because he lived in Indonesia as a boy? And there are still people trying to prove that Obama was born in Kenya and not the United States. This confusion might stem from the fact that Obama is a third culture kid--that's someone who has spent a significant part of their developmental years outside their parents' native country.
There have probably always been third culture kids, but these modern day world travelers are now growing in numbers, as more and more adults move their families overseas for job opportunities. But even as it becomes more typical for kids to grow up overseas, the transition between cultures and countries is still difficult.
KC Currents intern Ashly Kissman is a third culture kid, or TCK, and gives us an inside look on how they see the world. She speaks to KU student Eric Fain, who grew up in a military family in the Hague, Netherlands, and Ruth Van Reken, co-author of Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds.
This story was produced for KC Currents. To listen on your own schedule, subscribe to the KC Currents Podcast.