TCKs Speak at Regional Conference

Greg Caldwell, Associate Dean of students; Melanie Rama, a senior mathematics and economics major from Switzerland; Daniel Bae, a senior biolchemistry major from South Korea; and Ray Terhune, a sophomore biochemistry major from Osaka, Japan, spoke at this year’s Region 1 conference of NAFSA: Association of International Educators in Vancouver, Washington.  The title of their presentation was “Utilizing TCKs (Third Culture Kids) to Internationalize Your Campus.”

Lewis & Clark enrolls approximately 130 TCKs this year.  TCKs are individuals who grew up in a culture other than their parents’ because of their parents’ career.  Melanie Rama moved to Chicago, Illinois when she was a sophomore in high school.  Daniel Bae, moved from Seoul, South Korea to South Africa when he was six years old.  Ray Terhune is a US citizen who was born and raised in Japan.  Each is an active leader in the TCK program.

Greg Caldwell began the presentation with background on Lewis & Clark’s TCK program.  Melanie Rama then spoke about ways in which TCKs can raise the profile of international initiatives on college campuses.  Daniel Bae, who serves as the TCK intern this year, spoke about ways to educate faculty, staff and students about TCKs and international programs.  Ray Terhune concluded the presentation with ways to celebrate international programs on college campuses.