Who are TCKs or Global Nomads?

Third Culture Kids (TCKs) or Global Nomads are individuals who have spent a significant part of their lifetimes outside their parents' cultures, usually because of their parents' work. The "Third Culture" refers to the unique blending that TCKs experience from the mixture of the first, home culture with the new, second culture. Lewis & Clark enrolls approximately 125 TCKs each year. Examples include a US student growing up in Malaysia because her mother and father teach at the international school; or, a Korean student who has lived in Singapore, Kuwait, and Vancouver because his father is in the Korean diplomatic corps.

TCKs are known by various names, including "biz kids" (whose parents work for international businesses), "MKs" or "Missionary Kids," "army brats" (whose parents serve abroad with the military), "diplomatic kids" (whose parents serve with the foreign service), and so on. Some prefer the title of "Global Nomad."

Programs for TCKs

Lewis & Clark established TCK Program in 1992 with the goal of recognizing and meeting the unique needs of TCKs. Some past events include:
1) TCK Tuesdays - a biweekly social gathering at a cafe on campus. Usually includes deep discussions and delicious desserts
2) Ethnic Dinner Trips - group outings to international restaurants in Portland
3) College Outdoor Trips - trips for TCKs to explore the beautiful nature of Oregon
4) Career workshops for TCKs - a session once a year aimed specifically at TCKs and how their background can help them in the future

Links to more TCK Pages

Contact Information

If you are a TCK and have questions about the group, please email Daniel Bae, at tck@lclark.edu, the TCK Intern in the International Students and Scholars Office.

Additionally, you may contact:

Greg Caldwell, Associate Dean of Students/Director of International Student Services
Brian White, Associate Director

International Student Services
Lewis & Clark College
0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road
Portland, Oregon 97219-7899
U.S.A.
TEL 503-768-7305
FAX 503-768-7301
Email: iso@lclark.edu