When growing up with multiple cultural influences, the seemingly simple question—Where are you from?—becomes complicated. If your passport country is the United States, but you have never lived there, do you feel American? Or, if your passport is from the United States but you’ve lived most of your life in Thailand, do you feel Thai? …
Continue reading “Helping Third Culture Kids and Their Families Belong”
As someone who has lived and worked in countries outside of the U.S., I have firsthand knowledge of what culture shock can feel like. It’s difficult to understand unless you’ve experienced it. Culture shock is defined as “the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life …
Continue reading “Cushioning Culture Shock Through International Family Orientation”
When I think of International Family Orientation (IFO), my face lights up. I have the joy of meeting people from all over the world and helping them set their child up for success in America. This unique orientation eases the transition for the families of third culture kids (TCKs) — those who assume a mixed …
Continue reading “International Connections – Expanding Worldviews and Creating Lifelong Memories”
An idea hatched by parents from Sweden during an orientation outing scored big with the Flying Dutchmen’s hockey team, resulting in an international trip and several national championships. Parents Krister and Christina Werner of Sweden joined many other families during Hope’s International Family Orientation (IFO)—a program that addresses the special needs of third culture and …
Continue reading “International Family Orientation and Hockey Connections”
A casual boat ride on Lake Michigan during International Family Orientation stirred up a tidal wave of connections for Hope College students. Dann and Que-Lan Engels, who have close ties as Hope parents, extended hospitality to international families during orientation by inviting them for a ride on their boat to explore Lake Macatawa and take …
Families from Honduras who met during Hope’s International Family Orientation (IFO) have turned into some of the most prolific recruiters. Before classes begin each fall, Hope offers IFO, a unique program for families of third culture kids and international students to support them while their freshmen get settled on campus. “They are sending their students …
Continue reading “International Family Orientation | Honduras Connections”
