life as a third culture kid

It's safe to say my life has been anything but normal. It truly has been one gigantic rollercoaster, the kind you enjoy and never seem to get tired of. I was born in a fairly small part of Portugal, I went to pre-school and experienced only my culture for the first few years of my life. Naturally, that changed when I turned five. The opportunity sprouted and we decided to take it. One thing led to another and there I was sat on an aeroplane travelling to the other side of the world.

My first move was one I will never forget. Surabaya (located in Indonesia) was spectacular, but definitely a major culture and environmental shock. I remember passing immigration and getting ready to take my first steps outside. I'll never forget that first feeling. It was so unique and different. The doors began opening and you felt the heat engulf your whole body. It was beyond overwhelming, nothing I had ever experienced before. It was undeniably difficult to adapt during my first year in Asia. Languages barriers, Indonesian food, cultural shock and school life were a few of the difficulties I initially faced. Nonetheless, with the work I put in to learn the English language and a bit of Bahasa, the first year flew by and I was already in love with my new home.

I lived in Indonesia for six years of my life. My culture, traditions and foods started implementing a lot of what I had learnt from Indonesian people and what I had experienced whilst living there. Indonesia was and forever will be my happy place. A place I know I belong and love. A place I hope to visit time and time again. It was the first country that truly started shaping the person I am today. The environment I grew up in taught me to be mindful of differences, to love others and to be adventurous. Unfortunately, my time there had to come to an end as I moved back to my own country. That in no way completes my story because a few short years later I moved back to Asia. This time to a different country, Vietnam.

I lived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for a year or so. My move back really wasn't painful for me, it was as if I was returning to a place I already felt connected to. Although it contrasted a lot from Indonesia, the essence was there and it felt good to be back. I was in touch with different cultures again and learning even more about Vietnamese culture. It was a year of reflection and self-growth, not to mention the number of international friendships I was able to make from it. Being in touch with this side of me has proven very fundamental to me.

Both experiences were humbling and I will carry them with me for the rest of my life. Being a third culture kid will always be my best asset, something I will forever be proud of.

If you've never heard of this concept you're probably extremely confused. Let me explain. A third culture kid is an individual who was raised (mostly during their childhood / teenage years) in a culture other than their parents' culture or their country's culture. I have never found a better motto for myself. A lot of what I learnt and a lot of what I do in life was influenced by other cultures I gained along the way. We all have a place we call home, mine will always be Asia. These memories will stay with me as I progress in life. They have inspired me and my future. They have turned me into the individual I am today.

"Being a third culture kid comes with challenges." Of course, it does. Change and difference aren't always easy. I felt that various times in my life. The first example that comes to mind was my transition from the international educational system to the Portuguese educational system. English is my first language, despite being Portuguese myself. I had always felt Portuguese was my weakness and I wasn't as confident as I had hoped during my sophomore year. I was reserved and I kept to myself most of the times, afraid of saying something wrong. Afraid of embarrassing myself. It doesn't have to be that way though. I learnt to own my difference amongst my peers. I learnt to adapt to my new environment. Adaptation would have been difficult for me without my childhood experience. I'm glad I'm different and unique. After all, my background is what makes me my authentic self. It's what sets me apart. It's something I am proud of.

- Joana