Saudi third culture kids: A phenomenological case study of Saudis' acculturation in a Northeast Ohio elementary school
Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose: This research aims to explore the lived experience of Saudi "third culture kids" (TCKs) and how those children, as well as their parents and teachers, describe their experiences as children growing up between different cultures.Method: This research applies a phenomenological multiple case studies to a sample of three children aged (7-10) years, three parents, and three homeroom teachers.Data is collected from the participants as follows: questionnaire and open-ended one-on-one interviews with parents, a photo-elicitation along with open-ended interview with children, and written interview with teachers.Having multiple perspectives is intended to manifest the essence of the experience of acculturation of Saudi third culture kids and to illustrate how these children identify themselves and make meaning of their experience and the role of their parents and teachers in cultural adaptation.Results: The findings showed that Saudi TCKs have positive cultural adaptation during their lived experience, developing their identities as Saudis Muslims and Arab with developing bicultural perspective.Roles of Saudi parents and American teachers as they enhance cultural adaptation are discussed.Recommendations and implications of the research are provided.
Author: Huda Fuad Bajamal
Institution: University of Akron
Language: English
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2614315598