S1/E28: #Belonging Beyond Borders - Finding Home as an Adult Third Culture Kid with Megan Norton

Show notes

What does it mean to truly belong? For Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCKs) who have grown up across multiple cultures, the concept of belonging is complex and ever-evolving. Rather than being tied to a single place, belonging can be found in relationships, a sense of purpose, and personal values.

Join us as we unpack what it truly means to belong—wherever you are in the world.

Culture Chat In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine welcome Megan Norton, an US-American author and global mobility expert, to explore the complexities of belonging for Third Culture Kids (TCKs) who have grown up across multiple cultures. Drawing from her personal experiences as an ATCK, Megan shares valuable insights on fostering a sense of belonging, using the metaphor of a garden to illustrate the evolving nature of identity. Together, they discuss the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and the realization that belonging is not a fixed state but a dynamic journey.

Megan emphasizes the significance of understanding one’s limits, prioritizing meaningful relationships, and offering oneself grace throughout the process. She encourages Third Culture Kids (TCKs) to reflect on their unique experiences and use them to communicate their stories more effectively.

Episode Highlights This episode

• offers guidance and support for globally mobile families navigating identity, belonging, and transitions.
• Explains the concept of belonging, particularly for Adult TCKs.
• Highlights how belonging is more than a circumstance—it’s a feeling shaped by relationships, purpose, and personal values.
• Examines the challenges of maintaining long-distance relationships and adapting to different cultural norms.
• Recognizes the unique skills of TCKs and their potential to contribute to global understanding and diplomacy.

Our Guest Megan C. Norton: Megan is an Adult Third Culture Kid who calls 10 countries and 6 U.S. states “home”. As a certified intercultural trainer and TCK consultant, she specializes in supporting families in global transition. Her expertise is valued by clients ranging from international schools to diplomatic communities, from mission organizations to seasoned expats and TCKs. She shares her first-hand experience and knowledge as an author and host of the podcast A Culture Story. She has appeared in person and virtually as a global speaker delivering socio-emotional programming tailored to globally mobile families and youth.

Book: Norton, Megan (2022): Belonging Beyond Borders: How Adult Third Culture Kids Can Cultivate a Sense of Belonging. Belonging Beyond Borders, LLC.

https://www.amazon.com/Belonging-Beyond-Borders-Culture-Cultivate/dp/B0BQ9LM382

Connect with Megan https://www.adultthirdculturekid.com

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