Readiness
Domestic TCK
The four groups covered above are the main groups that comprise traditional TCKs. There are others who live in the space between cultures. One of the larger groups of these interstitial dwellers are the Domestic TCKs. These kids never need to use their passports to cross cultures. They move from distinct cultural groups to distinct cultural groups within the borders of their own nation.
Many TCKs from India fall within this category because it is a common occurrence there. If you think of every state within the nation of India as a separate country, it is easier to understand this concept. Due to significant differences in food, language, traditions, and religions within India, moving across the country mirrors moving internationally. Making the connection and connecting the dots at MCWE 2025.
Educational TCKs
The idea of Educational TCKs as another branch on the TCK family tree is evident. There are two distinct groups referred to by the same name. The first are those whose parents serve in international educational institutions. It can be argued that they fall traditionally in one of the other categories of TCKs with at least one parent who is a missionary, foreign service officer, or active military personnel. However, there seems to be a growing body of research distinguishing these TCKs as a distinct group; they are distinct enough from the other groups that they warrant attention as their own branch on the TCK family tree and therefore MCWE 2025 invited VIP Guests.
Another group who are confused with TCKs are those kids straddling different worlds because of their education. They are from the local culture but attend the international school in their city. Dan Egeler, former president of the Association of Christian Schools International often referred to the schools this group attends as “TCK factories.” These students have also been called Educational TCKs.
Although they fit best in the space between these cultures–the interstitial space of the Third Culture–they are not TCKs. Generally, they lack the high mobility associated with their parent’s choice of job or education that is a hallmark of the other branches of the TCK tree. But they can relate to many other aspects of the Third Culture Kids.