An Investigation into Academic Stress and Coping Strategies of South Korean Third Culture Kid (TCK) College Students

This study aimed to increase the understanding of academic stress and coping strategies of third culture kids (TCKs) in South Korean colleges. For this aim, six Korean college students who are TCKs were interviewed. For analyzing the interview data, consensual qualitative research was used. As a result, participants' academic stressors were related to language, interpersonal relationships, learning strategies, career issues, and financial difficulties. As their coping strategies, they reported preparation and review, help-seeking, group study, goal orientation, self-efficacy, and control belief. The results of this study can help South Korean TCK college students with academic stressors, reducing their related stress and allowing them to adjust well in college. We also discussed how educational institutions can help those students overcome academic stress and find their coping strategies.