Third Culture Voices: Perspectives on Ethnic-Racial Identity Formation and Sense of Belonging from Students, Faculty, Parents, and Administrators of an International School in São Paulo, Brazil

Globalization has significantly impacted migration patterns, leading to a rise in the number of Third Culture Kids (TCKs) who grow up in diverse cultural environments due to their families' global mobility. TCKs often face unique challenges in forming a stable ethnic-racial identity and a sense of belonging, which can affect their mental health and academic performance. International schools, designed to support expatriate students, play a critical role in addressing these challenges. This study explores how international schools in São Paulo, Brazil, support TCKs in their ethnic-racial identity formation and sense of belonging. Through interviews with teachers, administrators, parents, and TCKs, the research aims to identify effective strategies and challenges in fostering a supportive environment for these students. The findings suggest that international schools contribute to TCKs' ethnic-racial identity development through counseling services, event programming, and empathetic cross-group interactions. However, there are gaps in support for TCKs and transnational staff, highlighting the need for more comprehensive programs. This study offers practical recommendations for international schools to better support TCKs, thereby contributing to their overall well-being and academic success. The research also enriches the existing literature by providing new insights into the experiences of TCKs and the role of international schools in their ethnic-racial identity formation.