Title
The Experiences of Saudi Third Culture Kids Following Repatriation: A Phenomenological Approach
Date of Award
12-1-2017
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate of Education, Ed.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Chad A. Becker, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Catherine Beck, Ed.D.
Third Advisor
Gerd J. Horten, Ph.D.
Abstract
This study investigated the collective experience of repatriation, as reported by preadolescent, Saudi Arabian boys between the ages of nine and 13, who had lived for a minimum of one year in a country outside of the Arab world, and had subsequently returned to Saudi Arabia. While the study was open to students between the ages of nine and 13, the actual sample consisted of boys who were between the ages of 10 and 12. Eleven Saudi Arabian boys were interviewed to gather their accounts of their lives before, during, and after their time abroad. They discussed their experiences surrounding repatriation and their readjustment to living in Saudi Arabia. Students were also asked to provide advice relating to how schools can adjust their programs to facilitate the readjustment process. Findings concluded that students of this age group are relatively resilient. The consensus of the participants was that remedial Arabic-language classes and a buddy system would provide the greatest benefit to newly repatriated students.