A Qualitative Examination of Transnational Identity Development in Multicountry Immersers

Abstract. Although numerous studies have examined the acculturation and identity experiences of binational migrants having lived in two countries, little known research has specifically looked at migrants to three or more countries. Collectively termed multicountry immersers, or MCIs, this study seeks to examine the unique experiences of such individuals who have lived and adapted culturally, linguistically, and professionally to three or more countries. Semistructured interviews were conducted on a diverse sample of 10 emerging adult, geographically dispersed MCIs with extensive immersive and acculturative experiences in three or more countries. Individual and group themes emerged via qualitative analysis, including adaptation experiences, experiences of connection and disconnection, and individual identity dimensions. A theoretical model of identity transformation as a result of multiple country immersions is introduced.