Our Story

Third Culture Lens comes from two people who share a love for traveling, photography, and culture. We met while teaching English in South Korea and quickly realised we wanted a place to publish photos and stories that had meaningful narratives.

Our unique perspectives give us some insight into travel, life abroad, and how various cultures intertwine. We wish to create a place where people can learn about what it means to live a third culture life while also showcasing these experiences through photography. We hope to make a collaborative community where we can share experiences from around the world.

Here, we want to combine narrative storytelling through three lenses, the visual, the nomadic, and the cultural perspective. We believe it is important to have a place where people can share what they have learned and experienced in order to help others and ourselves continue to do what we love; explore our world.

"Where are you from?" is a common phrase people have asked me since I was young. Well, I was born and raised in the United States to a Mexican-American father and Dutch-East indies mother. My multicultural identity always made my life unique. This background led me on a young career as an anthropologist, which instilled curiosity for culture and a love for travel. This eventually made me pursue a life as an international teacher.

As a teacher abroad, I can explore places not as a traveler but as a local. My Dutch-Indo Oma (grandma) constantly reminded me that my lifestyle is a persistent pattern of my family's merchant past, who dispersed around the world for reasons of war, famine, opportunity, or persecution. I am very proud of my heritage and those who came before me as I carry their story with me wherever I go.

If you are curious, please check out my Instagram: third.culture.rain

Rainier

Victoria

I have always believed that travelling is in my blood. I was born and raised in South Africa by British parents who moved across hemispheres in their early twenties. I grew up in two worlds, physically in South Africa but in a home primarily influenced by British culture, even if that culture just meant watching British TV and pronouncing words in a way that made my friends laugh. I never really thought about my mix of cultures much growing up but as I get older I am more and more intrigued by how it affects my world view and personal identity.

I blame my parents for my love of travel and also for my need to keep moving, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am so thankful for all of the places I’ve seen and all the incredible people I’ve met.

My love of travel is equally matched by my love for photography. Through this blog I hope to showcase my photography while also writing about the stories that are often just beneath the surface.

Follow my personal Instagram here: victoriabriggs_