ITP - 143 Thank you to our listeners. We have been going strong since 2021. This is our longest episode yet. Why?

This longer anniversary episode of the International Teacher Podcast was recorded in two parts due to time zone challenges. The first segment features Kent joining Greg and JP, while the second brings in Darian, Hannah, JP, and Greg for a full group discussion.

In Part 1, Kent shares his experience transitioning back to the United States after years of international teaching. He talks about the challenges of substitute teaching, lack of stable contracts, and how U.S. schools are handling staffing shortages by increasing class sizes and cutting specialist programs. The conversation highlights growing interest in international teaching among U.S.-based educators, largely driven by dissatisfaction with domestic systems. Kent also reflects on reverse culture shock, loss of community, and the difficulty of rebuilding connections after returning home.

In Part 2, the expanded group celebrates five years of the podcast, reflecting on its growth to a global audience across more than 100 countries. Darian discusses life abroad in Saudi Arabia and the importance of balancing family life with personal time, including solo travel experiences. The group shares updates on their careers, future plans, and new podcast ideas, including a potential series focused on retirement after international teaching. Throughout, the tone stays informal and conversational, blending humor with practical insights into international education and lifestyle.

-more information-

The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.

Additional Gems Related to Our Show:

Greg’s Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠

Signup to be our guest ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠

Our Website⁠ - ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠

Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠

Hannah's Personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/thatexpatfamily?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

⁠JPMint Consulting Website - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠

Greg’s Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠

Books By Gregory Lemoine:

⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.

⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.

Apps by Greg:

https://apps.apple.com/app/6755244840 1. Who’s That? Name & Face Trainer Nov 21, 2025

https://apps.apple.com/app/6756509803 2. Facetag | Memory Trainer Dec 16, 2025

ITP - 142 Sofi explores the journey from classroom teaching to international school counseling in Busan, South Korea, where cultural awareness, student wellbeing, and community connection are central to daily life. Sofi shares how her experience during COVID led her toward counseling, how her interest in Korean language and culture helped shape her path, and why working in an international school has felt like the right fit from the start.

The episode also dives into life in Korea as a parent, including the safety, support, and community spirit that have shaped her children’s experience growing up abroad. From raising third culture kids and navigating cultural differences to thinking ahead about reverse culture shock during an upcoming return to the United States, this conversation highlights the personal and professional growth that comes with international education, family life overseas, and learning to feel at home in more than one place.

Chapters:

00:00) Introduction and Backgrounds
(00:45) Sophie’s Journey to Counseling
(03:35) Cultural Connections and Language Learning
(06:37) Life in Korea: First Impressions
(09:32) Family Adventures in Korea
(12:42) Community and Co-Parenting in Busan
(15:46) Safety and Freedom for Kids in Korea
(21:11) Cultural Adaptation and Third Culture Kids
(30:26) Navigating School Life in Korea
(37:47) Reverse Culture Shock and Safety Concerns
(46:50) Language and Communication Challenges
(47:21) Nostalgia for Home and Food
(50:29) Cultural Connections and Small Talk
(52:36) Reverse Culture Shock and Observations
(55:02) Navigating Differences in Everyday Life
(59:14) Embracing Change and Identity
(01:01:01) Preparing for the Journey Home
(01:04:58) Final Thoughts and Advice for Counselors

-more information-

The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.

Additional Gems Related to Our Show:

Greg’s Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠

Signup to be our guest ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠

Our Website⁠ - ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠

Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠

⁠JPMint Consulting Website - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠

Greg’s Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠

Books By Gregory Lemoine:

⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.

⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.

Apps by Greg:

https://apps.apple.com/app/6755244840 1. Who’s That? Name & Face Trainer Nov 21, 2025

https://apps.apple.com/app/6756509803 2. Facetag | Memory Trainer Dec 16, 2025

ITP-141 Caryn Pelletier joins the International Teacher Podcast to share her 25-year international teaching journey across Egypt, Ghana, Italy, Tanzania, Qatar, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Bahrain. She talks about moving overseas as a teaching couple, navigating international school recruiting through Search Associates and GRC, and the realities of hardship postings, expat life, school contracts, and cultural adjustment. The episode also features memorable stories about safaris, police shakedowns, international school life, and how teaching abroad can lead to a life full of travel, resilience, and unexpected opportunity.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and New Developments

(03:01) The Journey of Teaching Abroad

(04:53) Caryn's Transition into Education

(07:47) Experiences in Egypt

(10:59) Life in Ghana

(13:47) Teaching in Italy

(16:57) Adventures in Tanzania

(19:48) Safari Stories and Reflections

(25:06) The Lion Encounters

(29:36) Adventures in Africa

(32:07) Cultural Experiences in Qatar

(37:12) Teaching Challenges in Egypt

(39:07) Life in Vietnam

(40:49) Navigating Nigeria

(43:14) Transitioning to Bahrain

(44:09) Exploring GRC Recruitment

(50:34) Interviewing in Unique Spaces

(51:22) The Evolution of Recruitment Tools

(52:36) Navigating Job Offers and Interviews

(54:21) Reflections on International Teaching Experiences

(55:15) Essentials for Feeling at Home Abroad

(57:16) Police Encounters in Foreign Lands

(01:01:11) Advice for Aspiring International Teachers

(01:04:51) The Journey of Writing and Publishing Books

-more information-

The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.

Additional Gems Related to Our Show:

Greg’s Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠

Signup to be our guest ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠

Our Website⁠ - ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠

Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠

⁠JPMint Consulting Website - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠

Greg’s Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠

Books By Gregory Lemoine:

⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.

⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.

Apps by Greg:

https://apps.apple.com/app/6755244840 1. Who’s That? Name & Face Trainer Nov 21, 2025

https://apps.apple.com/app/6756509803 2. Facetag | Memory Trainer Dec 16, 2025