 Summary
In Episode 107 of the International Teacher Podcast, the hosts delve into the fascinating world of cultural gestures and their meanings across different countries. Through personal stories of misunderstandings and awkward moments, they highlight the critical role of context and cultural sensitivity in communication. The episode is both insightful and entertaining, offering a blend of humor and valuable lessons for listeners navigating international teaching and cross-cultural interactions. Topics include the nuances of gestures, foot etiquette, and the importance of understanding local customs. The hosts also share lighthearted anecdotes about their experiences with unwanted touching and explore the intent behind actions in diverse settings. Wrapping up, the conversation shifts to Thanksgiving traditions, showcasing how they vary around the world. This engaging episode underscores the importance of awareness, adaptability, and respect for cultural differences in global environments. Resource Links Our Website Our YouTube Vodcast Channel Just to Know You Podcast - Kent is the producer. JPMint Consulting Website International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed. Finding the Right Fit: Your Professional Guide for International Educator Recruiting Fairs and Amazing Stories of a Teacher Living Overseas by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed. Sound Bites "You don't rub their head." "This is A-okay in the U.S." "Intent makes a difference." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the ITP Podcast 03:33 The Importance of Video vs. Audio 06:29 Cultural Gestures and Their Meanings 12:30 Misunderstandings in Cross-Cultural Communication 18:32 Gestures in Different Cultures 20:08 Understanding Gestures Across Cultures 23:38 The Significance of Hand Gestures in Communication 27:25 Cultural Sensitivity in Physical Interactions 32:05 The Importance of Footwear Etiquette 36:35 Navigating Road Rage and Gestures 39:31 Pointing: The Right Way to Communicate 39:33 Intent and Unwanted Gestures 42:21 Navigating Cultural Sensitivities 45:16 Apologies and Intentions 54:04 Recruitment Season Insights Hashtags #internationalteachersday #internationaleducation #overseaseducation #internationalschools #education #teacherburnout #teachersalarynews #teachersalary #teacherrecruitments #overseaseducatorfairs #teacherpodcasts In this episode, hosts Kent and JP Mint reconnect with Tony DePrato, an international educator and creator of the Pancake on a Stick newsletter. They discuss Tony's extensive international teaching experience, the launch of his salary survey aimed at helping educators negotiate better salaries, and the importance of salary transparency in the education sector. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, including Tony's plans for a father-son trip to Japan, and the humorous origins of his newsletter's name.
Resource Links Take the Salary Survey here. Sign up for Pancake on a Stick International School Job Listings - https://pancakeonastick.substack.com/ Tony's Personal Website - https://tonydeprato.com In this episode of the International Teacher Podcast, hosts Kent and JP welcome Arlayna Alcock, an expert in career coaching and support for international students. Arlayna shares her journey from being an international student in Mexico City to her current role in Canada, where she helps newcomers navigate the complexities of education and career transitions. The conversation covers cultural adjustments, the importance of resumes and CVs, the demand for international students, and the challenges they face in adapting to a new environment. Arlayna emphasizes the positive contributions of newcomers to Canadian society and the support systems available to help them succeed. Takeaways
Personal Website: https://arlaynaalcock.com Linked in: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/arlaynaalcock College Website: https://bowvalleycollege.ca In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various themes surrounding international teaching, cultural integration, and personal experiences. Giselle shares her journey from a design career to teaching in Morocco, emphasizing the importance of connecting with local communities. The conversation also delves into her passion for animal rescue, the challenges of caring for aging parents abroad, and the significance of building friendships with locals. Throughout the discussion, the hosts reflect on their own experiences and the lessons learned from living and working in different countries.
Here are a few quick "take-a-ways":
In this conversation, Greg, JP, and Tico discuss Tico's journey from engineering to teaching and leadership in international schools. Tico shares his experiences teaching in Japan, working for Dell in Asia, and his decision to pursue a career in education. They also touch on Tico's time in Berlin and his transition into leadership coaching. The conversation highlights the importance of following one's passion and the value of mentorship and self-reflection. Tico Oms shares his journey from teaching math to becoming a leader in international schools. He initially taught math but was offered a position to teach business at Singapore American School, which he accepted. He then became the head of department for a diverse range of subjects and later took on the role of managing the school's trips program.
Tico also had the opportunity to visit innovative schools around the world and bring back ideas to implement at his school. He eventually transitioned into leadership roles at International School Bangkok and International School Basel. Tico Oms shares his experience as an international educator and leader of color, highlighting the importance of taking opportunities and trying new things. He discusses his role in the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC) and the impact they are making in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in international schools. Tico also emphasizes the value of meaningful work and maintaining connections in the international education community. Links: Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC) - https://aieloc.org/ The Diversity Collective - https://thediversitycollective.org International Schools Services - https://www.iss.edu/ International School Bangkok - https://www.isb.ac.th/ International School of Basel - https://www.isbasel.ch/ Across Oceans Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/across-oceans/id1610506371 International Teacher Podcast Episode 102 features the fantastic Greg Larmouth out of Newcastle, UK. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics including their morning routines, technical difficulties, and their experiences with international teaching. They introduce their guest, Greg Larmouth, who works in the International Teacher Training team at the University of Sunderland. They explore the concept of the International Qualified Teacher Status (IQTS) and its benefits for teachers looking to work abroad. They also touch on the British Schools Overseas (BSO) accreditation and the recognition of the IQTS in different countries. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the practical aspects of the teacher training program, including the role of classroom experience and portfolio building. In this part of the conversation,Greg Larmouth discusses the support and supervision provided to trainee teachers in the University of Sunderland's international teaching program. He mentions the requirement for schools to provide mentors and the role of professional practice tutors who observe trainee teachers. Greg also shares his experiences visiting schools in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Muscat. The conversation then shifts to a discussion about the University of Sunderland and the city of Newcastle, including the rivalry between Newcastle and Sunderland. Greg also talks about his podcast, SUNRAE, which features research and experiences of trainee teachers. SunRAE Podcast Link - https://wp.sunderland.ac.uk/sunrae/podcast/ ITP 101 - Dr. Hayley Watson and how to support students in developing mental health skills.9/7/2024
Dr. Hayley Watson, a clinical psychologist, discusses the importance of mental health education in schools and how to support students in developing mental health skills. She emphasizes the need for a whole-school approach, where mental health programs are implemented for all students, not just those who are struggling. Dr. Watson provides strategies for teachers to validate students' feelings, empower them to find solutions, and follow up with them after a difficult situation. She also introduces her book, 'Finding the Words,' which offers practical guidance and real-life dialogues to help teachers navigate challenging conversations with students.
In this conversation, Dr. Hayley Watson discusses the importance of guided conversations in empowering struggling students. She emphasizes the need for teachers to have a template for conversations and the importance of practicing and stumbling along the way. Dr. Watson also addresses the pushback against social-emotional learning in schools and highlights the need for a cultural shift in how we approach mental health. She emphasizes the importance of providing resources for parents and creating a school environment that values mental health. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges and benefits of implementing social-emotional learning programs in international schools. Dr. Watson is also the founder of the program called Open Parachute. https://openparachuteschools.com Fresh off the summer break, Kent the Cat guy has some bad news and Greg the Single guy has international worlds colliding. Meanwhile, JP crosses the Canadian-US border for a quick meal at the famous "Dirty Gringo" in New York and a Diet Mt.Dew run.
Your three hosts celebrate the ITP 100th episode by looking to the future and making a big announcement that begins with episode 101. Listen in and have some fun. The 100th episode celebrates a milestone of over 30K downloads and listeners in over 133 countries around the world. Even after all of that, we still consider international teaching "the best-kept secret in education". Thank you to all of our listeners. This show is for you! Hananh and Jake recorded this episode with us while they were at home in Iowa over summer break. They currently live and teach in Kuwait with plenty of stories to tell!
Their message for teachers thinking about overseas: Do it! Even the scary, negative experiences make for great stories later in life. Join us for an exciting episode covering Brazil, Kuwait, and the differences between having a baby in Kuwait vs the USA. Stick around to the end. Their Covid baby escape story is unbelievable! You can follow them on their instagram handle: thatexpatfamily (yes, that's a live link) Cameron and Ana McGregor are seasoned international educators, podcast hosts, and webinar creators. They join us for a discussion about their journeys into international education and how they are giving back to our international teacher community.
Ana is originally from the Dominican Republic. Cam is from Washington State. They talk about Russia, Dominican Republic, China, Korea, Hawaii, and Saudi in International Schools. Fun fact: two days after recording this episode, Greg was sitting directly behind Cam and Ana on a plane to Dubai. Then, Kent ran into them in Dubai a few days later and sat on the same plane all the way to Seattle. Small world. Here are the ways you can enjoy and learn from the McGregors' experiences: Their website: nomadicgregors.com Their podcast on ApplePodcasts Sign up for their intro course to start Listen to the funniest recruiting story EVER. Jeff Lindstrom has been overseas on and off since the 1980's. His stories are amazing. His wisdom is priceless.
Sarah Potter is a mother of two, a 23 year veteran Aussie teacher and preparing to leave to teach in China. Listen to this interview as she is just two months out. She's already made her packing list and bought her tickets. Her paperwork is submitted.
This is an incredible interview from an avid ITP listener. Our thoughts go along with Sarah as she first experiences the magic of the "best kept secret in education". Jenna Slack-Larimer is a seasoned middle school teacher originally from the Chicago area. She joins us now from Guadalajara, Mexico at the well established ASFG as a high school math teacher. But her international journey to Mexico started off at a Canadian International school as a grade 3 teacher! Fart jokes just aren't the same in elementary!
This episode is packed with advice as JP and Jenna shed light on Mexican culture, banking, "feminachis", and teaching in Mexico. Jenna is also married to a Mexican, so she paints the picture of the struggles of applying for US Visas. This is an epic ITP episode that hits a lot of International Teaching topics. Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) is a well-known option for USA teachers that want to travel the world and teach. Rich shares his experiences with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS), including a few changes he has seen in the past decade. But we don't stop there.
Rich Walwarth has a powerful resume (CV), vitality, passion for learning, and many experiences to draw upon during interviews. His problem is getting [usually younger] interviewers to look past his age! Join us for his advice going out to those of us that are getting up there in our years! HAM radio is one of Rich's many extra-curricular offerings at schools. If you are a HAM radio tinkerer, reach out to Rich on his call signs: (Korean) H01ZAR or (Philippines) DU1ZXO. We should all learn how to use HAM radios to be better prepared for the coming zombie apocalypse! Nelson and Lisa File join us and share stories of living and teaching in four different countries. They started off with two years in the Peace Corps, then transitioned into International teaching at a school in Zaire (for only seven weeks). Civil unrest didn't deter them.
Instead, they spent the next three decades in three different places: India: Oman: and until just recently, Tasmania. Lisa, Nelson, and their three kids have stories to tell! Join us to hear wisdom based on experience. Where do YOU go on vacation for Spring Break? Join your three favorite hosts for an episode focused on our recent trips to three different regions of the world. JP reports on her Colombia trip. Kent reports on a trip to Switzerland, interrupted by the flooding of Dubai Airport. Greg reports on his latest scuba trip to the magical Maldives.
International teachers cross international borders for many of their vacations. Learn from our experiences. You will want to add these countries to your Bucket Lists. Author and Educator Neil Rosen joins us for a delightful discussion about reading. He is the children’s book author found on Amazon and known by his readers as “Professor Stork”. You can find out why at the end of the interview.
Neil joins us to celebrate his upcoming book called REDISCOVERING THE VILLAGE:Classic Strategies To Help Children Develop A Lifelong Love Of Learning, which he co-authored back in the 1960’s and 1970’s with Gail Simpson. Come August, it will probably be the last book from that time to be finally published. Neil’s message is simple: parents should spend more quality time with their students (kids) and make sure that time includes the outdoors. You can find Neil’s other books on his website https://professorstork.com including: Penelope and Jack, Together Apart by Neil Rosen and #GrowYourCircle: The graphic novel series that nurtures purpose and empathy while building leadership skills in children (Mila on Purpose Book 1) **for Middle School Readers Emily Cave has been in education for over 20 years. Fifteen of those overseas. She joins us from Perth, Australia to discuss Schrole and how helping teachers prepare for international positions strengthens [our] schools.
Emily's advice is based on her own experiences as a reading recovery specialist, principal, head of schools, and her current position with the Australian-based recruiting giant Schrole. Listen to this episode to learn: how to pronounce "Schrole" (smile), differnt ways to improve your international interviews, why you should leave with a positive legacy, get a glimpse behind the scenes of Schrole and learn why you should consider attending Schrole events. This episode is jam packed with goodies! Enjoy this episode and learn from Emily! Here are a few of the links from this episode: School + Role = Schrole www.schrole.com University of Northern Iowa (UNI) https://teachoverseas.uni.edu/ Ellen joins us from Daka, Bangladesh to give us insights into what it is like to be a college counselor in international schools. How does a counselor tackle world-wide college admissions programs?
Bangladesh is one of those countries that gets a bad rep in media, but there is so much more to it. Don't pass up an opportunity to teach in this country! Life is good! You can reach out to Ellen through our email at [email protected]. Stacy Stephens is the director of one of the most widely known resources for the International School circuit: The International Educator, simply referred to as "TIE".
Stacy has been in education for almost 30 years and 20 of those have been in international schools around the globe. Now she joins us from the USA to share some of the inside story about TIE. Join us to find out what TIE has to offer you. Stacy Stephens is a wealth of information and easy to listen to! Links from this Episode: The International Educator - TIEonline.com Principals' Training Center: Quality Training for International Educators The International Social and Emotional Learning website. We are three years old as of April 2024. Thank you, listeners, for joining us. We do this for you! This episode features Kent, JP, and Greg as they reminisce just a little bit about the past, discuss Greg's new book, celebrate JPMint's second year triumphs, and wrap up the show with some forecasts for the next year.
Since this is the 3rd birthday/anniversary of ITP and the 2nd birthday/anniversary of JPMint Consulting, there are four different versions of the birthday song in this episode. The episode opens with part of the Venezuelan birthday songs. There is a special Venezuelan song that precedes the "happy birthday". The midpoint song is in Korean. Finally, we end the episode with Arabic and English versions of the birthday song. Thank you to all of our listeners for the past three years and many years to come! Here are the links that are featured in this episode: The recent book by Gregory Lemoine, International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education , can be found here on Amazon. JP's consulting services can be found at JPMintConsulting.com Just To Know You is the other podcast that Kent produces when he his cat is ignoring him. Welcome to the Turkey Episode with our guest Tracey Zimmerman-Sakalli, a Candian international teacher that has been living and teaching in Turkey for the past 19 years. Tracey shares her experiences from four different top international schools in Turkey: Uskudar American Academy, The Koç School, Istanbul International Community School (IICS), and MEF International School.
Tracey shares stories of living on both sides of the Bosphorus, explains the need for traffic classes, and all the reasons you should live in Turkey. We also discuss why traveling with more than $10K is a risk and "go" bags. If you are interested in Istanbul, this is your episode! Here are some brief written descriptions and links to the Turkish schools we discuss:
Dr. Wayne Russel takes a break from his LinkedIn communications and joins us from South Africa for a chat. If you already connect with Wayne on LinkedIn, this is your chance to hear him in person. He has a lot of experience living overseas with his family and teaching in the international setting - especially schools in China. Enjoy this episode!
Dr. Russel's website is a wealth of information about teaching internationally. Navigate to https://www.wayning.org and reach out to him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynoza  Pablo Muñoz is the Managing Director of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization. He has 30 years of public education experience as a teacher and administrator and was a superintendent of schools in New Jersey, USA for 16 years.
Listen and learn from Pablo in this episode. Later on in the show, find out the [ real ] reason Pablo gets held up at US Customs! Purchase and read Pablo's book The Leader's Algorithm: How a Personal Theory of Action Transforms Your Life, Work, and Relationships The other books he recommends are: Instructional Rounds in Education: A Network Approach to Improving Teaching and Learning by Elizabeth A. City et al Lincoln on Leadership for Today: Abraham Lincoln's Approach to 21st-Century Issues by Donald T. Phillips and True North, Emerging Leader Edition: Leading Authentically in Today's Workplace by Bill George (Author), Zach Clayton *The ebook links are to the US version of Amazon.com. Peter Pagett "lives and breathes" different curriculums. IB,PYP, MYP, Australian, American, Chinese, British, or an international mix of curriculum. Whether it's band, chorus, performing arts, or 4th grade recorders, Peter celebrates and teaches them. He joins us from his mini-vacation in Chiang Mai, Thailand to talk about teaching back home in Australia and a variety of schools overseas.
Peter agrees: "All international schools are different." We also discuss "failing forward", housing, a bit about boarding schools, several schools in China, and teaching in Macau. You can reach out to Peter through the ITP. Some of the connections we discussed linked below: Check out the Music Teachers In International Schools (MTIIS) website. Subscribe and Listen to the MTIIS Podcast Listen to the our ITP episode with Chris Koelma, the founder of the MTIIS podcast and PLC. Enjoy the Vintage Bugs Bunny musical clip from Long Haired Hare Last but not least, take JP's advice to enjoy and follow TwoSetViolin on Youtube. |
EpisodesWe usually post every two weeks. Comments are turned off. The podcast has been around since April 2021. SeasonsSeasons are defined as every 25 episodes.
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