ITP 109 - The Global Stage of an International Choral Director

Listen

Watch

S5, E109 - From conducting children’s choirs in Moscow to immersing himself in Tokyo's vibrant arts scene, Jason's story inspires educators to pursue global careers and share their passions across borders. The Life of an International Choral Director! ​

Welcome to a most engaging conversation with music educator Jason Drahos, who shared his incredible journey through international teaching across multiple continents. Starting with a leap of faith into overseas teaching, Jason recounts his serendipitous job application to Oman’s TAISM and how it launched his career in global education. Through his roles in Oman, Singapore, Moscow, and now Tokyo, Jason highlights the challenges and rewards of adapting to different cultures, teaching systems, and student demographics. The episode also delves into his passion for choral music and conducting, his experiences navigating work-life transitions, and the nuances of professional growth in diverse international schools.

Jason also offers valuable insights for aspiring international educators, emphasizing the importance of seizing unexpected opportunities, building global connections, and embracing cultural exchange. His reflections on teaching in unique regions such as the Middle East, Russia, and Southeast Asia demonstrate the diverse opportunities available in international education. From conducting children’s choirs in Moscow to immersing himself in Tokyo's vibrant arts scene, Jason's story inspires educators to pursue global careers and share their passions across borders.

Sound Bites
"I had no idea where Oman was."
"The food is delicious in Japan."
"I love the Metro system in Japan."

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Setting the Scene
(00:31) Jason's Journey into International Teaching
(01:20) Experiences in Oman and Singapore
(04:15) Transitioning to Muscat
(06:56) What does Teaching Music consist of? 
(09:45) Local Hire vs International Hire
(12:34) Current Adventures in Japan
(14:40) A Change to Moscow
(17:53) Marriage
(19:19) Repatriation for 2 Years
(24:08) Abu Dhabi
(31:03) St.Mary's in Japan


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 tTeachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.


Additional Gems Related to Our Show:
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

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

Books By Gregory Lemoine:

⁠"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.


Partner Podcasts:
Just to Know You:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/just-to-know-you/id1655096513⁠
Educators Going Global: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educators-going-global/id1657501409⁠

​Relative Hashes
#internationalteachersday #internationaleducation #overseaseducation #internationalschools #education #teacherburnout #teachersalarynews #teachersalary #teacherrecruitments #overseaseducatorfairs