ITP - 148 follows Scott and Amanda as they share their international teaching journey from Dubai, Shanghai, the Philippines, Thailand, and Riyadh to their upcoming move to Jakarta. In this episode, they talk about meeting through OkCupid across continents, transitioning from teaching into school counseling, supporting student mental health in international schools, and what it is like to have a baby in Saudi Arabia while living overseas as educators.

The conversation also explores raising a child as a third culture kid, navigating maternity and paternity leave abroad, international healthcare experiences, taxes and residency considerations for overseas teachers, and the realities of moving countries with pets, a newborn, and a teaching career. This episode is especially relevant for international teachers interested in counseling, family life abroad, overseas childbirth, and long-term expat living.

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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/⁠

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

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

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and Location Check-In

(02:38) Scott and Amanda's Journey in International Education

(05:51) Navigating Long-Distance Relationships in Teaching Abroad

(08:18) Transitioning from Teaching to Counseling

(10:58) The Role of Counselors in International Schools

(13:53) Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health

(16:38) The Importance of Counseling in Diverse Environments

(19:19) Advisory Programs and Their Impact

(21:51) Mental Health Awareness and Support

(24:42) Parenting and Teaching Abroad

(25:32) The Birth Experience: Teams and Protocols

(27:30) Emergency Situations and Communication Challenges

(29:29) Healthcare Experiences: Comparing Countries

(31:24) Maternity Leave and Support Systems

(35:13) Raising Third Culture Kids

(38:47) Family Dynamics and Long-Distance Relationships

(45:17) Choosing the Right Place to Live

(47:54) Navigating Life Changes and Challenges

(49:50) Understanding Tax Implications for Expats

(52:41) Creating a Sense of Home Abroad

(58:50) Adventures with Law Enforcement

(01:00:52) Final Thoughts and Reflections