Teaching Abroad with Kids: International School Life in Korea (Counselor Perspective)

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) Sofi'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