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 Arlayna's journey began as an international student in Mexico City. Cultural adjustments can be challenging for newcomers. Career transitions are a significant focus for Arlayna's work. Internationally trained professionals face unique challenges in Canada. Resumes and CVs differ significantly in format and expectations. Canada has a high demand for international students. Newcomers often struggle with housing and job placement. Cultural contributions from immigrants enrich Canadian society. Support systems for international students have improved over the years. It takes time for newcomers to fully transition into Canadian life. 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": Giselle transitioned from a design career to teaching abroad. Cultural integration is crucial for a fulfilling expatriate experience. Building friendships with locals enriches the teaching experience. Animal rescue is a significant issue in Morocco. Caring for aging parents can be challenging for expatriates. Community support is vital for animal welfare initiatives. Personal connections enhance the expatriate experience. Navigating the complexities of international living requires adaptability. Sharing personal stories fosters understanding and connection.

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