ITP - 140 A Liverpool-born educator who once resisted teaching ends up saying yes to South Korea—and never looks back. Ken Bence traces an 18+ year arc from public-school TEFL to PGCE, then into a fast-growing bilingual school in Shanghai where rapid expansion pulled him into hiring, standards alignment, and early leadership. Seeking the IB bridge, he lands in Kuwait and grows into K–12 instructional coaching with the help of strong mentors, then tackles leadership fairs, multiple offers, and a vice head role that drops him back into China just as COVID reshapes borders and daily life. The journey continues through Shenzhen and Chengdu, a doctorate alongside principal work, and a brief interim senior leadership post in Budapest—plus practical rituals that make each new country feel like home: spices, quality bedding, and a folder of notes that keeps the purpose front and center.

(00:00) Introduction to Ken Bence and His Journey

(02:35) Cultural Shock and First Impressions in South Korea

(06:53) Transitioning to Leadership Roles in Education

(12:40) Exploring New Opportunities in Kuwait

(17:37) Navigating Job Fairs and Networking in International Teaching

(22:48) Navigating Career Pathways in Education

(24:31) Midway-Contact Break

(27:06) Cultural Shifts: Returning to China During COVID

(29:59) Transitioning to Chengdu: New Challenges and Opportunities

(32:55) Career Baby Steps: Progressing Through Education Roles

(34:19) New Beginnings: Moving to Budapest

(36:20) Preparing for Change: Leaving Budapest

(40:29) The Emotional Journey of Teaching Abroad

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 Greg "the Single Guy":

⁠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.

Featured APP:

https://apps.apple.com/app/6755244840

Who’s That? Name & Face Trainer (Nov 21, 2025 ): For specialists and teachers that can't remember all 180 or more of their student's faces and names. Free. Local Data Only. Greg uses it daily to train his brain on 650 students this year.

Ep 139 - Hosts JP Mint and Greg Lemoine reconnect with longtime international educator and MYP middle school principal Chris Irvin, whose 20+ year journey spans Canada, Venezuela and China. Chris shares how he built a sustainable international teaching career—starting in a small Venezuelan school, transitioning into leadership, and eventually moving into MYP and IB continuum leadership at a large international school in Shenzhen. The conversation dives into international school hiring, what administrators really look for beyond credentials, how schools evaluate “right fit” and the elusive “plus one” candidates bring to a community, and why IB and MYP experience is not always required to get hired. Listeners also hear candid stories about local vs expat contracts, raising Third Culture Kids, language learning abroad, safety and independence for teens overseas, and memorable life moments—from power blackouts and police encounters in Venezuela to building a new life in China. Packed with practical advice, leadership insight, and real-world experience, this episode is essential listening for teachers, aspiring leaders, and anyone navigating international education, MYP schools, and long-term life abroad.

Chapters

[00:00] Intro

[02:16] Teaching Journey Begins

[05:08] Transitioning to International Teaching

[08:18] Challenges of Teaching Abroad[11:14] Navigating Local Contracts

[14:11] Leadership Roles and Responsibilities

[17:21] Future Aspirations and Changes

[19:50] Navigating International Education Choices

[27:20] Life as Empty Nesters

[35:15] MidShow

[36:46] Social Life and Community Engagement

[43:01] Reflections on Family and Future Plans

[43:49] Navigating Family Dynamics and Career Choices

[46:07] Reflections on Friendship and Shared Experiences

[46:34] The Anchor Story: A Memorable Adventure

[50:53] Cherishing Relationships and Cultural Connections

[52:14] Returning to Roots: Visits to Venezuela

[54:59] The Importance of Well-Rounded Education

[57:51] Finding the Right Fit in International Education

[01:01:34] The Evolving Needs of Schools and Candidates

[01:07:22] Navigating International Baccalaureate Schools

[01:09:08] Hiring Practices in IB Schools

[01:11:55] Hope for Non-IB Experienced Teachers

-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.