Podcast Episode
Gifted Kids, Global Family, and the Pull of Overseas Life
About this episode
Marijn Bergsma joins Greg and JP to talk about growing up as a third culture kid, raising gifted children, and feeling the familiar pull back toward international life. The conversation moves through childhood in the United States and Japan, returning “home” to the Netherlands, parenting highly capable kids who do not always fit neatly into school systems, and the possibility of becoming an international educator later in life. It is a thoughtful, funny, and very human conversation about family, restlessness, learning, burnout, and why overseas life has a way of turning ordinary years into unforgettable chapters.The Rubiks Cube Link to learn Rubik's Cube-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-hwSignup to be our guest https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01Our Website - https://www.itpexpat.com/Our FaceBook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpatJPMint 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-bBdOBooks (on Amazon) By Gregory Lemoine:Stay for the Show (2026) | Greg’s first Childrens Picture BookInternational 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, 2025https://apps.apple.com/app/6756509803 2. Facetag | Memory Trainer Dec 16, 2025Chapters(00:00) Introduction and Name Origins(01:31) Marijn's International Journey(04:28) The Itch to Travel and Family Dynamics(07:21) Navigating Education for Gifted Children(09:57) Cultural Differences and Family Adventures(13:09) The Challenges of School Systems(15:59) The Importance of Parental Involvement(18:59) Creating Chapters in Life Through Travel(22:06) Engaging Gifted Children in Learning(25:07) The Process of Learning and Curiosity(34:39) The Power of Learning Together(37:06) Navigating the Teaching Journey(39:08) Embracing Change and New Challenges(44:14) The Importance of Connection in Teaching(49:04) Overcoming Immigration Challenges(56:08) Finding a Sense of Home Abroad