ITP - 70 - Life is Stranger than Fiction (Don't miss this!)

International Teacher Podcast

4 Countries, 3 Coup D'états, a Pandemic in a Pear Tree"

In this podcast episode, we delve into the extraordinary global journey of Debbie, an international educator with a rich multicultural background. Born in Peru to a Japanese-Peruvian father and a Japanese-Brazilian mother, Debbie's life journey is a remarkable tale of cultural fusion and adaptation. Her early years were spent in Brazil, where she was raised and educated.

Debbie's career in education began in North Carolina, USA, as part of the Visiting International Faculty (VIF) program, which brought educators from around the world to American schools. Her next career move took her to Turkey, where she taught Spanish at Koc International School and Uskudar American Academy. However, the political instability due to a coup d'état prompted her to leave Turkey after an eight-year tenure.

Her career path then led her to Myanmar, another destination she had not previously considered. Debbie's five-year tenure in Myanmar was marked by profound experiences, including living through the COVID-19 pandemic and another coup d'état. She speaks candidly about these challenges and the resilience and unity displayed by her students, who came from diverse backgrounds, including some from military families.

Debbie's journey then took a turn back to Brazil, where she transitioned to remote teaching. Currently, she is based in Abuja, Nigeria, but maintains a strong connection to Myanmar, frequently traveling back, especially in times of unrest, such as during incidents involving Boko Haram.

This episode offers a glimpse into Debbie's inspiring journey as an international teacher, highlighting her adaptability, resilience, and the unique experiences that come with teaching in diverse cultural and political landscapes. Her story is a testament to the power of education in uniting people from different backgrounds and the hope it brings for the future.