Candidate Stories

From Persistence to Possibility: Landon Wood’s Journey into International Teaching

“Landon Wood offers us just a great story of perseverance,” says Senior Associate Brian Lettinga . “He really wanted to go overseas; we got him to the Cambridge fair—no luck—but he just kept…

From Venezuela to Japan: One Teaching Couple’s Global Journey

When Alexander Lashly met his wife, Andrea Medina, in their home country of Venezuela 16 years ago, their professional paths looked quite different. Alexander was working in banking and law,…

Teaching Abroad: How Lisa Kling Rediscovered Her Passion

After 25 years of teaching in the United States, Lisa Kling was ready to walk away from the profession. Then, at just the right moment, she came across a Facebook post about a Teach Abroad program…

Paul and Lisa Green: Discovering New Purpose Through International Teaching | December 13, 2025

After two fulfilling decades in South Africa, veteran educators Lisa and Paul Green never imagined their careers would take them across the world....

From Pakistan to the World: Fatima Adnan’s International Teaching Journey | November 13, 2025

Born in Pakistan, Fatima Adnan began her journey toward international education when her father’s posting to Myanmar allowed her to attend an...

Leading with Heart Across Borders: Ashia L. Bell’s Path in Education | October 12, 2025

During her 20 years of working with culturally diverse students in Texas, Ashia L. Bell came to understand the importance of guiding them to...

From Studio Dreams to International Schools: Tazi’s Journey | September 17, 2025

About 17 years ago, recent college graduate Tazi Makwavarara found herself at a crossroads with her father. He wasn’t convinced by her dream...

From Spain to Kuala Lumpur: Javier Castro Guinea’s Global Teaching Adventure | August 26, 2025

When Javier Castro Guinea was 25 years old, he came across the Japanese concept of Ikigai—the intersection of what you love, what you’re good...

Beyond the Familiar: Bree White’s Start in International Schools | August 5, 2025

Becoming a teacher has always been Bree White’s dream. Growing up in Waipukurau, a small town in New Zealand, she admired the way her own teachers...

Sohan Singh Thiara’s Path from Mumbai to Beijing | July 13, 2025

From the start, teaching felt like a natural calling for Sohan Singh Thiara. His enthusiasm for education, paired with a deep interest in travel...

Gilbert and Kezia Kaburu: A Life of Passion, Purpose, and Global Education | June 24, 2025

Alums Gilbert Kaburu and Kezia Otoa met, fell in love, and discovered their shared calling in their home country of Uganda. Empowered to explore...

JongBaek Yoon: A Life in Music and International Teaching | May 24, 2025

Sometimes it’s an unexpected combination of inclinations and personal passions that leads people to teaching, especially international teaching....

From Student to Counselor: Joseph Baek’s Global Career in Education | April 19, 2025

Life in international schools offers a vibrant and enriching experience, shaping students into global citizens who often pursue careers in education...

Ernesto and Mariana: A Latin American Teaching Couple’s Journey to China | March 26, 2025

Teaching abroad offers an exciting and transformative experience, opening doors to cultural immersion, professional growth, and personal fulfillment....

From India to Bangkok: Riyanka’s International Teaching Success Story | January 13, 2025

From India to Bangkok, Riyanka Mukherjee embraced a world of teaching opportunities. Confident that her experience with a wide range of international...

Achieving Her Dreams: International Educator Nina Martinez | December 15, 2024

Though diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, Nina Martinez has carried the heart and determination of a teacher, turning obstacles into opportunities....

From Nigeria to China: Educator Eniade Ajayi’s Inspiring Journey | November 27, 2024

Eniade Ajayi’s journey as an international educator is one of gratitude, perseverance, and purpose. Reflecting on her path, she shares, “I am,...

Thriving Abroad: Lorena Diaz Trujillo’s Teaching Success Story in Singapore | November 4, 2024

Some wise decisions have propelled Search candidate Lorena Diaz Trujillo’s international teaching career. For her student teaching, she chose...

Jeannette's Story: A Life-Changing Teaching Adventure in Africa! | September 26, 2024

Jeannette Washington, a formally trained speech-language pathologist, was inspired to pursue international teaching while traveling for work...

The Ultimate Teaching Overseas Journey: 17 Years, 5 Countries, 1 Grand Adventure | August 31, 2024

Since 2007, Cath Bae and Jeff MacRaild have been living their best life teaching abroad, with the help of Search Associates (SEARCH). Years ago,...