From India to Bangkok, Riyanka Mukherjee embraced a world of teaching opportunities. Confident that her experience with a wide range of international curricula—International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and Middle Years Programmes, A Level, and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)—would continue to support students around the world, Riyanka enlisted the support of Search Associates (SEARCH) to help her make the move. In August 2024, she joined the Singapore International School of Bangkok. Four months later, she wrote to her Senior Associate Gary MacPhie:
I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your constant guidance and support during my journey to secure my first international teaching position. Your expertise and encouragement made a significant difference…My experience at the SISB (Singapore International School of Bangkok) has been exceptional. It is a remarkable school with a welcoming culture, where both students and teachers are incredibly supportive. The leadership team is equally inspiring, creating an environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration.
An interest in teaching developed during Riyanka’s university years when she took a part-time job teaching. She realized that while helping students learn, she had embarked on “an incredible learning journey…delving into topics in ways that wouldn’t be possible when studying the subject alone.” What fascinated Riyanka was discovering the many ways in which students learn. The diversity that compelled her to continually adapt and refine her teaching methods organically created her commitment to lifelong learning. She adds,
What I love most about being an educator is fostering a learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore, ask questions, and connect concepts across disciplines. Seeing them grow into confident, critical thinkers is incredibly rewarding.
While teaching in India, Riyanka discovered Search Associates (SEARCH) through professional networks and online forums. International teaching appealed to her because it offered the opportunity to engage with diverse cultures, pedagogies, and student needs. She says,
I wanted to broaden my horizons and grow both personally and professionally. I learned about international teaching opportunities through colleagues and professional networks. Their shared experiences and encouragement motivated me to take the leap.
Convinced that Search Associates would be “extremely useful” for her overseas teaching job search, Riyanka connected with Senior Associate Gary MacPhie, who immediately helped her focus on schools that aligned with her goals and aspirations. She says,
Gary gave personalized advice on how to prepare effectively for interviews, which boosted my confidence and readiness. Additionally, SEARCH’s webinars and articles on interview preparation were incredibly helpful resources. These materials offered practical tips and insights, enabling me to approach the interview process with a clear strategy and a better understanding of what international schools look for in educators.
On the SEARCH platform, Riyanka found comprehensive resources and insights into schools worldwide, which made her search process more structured and efficient. She felt she could make informed decisions. She adds,
Navigating my job search involved a combination of leveraging online platforms, networking, and reflecting on what I value in an institution. I focused on understanding the ethos of schools, the support they offer for professional development, and their alignment with my teaching philosophy. This thoughtful approach helped me identify opportunities that resonated with my personal and professional goals.
After thoroughly researching Singapore International School of Bangkok’s (SISB) values, curriculum, and community, Riyanka made her final decision after learning about opportunities for personal growth and reading about Bangkok’s vibrant culture. Because her search parameters had been very specific, Riyanka was clear that SISB was the perfect school for her:
SISB’s focus on holistic education and its emphasis on student engagement resonated deeply with me. The school offers regular training sessions, workshops, and access to IB and A Level professional development programs. Teachers are encouraged to attend subject-specific conferences, participate in collaborative planning sessions, and take on leadership roles in initiatives that align with their interests. This nurturing and collaborative environment not only allows educators to grow but also inspires them to contribute meaningfully to the school’s mission. These opportunities assured me that it was the “right” choice for both my teaching career and personal development.
Teaching abroad at SISB since August 2024 has allowed Riyanka to enjoy holistic education, where personal growth, extracurricular activities, and community engagement are just as vital as academics. She loves absorbing the unique perspectives that students and colleagues bring from around the world. This exposure has enriched her teaching philosophy by deepening her appreciation for cultural diversity and encouraging her to incorporate global contexts into her lessons.
Riyanka Mukherjee was highly qualified when she embarked on her overseas job search. Nevertheless, she is convinced that Search Associates played a pivotal role in her journey toward finding an international teaching position.
My Associate Gary MacPhie was incredibly supportive throughout this journey. His encouragement and guidance kept me motivated, and his personalized advice helped me present my strengths effectively. His expertise was instrumental in helping me make informed decisions and ultimately secure a position that aligned with my aspirations.
If you, too, are seeking exceptional overseas teaching experiences, Riyanka suggests that, like her, you collaborate with a Search Associate who will support you in building a strong portfolio and help you focus on the right opportunities. She also recommends that you “participate actively in SEARCH webinars…and network with other international educators who will provide you with invaluable perspectives and support in navigating this dynamic field.”
