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 built meaningful relationships with their students and made learning an engaging experience. At home, she took charge as headmistress of a very unofficial school, where her two younger siblings were students. Now in her twenties, Bree is preparing to launch her international teaching career, with her first stop in Hong Kong—and Search Associates supporting her every step of the way.
After finishing secondary school, Bree moved to Palmerston North in New Zealand to attend university, where she earned a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise with a major in Physical Education. During this time, she discovered her true passion: teaching younger students. She went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching, solidifying her commitment to education.
Inspired by the encouragement and care shown by her own teachers, Bree has always aimed to build a classroom “where children feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.” She began her teaching career in Palmerston North, working with students in Years 2 through 4. Reflecting on that time, Bree says,
If I’m being honest, by my third year of teaching, I was starting to feel burnt out—not just with work, but with the routine of living in the same place my whole life. I was ready for a change, and international teaching felt like the perfect opportunity to challenge myself, grow, and explore the world in a meaningful way.
The idea of teaching abroad first sparked during a casual conversation with a colleague at the start of the school year. Bree had mentioned her interest in moving to Europe, and in return, her colleague shared her own transformative experience at an international school in Asia. A short chat in the staffroom left Bree inspired and curious about the rich cultural experiences, travel opportunities, friendships, and innovative teaching practices her colleague described. That same day, Bree found herself exploring the Search Associates website.
I absolutely loved the job search feature on the website. Being able to browse through hundreds of job opportunities across different parts of the world was incredibly exciting. It really showed me how limitless the possibilities were, while also providing ways to streamline my overseas teaching job search. All of this made me even more eager to take this next step in my career.
Bree’s enthusiasm only grew when she attended a presentation by SEARCH Senior Associate Nick Kendell in New Zealand. She found it “incredibly helpful in answering all the personal and practical questions that couldn’t be fully addressed through the website.” From that point on, she stayed in touch with Nick through emails and Zoom meetings:
Staying in touch with Nick was one of the most helpful aspects of the process, giving me confidence and clarity as I navigated my options.
As she explored potential opportunities, Bree was especially drawn to The Independent Schools Foundation Academy (ISF) in Hong Kong, which had posted a vacancy and was set to attend the SEARCH job fair in Melbourne. Her experience at the fair was everything she hoped for—and more. The event opened her mind to working in countries she hadn’t considered. She met educators and recruiters from all over the world, many of whom she hopes to remain connected. Bree adds,
The SEARCH team was supportive and insightful, even introducing me to people who could provide firsthand knowledge about the schools and regions I was exploring. The career advisors…helped me prepare for interviews, guided me on what questions to ask, and even walked me through my contract, explaining every detail. It was truly the best experience. If I were to recommend one thing to anyone considering international teaching, it would be to attend a job fair… Being able to meet recruiters in person, ask questions, and get immediate feedback made a huge difference.
Through conversations with ISF team at the fair—including an informal lunch—Bree had the opportunity to learn about the school’s values, curriculum, and even potential living arrangements.
Their openness and willingness to support me in making an informed decision made a huge difference. Reflecting on my interviews and interactions, I asked myself, Would I be happy working with these people? The genuine connection I felt and the effort they made to get to know me confirmed that ISF Academy was the right choice.
Bree was thrilled to receive and accept an offer from ISF, one of her top three preferred destinations.
To those considering international education, Bree offers clear advice: attend a job fair. It gave her invaluable insight into what schools are looking for and helped her approach her decisions with confidence. Her parting encouragement is simple but heartfelt:
Seize this opportunity to grow, experience new adventures, and challenge yourself in ways you never imagined… In your research, be willing to explore different countries, cultures, and school environments—you might just find the perfect fit in an unexpected place… I haven’t even left yet, but I’m already so excited for my future!
