Candidate Stories

Gilbert and Kezia Kaburu: A Life of Passion, Purpose, and Global Education

Alums Gilbert Kaburu and Kezia Otoa met, fell in love, and discovered their shared calling in their home country of Uganda. Empowered to explore academics, the arts, and sports, they were inspired…

JongBaek Yoon: A Life in Music and International Teaching

Sometimes it’s an unexpected combination of inclinations and personal passions that leads people to teaching, especially international teaching. JongBaek Yoon, the son of a retired high school…

From Student to Counselor: Joseph Baek’s Global Career in Education

Life in international schools offers a vibrant and enriching experience, shaping students into global citizens who often pursue careers in education worldwide. This was the path for Joseph Baek—fluent…

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,...

From Colombia to Kuwait: Juliana Marulanda's Global Teaching Journey | July 16, 2024

International educator Juliana Marulanda Quintero was back home teaching in Colombia when an unexpected call reignited her journey—this time...

Jemison Foster: A Unique Position in International Schools | June 20, 2024

College Counselor Jemison Foster worked in international schools abroad for 15 years before returning to the U.S. during the pandemic. Since...

Pete Kyaw: Bold in Life, Bold in Tech Teaching | May 24, 2024

At the heart of education, Computer Teacher Pyae Sone (Pete) Kyaw is motivated to prepare students for tomorrow. For him, education means always...

After 14 Years in International Schools, Leesa Downes Heads Overseas! | April 10, 2024

Leesa Downes has spent the better part of the last 14 years working for an international school in her home country of Australia. Now, with the...

Home in International Education: The Millers' Teaching Adventure | March 8, 2024

Liz and Dan Miller have been teaching candidates with Search Associates (SEARCH) so long that they can't quite remember how they first got involved...

Participate Learning Graduate Yaodong Li is Heading to Hong Kong | January 25, 2024

Search Associates loves collaborating with educational organizations across the globe. Three years ago, Senior Associate for the Midwest Brian...

The Stephensons: From Peace Corps to International Classrooms | December 15, 2023

While wandering the exhibition hall of a conference in San Francisco for the National Council for Teacher of Mathematics (NCTM), Dwight Stephenson...

Special Needs Educator Charles Karuri Takes Flight to Beijing | November 22, 2023

For over two decades, Charles Karuri taught in international schools in his home country of Kenya. The special needs educator served in two schools...

Boon Khang: Revisiting Roots in Southeast Asia | October 30, 2023

After nine years in U.S schools, School Counselor Boon Khang completed his first year at Singapore American School (SAS) in June 2023. What makes...

Jessica Martinelli & William Fraser: Following a Dream | October 2, 2023

After receiving an email around midnight about eight years ago, Canadian William Fraser made a decision to take a “complete and total risk!”...