Candidate Stories

Candidate Stories

From International Schools in Africa to South America: Hellen Ommani

From International Schools in Africa to South America: Hellen Ommani

After teaching in her home country of Kenya for 12 years, Hellen Ommani moved to South America to her new home at Colegio Panamericano in 2022 with the help of Search Associates (SEARCH). For…

Miki Kobayashi: A Third Culture Kid Returns Home

Miki Kobayashi: A Third Culture Kid Returns Home

For a Third Culture Kid, it can be the international school rather than the country of birth that truly feels like home. This is certainly the case for Search Associates Candidate Miki Kobayashi,…

Citizen of the World: Dr. Fiona Philip-Mayer

Citizen of the World: Dr. Fiona Philip-Mayer

Over twenty years ago, Dr. Fiona Philip-Mayer registered with Search Associates (SEARCH) on the recommendation of a friend, who also recommended Senior Associate Harry Deelman . Her longstanding…


 
Adam Davies: Making the Big Move | October 7, 2022

Four years ago, when professor and novelist Adam Davies began teaching at a school that combines college with high school, he discovered a joy...


 
Priya and Robin Branson: Mission Driven | September 16, 2022

A chance to travel and earn a bit of pocket change spurred college grad Priya Jaggi to teach ESL in Bangkok through the Teach in Thailand Program...


 
Olympian Athletic Coach Conrad Francis | July 29, 2022

Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Conrad Francis, a talented swimmer, was sent at age 15 for specialized training at Nunawading Swimming Club in...


 
Samuel and Shanel: Happy Endings and New Beginnings | June 8, 2022

Shanel and Samuel Fretwell are getting ready to move to Morocco, their first overseas teaching adventure! That is not to say their lives haven’t...


 
The Peace Corps Gift: A Start in International Teaching | May 19, 2022

Californian Nick Porras got his first taste of teaching—and Africa—through the Peace Corps. His undergraduate degree in hand, Nick moved to...


 
The Lieschkes: Adventures in Asia, and Now Africa Awaits! | April 25, 2022

When Simone and Nathan first met in Hobart, Tasmania, Simone was still at university, and Nathan—originally from New South Wales—was working...


 
International College Counselor Suzan Guven | March 30, 2022

Suzan Guven became a globally-minded local student when, at age 11, she was enrolled at Robert College, an American school in her home city of...


 
Alma Rubi Bona: Finding New Comfort Zones | March 8, 2022

In her 18 years of international education, Rubi Bona has enjoyed adventures in Dubai, Turkey, Nepal, Indonesia, Iraq, and, currently, Pakistan....


 
The Many Journeys of Teaching Couple Canan and Murat | February 15, 2022

Murat Gökalp and Canan Cermen have been working with Search Associates (SEARCH) since Day 1, they say, having learned about us from international...


 
Sara Zohoré: Answering the Call | January 28, 2022

Sara Zohoré began her journey as a middle school math teacher in the inner-city of Houston, Texas, U.S. when Teach for America recruited her....


 
The Meswanis: From Ethiopia to Korea to Singapore | January 7, 2022

Lucky timing set Charu and Asit Meswani on a career path they love. In the early 90s, they had just returned to Ethiopia after completing their...


 
Intercontinental Couple Bianca Luna and Arminda Ortiz | December 14, 2021

Secondary science teachers Bianca Luna and Arminda Ortiz met in at a public high school in southwest Kansas, U.S. when both of them started teaching...


 
A Life-Changing Experience for the Whole Family | November 21, 2021

With her degree in engineering, Mery Tellez took a job in the Information Technology Department at Colegio Panamericano, Colombia, her home country....


 
Ice Treyanurak: Fearless and Flexible | November 1, 2021

Ice Treyanurak was made to bust stereotypes. Born and raised in Thailand, he began his development in global citizenship as a child. Until his...


 
Harish Kanabar: From Refugee to Role Model | October 7, 2021

My family lost everything when we were expelled from Uganda in 1972. We literally arrived with the clothes we were wearing. Refugee, father...


 
P.E. Teacher Makes an International Leap | September 29, 2021

Sharon Awuor Wasonga finally landed her dream job through tremendous perseverance along with the support of an old friend as well as her Search...


 
An International Couple with an International Calling | September 7, 2021

International teaching couple Ralph Emmerink and Gaby Montejano met in a classroom. Ralph, born and raised in the Netherlands, had taken an overseas...

Did You Know…?

Search Associates is a family-owned business founded by John Magagna, former international educator. After working with her father for ten years, daughter Jessica Magagna is now CEO.