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 at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. That discovery set him on a path that would take him around the globe, into classrooms from South Carolina to Shanghai. Now, with over two decades of international teaching experience behind him, Javier is preparing for his next chapter at the International School of Kuala Lumpur.
I enjoy watching students grow and develop, and I want to be part of that process,” Javier says. “This growth is not limited to the subject I teach—Spanish—but also extends to their personal development.
Javier grew up in Vitoria-Gasteiz in northern Spain and completed his university education in nearby Bilbao, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science. Looking back, he admits that if he had the chance to choose again, he might have pursued something more closely related to literature. After graduation, he headed to London, where he lived in a hostel, worked in warehouses and kitchens, and immersed himself in English—an experience that shaped both his language skills and his worldview.
Returning to Spain, he settled in Madrid and began working as an IT consultant for a large electrical company. But Javier had a different kind of future in mind. By day, he worked in tech; by night, he pursued a teaching degree and studied methods for teaching Spanish as a second language. He quickly realized that the energy he felt in educational settings was something he couldn’t replicate in a corporate office.
His first classroom experience came through a Spanish Ministry of Education program in partnership with U.S. school districts. Javier was placed in a rural South Carolina public school to teach Spanish—but, due to unexpected staffing needs, he found himself teaching math instead. Rather than being discouraged, he discovered something important.
Teaching gave me a way to help students build confidence, resilience, empathy, good learning habits, and interpersonal skills. Being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding.
It was during this time that Javier stumbled upon the world of international schools. He learned about job fairs for international educators and decided to take a chance. He flew to London for his first fair—without any references and international experience—and landed his first job at Dubai American Academy.
Looking back, I think I was pretty brave to make that move—traveling to a job fair without any connections. But it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.
That decision launched a remarkable journey. Since then, Javier has worked at international schools in China, Indonesia, Angola, India, and soon Malaysia. At each stop, he has found new reasons to love international education.
What I enjoy most is working with students from diverse backgrounds. In a time of increasing global conflicts, fostering cross-cultural understanding has never been more important. International schools attract talented educators, creating a stimulating academic environment where I can keep learning from my colleagues.
Over the years, Javier has landed jobs in a variety of ways. After Dubai, a last-minute opportunity at Shanghai American School emerged just as he was planning a sabbatical. The experience was so positive that he stayed for five years. Later, he registered with Search Associates (SEARCH) and, with the support of Harry and Margaret Deelman, used our platform to secure a position at Jakarta Intercultural School entirely through online interviews.
"When I start looking for a job, I become quite hooked on the Search Associates website," he admits. "Even though I get daily emails about Spanish teaching positions, I keep checking the site throughout the day. I also enjoy browsing school profiles in countries that interest me, even if they don’t have openings."
In 2018, Javier attended the Bangkok January Fair and accepted a role at Luanda International School, where he spent several fulfilling years. His next two moves—to the American Embassy School in New Delhi and now the International School of Kuala Lumpur—were also arranged through SEARCH and online interviews.
If necessary, I’d definitely attend a job fair again. But with schools recruiting earlier each year, I prefer to secure a position before January, when the big fairs typically take place.
Javier approaches every job search with curiosity and an open mind. Though he has taught both middle and high school Spanish, he remains flexible about grade levels and location. Before applying to a school, he carefully reviews its website but places even more value on what he hears directly from colleagues or friends with firsthand experience. Interviews, too, play a critical role in his decision-making.
"It’s important to remember that interviews work both ways,” he says. “We have to ask the right questions to be sure the school is a good fit. Talking with principals and directors provides valuable insights into what to expect."
Though he recently considered returning to Africa, an opportunity in Malaysia excited him enough to change course. His willingness to explore new environments has always been one of his strengths as an international educator.
After 24 years abroad, Javier’s advice to other teachers is simple and sincere:
Definitely go for it! Teaching in an international school is an incredibly rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to work with inspiring colleagues in a truly multicultural environment while discovering new places around the world. It’s a journey that will challenge you, help you grow, and leave you with unforgettable experiences—both inside and outside the classroom.
