About 17 years ago, recent college graduate Tazi Makwavarara found herself at a crossroads with her father. He wasn’t convinced by her dream of becoming an artist with her own studio and urged her to “get a real job.” By chance, her alma mater was seeking an interim art teacher for Grades 7–10. Wanting to help her school—and to reassure her father—Tazi applied. What she discovered changed the course of her life.
It turned out that the thrill I get from making art—facing and solving new challenges, sharing knowledge, experiences, and ideas, and finding ways to communicate with others who may not be on the same page as me—is very similar to the thrills of teaching.
In nearly 20 years in the classroom, Tazi has taught in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, China, and Indonesia. She has worked as an ESL/ESOL, early childhood and art teacher across Grades 1–10. Her next adventure takes her to Türkiye.
A member of Search Associates (SEARCH) since 2015, Tazi is grateful that Senior Associate Gez Hayden has been her advisor throughout. At the London January job fair for overseas teaching, she found the experience both affirming and fruitful.
The recruiters there were knowledgeable and gave great advice even if they couldn’t hire you, and it was a great networking experience. Hopefully, I will remain at the back of a future recruiter’s mind… I would definitely attend again, it was worth the travel time.
In February 2025, Tazi accepted a position teaching Primary Art at the British International STEAM School (BISS), Istanbul. She had first noticed the vacancy during the London fair but hesitated, having heard that Türkiye’s visa requirements could be complex. Still, she had promised herself to pursue opportunities with schools that gave her a “good vibe.” That instinct led her forward—and BISS was delighted to find someone with her art background.
While Tazi has her dream destinations in mind, she embraces change and keeps herself open to the unexpected. For her, growth and adventure go hand in hand.
From a practical perspective, life is hectic and busy, and job hunting is a full-time job. So, I decided to send in at least three applications a week (which usually ended up being on a weekend). After receiving no response from recruiters and multiple generic rejections, you start to question yourself and your worth. I kept reminding myself how many group chats I don’t respond to, or comment in… and I imagined the recruiters were in the same boat. Sometimes this worked.
When it comes to settling into a new place, Tazi offers candid advice:
Be open to it not being what you expect. A new country, with everything that entails, is challenging, emotionally and physically. It may take more than a year to adjust but stick it out for at least a couple of years; take vacations to travel and see more. If possible, make friends off campus to help build your network, and have a down-time hobby. Mine is reading manga; it’s a sacred quiet time where no phones and interruptions are allowed. Having a scheduled social and emotional recharge station is pretty lifesaving!
For Tazi, international teaching brings all her passions together in one meaningful pursuit. She travels, learns about new cultures, explores diverse art techniques and history, and discovers new languages. At the same time, she finds creative ways to share knowledge with her students and witnesses their excitement in learning new skills.
Hopefully, I inspire them to shine their lights with no reserve. International schools are communities of many cultures, perspectives, and ideas, and therefore more open-minded—reflecting the world I would like to see us create. I wonder why every teacher isn’t an international teacher?
