Christopher MacLean and Laura Neagos are Adult Third Culture Kids whose global experiences have shaped their outlook, careers, and family life. Their shared passion for international education has taken them around the world and provided countless opportunities for professional and personal growth. Laura credits Chris with introducing her to the world of overseas schools given his childhood experiences:
When I met Chris, I found out about schools abroad and learned his life story. I knew immediately it was what I wanted to do! The ability to explore the world. The richness of the environment with students from all over the world in your classroom. For me it’s perfect. International schools are also aligned with my values around inquiry, student agency, and global mindedness.
For Laura and Chris, international education is more than a profession—it is a way of life. Twenty-one years after meeting as university students in Montreal, this teaching couple is completing their first year at Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), where Chris serves as a Grade 8 Social Studies teacher and Head of Department and Laura teaches Middle School World Languages, French, and Spanish.
Now in his 16th year overseas, Chris jokes that he works in the family business. Education runs deep in his family, and he attended international schools in Singapore, Ecuador, Russia, and Hungary before graduating from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. For most of his teaching career, Chris has worked in the IB Diploma Programme, teaching Global Politics, History, and Theory of Knowledge, and he continues to examine for the IB in Global Politics. Before becoming a teacher, however, Chris pursued careers in journalism, military service, the United Nations, international development, and social entrepreneurship. Those early experiences have allowed him to bring context and relevance to the courses that he teaches.
Overseas teaching wasn't a departure from normal life. It was a return to my own upbringing. I also wanted our kids to have the same interesting childhood I had. What I love most is that this work is genuinely consequential, and that I get to do it surrounded by the unique energy and curiosity of young people.
For Laura, finishing her 16th year of teaching abroad, the path was inspired by her own experience as an immigrant to Canada. Learning a new language and adapting to a new culture helped her understand the powerful connection between language, identity, and belonging.
That process taught me something about what it feels like to be on the outside of understanding, and how language is never just grammar. It carries an entire culture. I was trained in math originally, but I found my way to World Languages because that's where I could teach culture, identity, and belonging alongside languages. That's so much fun!
Before Chris entered education, Laura subbed at the International School Bangkok and taught at Qingdao No. 1 International School. Together, they have since worked at United World College Thailand, the American International School of Johannesburg, and now Jakarta Intercultural School. As a teaching couple, they have navigated the unique challenges of finding opportunities that align with both of their careers.
The combination of Social Studies and World Languages has at times not been easy, but Chris can teach Grades 6–12, and I can teach all three levels—primary, middle, and high school—so we have been lucky so far that we have been able to maintain this.
Their connection to Search Associates (SEARCH) came through a longtime family friend and Senior Associate Gary MacPhie. Over the years, his guidance and support have helped Laura and Chris navigate the international recruiting process with confidence.
Gary understands our full picture: not just our CVs, but what we're like as people, what our family needs, and what kind of school culture will best suit us. Within the relationship, there's a level of trust and candour. Also, the recruiting process can be an emotional rollercoaster and it’s nice to have someone like Gary that you can email to vent and to get the reassurance you need to stay positive. It has been great to not have to navigate the job search process alone.”
The couple also value the opportunities provided through both the SEARCH platform and job fairs. Laura had a great time and secured her first overseas teaching position at the Bangkok Search Fair in 2010, and both continue to appreciate the ability to connect with schools and stay informed about opportunities around the world.
When considering their next move, Jakarta Intercultural School quickly stood out. Laura carefully researched the school culture, location, parent community, and opportunities available for both staff and students. The school's outstanding reputation and positive recommendations from colleagues reinforced their decision. As Chris adds:
JIS’s impressive resources to support both strong teaching and genuine professional growth was a big sell. I am also a basketball coach and the opportunity to coach within the IASAS conference, which I had heard so much about, was also very exciting.
Beyond the professional opportunities, Laura and Chris value the experiences international education has provided for their family. Their children Elisa and Caden are growing up surrounded by different cultures, languages, and perspectives while forming friendships with peers from around the world.
The family has embraced adventures ranging from hiking volcanoes and snorkeling with sea turtles to skiing in Japan—experiences that have broadened horizons and strengthened resilience.
Laura and Chris reflect:
The international school learning culture is so positive. Students are excited to come to school every day. The respect for learning and teachers as an attitude is contagious. It's probably made a difference in how our kids approach their own learning.
For educators considering a move overseas, Chris offers practical advice:
Do a lot of research. You also have to be flexible and adaptable. I have lived in 13 different countries, and each time they are never what you expect from the outside.
