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 principal, did not initially aspire to follow in his father’s footsteps. But his deep love for music, his openness to new cultures, and a desire to grow beyond the familiar eventually guided him to international classrooms. Now in his 15th year of teaching, JongBaek has relocated from Korea to China with his young family, thanks to Search Associates (SEARCH).
Music has always been at the heart of JongBaek’s life. As a college student living alone in a big city, he immersed himself in live performances, directing shows and singing in clubs. Even during his mandatory military service as a Korean Augmentee to the United States Army, he was selected as the first foreign soldier to join the U.S. Army Soldier Show, touring across 40 U.S. states and Europe. He reflects,
Traveling and performing in so many places opened my eyes to the profound difference that music makes, shaping perspectives, bridging cultures, and creating shared experiences. That realization planted the first seed to pursue music education.
JongBaek’s entry into teaching was serendipitous. A friend recommended him for a role that tasked him with building a school music program from scratch. With long hours, rehearsals, and dedication to learning, JongBaek transitioned from intern to full-time music educator.
Determined to become an expert in his field, JongBaek pursued Orff-Schulwerk training in both Korea and the U.S. and later spent a sabbatical year studying at the Orff Institute of Mozarteum in Austria. His commitment to professional growth has allowed him to continually refine his teaching and to meaningfully impact his students.
Although 2024–2025 is JongBaek’s first year teaching abroad, his journey began in 2009 at an international kindergarten in Seoul. He briefly stepped away to serve as an International Program Coordinator at a university before joining Seoul Foreign School in 2012, where he taught for more than a decade.
JongBaek first discovered international teaching through his friends Jeremy and Julia—an expatriate and international school principal—who introduced him to the transformative nature of global education. Encouraged by their insights and support, he decided to explore opportunities abroad.
Colleagues with experience in international schools recommended several recruitment platforms, and Search Associates stood out. Connecting with Senior Associate Gez Hayden proved to be pivotal. JongBaek shares,
His sincere guidance and wise advice on choosing the right schools was incredibly helpful, and it played a significant role in my successful hire. The SEARCH database was also very useful. But, what I appreciate most about SEARCH lies in making personal connections with the Associates and interacting with them to find the right fit, rather than just relying on the text and platform features…I would highly recommend Gez and his team to anyone seeking a new position.
With Gez’s guidance and the support of SEARCH, JongBaek secured a teaching position at Nanjing International School (NIS). Initially unsure about moving to China, he was swayed by Gez’s firsthand knowledge as a former Director of the school and by NIS’s strong reputation:
What really drew me to the school was its strong commitment to inclusion and the fact that it’s the first full International Baccalaureate (IB) school in China. Having been part of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) launch team at my previous school…I was eager to continue my journey at another well-established IB school, which made NIS feel like the perfect fit.
The interview process at NIS felt collegial and respectful, deepening JongBaek’s conviction that this was the right next step. Friends living in Nanjing shared how welcoming the city is—particularly to Korean families—and how it offered a great environment to raise children.
Nearly a year later, JongBaek and his family are thriving. His wife Jihye, a Korean language teacher, has been honing her skills at a local Korean weekend school in preparation to teach within the international education field. Their young daughter is forming friendships with children from many nations and learning both English and Chinese. JongBaek appreciates the beautiful and nurturing setting of NIS’s Early Years program:
The non-competitive, relaxed atmosphere of the school has allowed SoYool to focus on her own growth without the stress of highly competitive school systems. This nurturing environment has been crucial to her happiness and overall well-being.
For JongBaek, teaching abroad aligns perfectly with his values—fostering inclusive, dynamic environments where both educators and students grow. What he values most about the experience is engaging with people from all over the world:
Looking back, I see how my experiences as a performer, traveler, and lifelong learner have led me here—where I can help students discover music not just as a subject, but as a language that connects and transforms. I continue to grow and improve, hoping to inspire the next generations to find their own voices through music.
For educators considering a similar path, JongBaek offers thoughtful advice:
My advice would be to approach the experience with an open mind… Building strong relationships is key—whether with colleagues, students, or the wider community. These connections can enrich your teaching experience and help you navigate the challenges of living and working abroad.
JongBaek encourages candidates using SEARCH to ask their Associates plenty of questions. Researching local expat communities can also offer practical insights into daily life. And when it comes to interviews?
Remember that interviews are a two-way process… Approach it like a ‘blind date’ to find your ideal match—ask the right questions and be brave in evaluating whether the school aligns with your values and goals.
