Sohan Singh Thiara’s Path from Mumbai to Beijing

From the start, teaching felt like a natural calling for Sohan Singh Thiara. His enthusiasm for education, paired with a deep interest in travel and cultural exchange, made international teaching a compelling goal. After eight years of inspiring and guiding young minds in his home country India, Sohan and his wife Sadaf are preparing for an exciting new chapter in Beijing, supported by Search Associates (SEARCH).

Sohan is driven by the desire to inspire students, foster curiosity, and support their development as thoughtful, well-rounded individuals. For him, the most fulfilling part of teaching lies in the relationships he builds with his students—watching them engage deeply, think critically, and grow with confidence.

Sohan’s interest in international schools was sparked by colleagues who had taught abroad. Through research, he discovered the appeal of globally-minded institutions that often offer rich cultural diversity, strong professional development, and supportive learning environments. With a specialty in Business Management at both the IGCSE and IBDP levels, Sohan understood the importance of targeting his search strategically. That’s when he turned to Search Associates. He shares,

Using a recruiting agency was incredibly useful, as it streamlined the job search process and connected me with reputable schools.

Sohan and Sadaf’s story began in 2004, when they met while working in retail in Mumbai. Today, Sadaf is the administrative manager at the same international school where Sohan teaches. Their shared dedication to education has been a cornerstone of their professional and personal life.

With support from their Associate, Ms. Xiaohang Sumner, and after attending SEARCH job fairs in Shanghai, Dubai, and Hong Kong, Sohan secured a position at Beijing National Day School. He describes the fair experience as challenging yet invaluable, offering opportunities for face-to-face engagement with school leaders and insights that guided his decisions. Sohan recalls,

Xiaohang’s confidence in my abilities had encouraged me to keep trying even after a few failed attempts. The networking opportunities, face-to-face interactions with recruiters, and access to a wide range of schools made the process much more efficient. Having a clear vision of what I wanted in a school—both in terms of professional growth and lifestyle—helped me make informed decisions.

Sohan credits careful research—including school websites, forums, and the tools available through the SEARCH platform—for helping him find alignment with a school whose values mirrored his own. The ability to monitor vacancies, submit applications, and receive timely updates made the process smooth and effective.

To educators considering the international school landscape, Sohan offers thoughtful advice: stay open, adaptable, and be thorough.

Connect with current teachers and consider what you want both professionally and personally. Job fairs are a great way to make connections, and having a strong application package—including a well-crafted CV and philosophy of education—can make a big difference.

Sohan’s story is one of thoughtful planning, persistence, and a deep belief in the power of education to transcend borders—an inspiration for educators around the world.