Candidate Stories

Achieving Her Dreams: International Educator Nina Martinez

Though diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, Nina Martinez has carried the heart and determination of a teacher, turning obstacles into opportunities. With the support of her family—a long…

From Nigeria to China: Educator Eniade Ajayi’s Inspiring Journey

Eniade Ajayi’s journey as an international educator is one of gratitude, perseverance, and purpose. Reflecting on her path, she shares, “I am, first of all, grateful to God” for the opportunities…

Thriving Abroad: Lorena Diaz Trujillo’s Teaching Success Story in Singapore

Some wise decisions have propelled Search candidate Lorena Diaz Trujillo’s international teaching career. For her student teaching, she chose an International Baccalaureate (IB) School. After…

Jeannette's Story: A Life-Changing Teaching Adventure in Africa! | September 26, 2024

Jeannette Washington, a formally trained speech-language pathologist, was inspired to pursue international teaching while traveling for work...

The Ultimate Teaching Overseas Journey: 17 Years, 5 Countries, 1 Grand Adventure | August 31, 2024

Since 2007, Cath Bae and Jeff MacRaild have been living their best life teaching abroad, with the help of Search Associates (SEARCH). Years ago,...

From Colombia to Kuwait: Juliana Marulanda's Global Teaching Journey | July 16, 2024

International educator Juliana Marulanda Quintero was back home teaching in Colombia when an unexpected call reignited her journey—this time...

Jemison Foster: A Unique Position in International Schools | June 20, 2024

College Counselor Jemison Foster worked in international schools abroad for 15 years before returning to the U.S. during the pandemic. Since...

Pete Kyaw: Bold in Life, Bold in Tech Teaching | May 24, 2024

At the heart of education, Computer Teacher Pyae Sone (Pete) Kyaw is motivated to prepare students for tomorrow. For him, education means always...

After 14 Years in International Schools, Leesa Downes Heads Overseas! | April 10, 2024

Leesa Downes has spent the better part of the last 14 years working for an international school in her home country of Australia. Now, with the...

Home in International Education: The Millers' Teaching Adventure | March 8, 2024

Liz and Dan Miller have been teaching candidates with Search Associates (SEARCH) so long that they can't quite remember how they first got involved...

Participate Learning Graduate Yaodong Li is Heading to Hong Kong | January 25, 2024

Search Associates loves collaborating with educational organizations across the globe. Three years ago, Senior Associate for the Midwest Brian...

The Stephensons: From Peace Corps to International Classrooms | December 15, 2023

While wandering the exhibition hall of a conference in San Francisco for the National Council for Teacher of Mathematics (NCTM), Dwight Stephenson...

Special Needs Educator Charles Karuri Takes Flight to Beijing | November 22, 2023

For over two decades, Charles Karuri taught in international schools in his home country of Kenya. The special needs educator served in two schools...

Boon Khang: Revisiting Roots in Southeast Asia | October 30, 2023

After nine years in U.S schools, School Counselor Boon Khang completed his first year at Singapore American School (SAS) in June 2023. What makes...

Jessica Martinelli & William Fraser: Following a Dream | October 2, 2023

After receiving an email around midnight about eight years ago, Canadian William Fraser made a decision to take a “complete and total risk!”...

Balancing Passion and Work: Insights from Teaching Couple Sabina & Dan | September 11, 2023

Seventeen years ago, Sabina Conjamalay and Dan Hall committed themselves to teaching for a couple of years in London before teaching abroad....

International School Administrator Matt Letham to the Rescue! | August 21, 2023

While Matt Letham has a passion for taking things and turning them around, his last seven years in Brunei have been particularly busy! He turned...

International School Family Bursts the Expat Bubble | July 31, 2023

Adriaan and Carmen Elias have enjoyed rich experiences teaching in international schools for some twenty years. They have had the opportunity...

Derrek Berkompas: Open to Adventure | July 10, 2023

“I wish I had agreed to the adventure sooner!” admits veteran educator Derrek Berkompas, after teaching abroad for the last few years. The driving...

Taking the Leap from Australia to Cambodia to Shanghai | June 21, 2023

Andrew and Traleen met when they were teenagers. Decades later, they have stayed together as their career paths veered apart—and then back together...