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Teacher Feature: Robby and Niki Johnson

Dec 10, 2024 | Blog, Teacher Features

Teacher Feature: Robby and Niki Johnson

Niki and Robby at the Atlanta 2023 job fair

At the 2023 ISS Atlanta job fair, held in collaboration with AMISA, the ISS EDUrecruit® team welcomed educators Robby and Niki Johnson. By the end of the fair, we had the joy of celebrating as they accepted jobs at Brent International School in Manila, Philippines! Robby accepted the position of Upper School Comprehensive Counselor, and Niki as Lower School Guidance Counselor.

Now partway through the school year in their new country and community, Robby reflects on their international education journey so far.

Help us get to know you and a bit about your experience so far!

We decided to find work that would allow us to be together more and travel. I have worked in mental health for 25 years while my wife has done so for 13 years. We both work as school counselors, while our son receives a better education than was possible for us in the US.

We are touring the Philippine Islands and I’ve traveled to Thailand so far. A trip to Hong Kong is planned this month while Japan is planned for the next, during our normal school breaks.

 

What do you love about the countries you’ve been able to experience because of your international career?

The scenery in the Philippines is breath-taking! Thailand offered excellent resources. We have met and befriended people from all over the world. And our son is receiving world class education, really top 1% in US standards.

Beyond the classroom, are there any adventures that stand out from your time living internationally?

Yes! All of the travel in PH and other countries is possible because of proximity and more time off from work.

How would you describe your quality and way of life as an international educator?

So far, I have received six professional development opportunities in four different countries. We have stayed in an indigenous rice terrace village. We have many plans including scuba certification, sailing lessons, and traveling to several new countries each year.

Any other thoughts you’d like to share?

This change of life can be scary, but ISS helps dissolve the fears and help make the dream reality.

Left: View of the Philippines Right: The Johnson family

Scenery from the Johnsons’ travels

Our many thanks to the Johnsons for sharing these reflections! We’re so glad to hear it’s been a rewarding journey, and look forward to seeing more adventures ahead. You can follow their journey on Instagram at @abroadjumpers

Do you love being an international educator? Share your why here!

Interested in teaching abroad? The ISS job fair season is an excellent way to network with international school recruiters — with both in-person and virtual events coming up! Learn more here, or register for individual fairs below: