At Erudito Lyceum, students don’t just learn about the world—they learn from it. That’s because our educators are international teachers who bring a wealth of experience from countries as varied as South Korea, Hungary, Kuwait, the United States, and China. These “traveling teachers” stay for several years before continuing their journeys to new schools and countries. And while frequent rotation might seem like a challenge, at Erudito, it’s one of our greatest strengths.

To explore the true value of this global teaching model, we spoke to three of our current international educators:

Eric Francis Saa, History and Geography Teacher

Alina Zorina, International Program Primary School Teacher

Katalin Baldi, Environmental Systems and Societies Teacher

Their stories show how global teachers bring unique experiences, resilience, and a deep capacity to connect with students from all backgrounds.

Life on the Move: What It Means to Be a Traveling Teacher

Being a traveling teacher goes far beyond changing jobs—it means building a new life every few years. The process includes logistical challenges, emotional transitions, and cultural discoveries.

“Working as a traveling teacher is both an adventure and a lesson in adaptability,” says Alina Zorina. “From researching schools and attending international job fairs to applying for visas and learning new customs—it’s a journey of both logistics and self-discovery.”

Eric Francis Saa describes it more bluntly: “It’s probably the hardest part! First comes finding the right balance—location, job duties, and school culture. Then you deal with the bureaucracy. The visa process is always your first introduction to a country,” he jokes. “Luckily, Lithuania was smoother than others.”

Katalin Baldi, who has a background as a university lecturer and visiting professor, adds: “I’ve been invited to give intensive courses across Europe—usually in English, even when it’s not the national language. What amazes me is how eager students are to engage in English, especially when it’s their only class taught in it.”

And what happens once you land in a new country?

“You start over,” says Eric. “New apartment, new friends, new favorite grocery store. But once school starts, there’s a comfort in the routine. Teaching brings familiarity.”

Why We Teach Abroad: Passion, Curiosity, and Purpose

Each of these teachers had their own reasons for stepping into international education—and their own motivations for continuing.

“I’ve always loved traveling,” says Katalin Baldi. “Teaching abroad lets me explore a new city, a new geological formation, or a new fossil collection. It’s intellectual curiosity combined with adventure.”

For Eric, it was a life shift: “I spent 10 years working with the U.S. government and pursuing a Master’s degree. But I always wanted to teach Humanities. International teaching gave me the chance to pursue that dream and experience the world in a deeper way.”

Alina saw international education as a form of connection. “Teaching abroad was always a dream. Education is one of the most powerful ways to build bridges between cultures. Living and working internationally has made me more adaptable, more curious, and more reflective as a teacher.”

The Global Classroom: Skills Gained by Teaching Around the World

Every country has its own approach to education—and learning to adapt makes these teachers stronger, more empathetic educators.

“In South Korea,” says Alina, “students had an incredible work ethic and drive. I had to adjust my own standards to match their dedication, while still protecting their well-being.”

In Romania, she learned to be resilient. “Teaching during COVID lockdowns in the mountains taught me to be creative with remote learning. And being surrounded by nature helped me understand the importance of balance—for teachers and students.”

Katalin reflects on how teaching in different countries shaped her communication style: “In some places, students communicate via email. In others, it’s WhatsApp or walking into a room mid-lesson! In France, the best way to reach students was during the long lunch breaks. You really have to learn the rhythm of each place.”

For Eric, international teaching pushed him to grow professionally and personally. “You’re constantly learning. Every new culture, every school system adds to your toolkit. And the cultural context deepens the meaning of your lessons—especially in subjects like History and Geography.”

Cultural Connection in the Classroom

Perhaps the biggest reward of international teaching is working with students from diverse backgrounds.

“You have to adapt constantly,” says Eric Francis Saa. “Each student brings a unique set of experiences—based on their culture, their language, and where they’ve lived. It’s never the same group twice.”

Alina agrees: “Diverse classrooms force you to become a more responsive teacher. I design lessons that include multiple perspectives, and I leave space for students to bring their own traditions into the conversation. It builds trust and curiosity.”

Katalin adds: “I’ve learned to tailor examples to student backgrounds. Snow and ice don’t mean anything to students from tropical climates, so I change the context. And then there are the practical lessons—like teaching new arrivals from warm countries how to survive a Lithuanian winter. It’s not just about academics—it’s about life skills, too!”

Stories That Stay With You

These teachers may stay only a few years in each country—but the impact they make is lasting.

“One of my most touching moments,” recalls Katalin, “was teaching high school students for the first time. On the last day, I said goodbye and tried to leave, but they all lined up—youngest to oldest—to give me a hug. It broke the ‘no touching’ rule, but it was worth it!

Eric recalls traveling across China by train. “My wife and I planned a route from the western fort of the Great Wall back to our city near Shanghai. We saw places you’d never visit on holiday. When you live in a place, you see its real soul—and you bring that richness back into your teaching.”

For Alina, the memories are layered with culture: “Watching the sunset over Kuwait Towers during Ramadan… hiking volcanic trails in South Korea’s Jeju Island… the peaceful Romanian mountains during lockdown—these moments have made me a more grounded and global teacher.”

A School That Celebrates Global Teaching

At Erudito Lyceum, we see teacher rotation not as a challenge—but as an opportunity.

Every teacher brings a fresh perspective. Every few years, students meet someone who has lived in a different part of the world, speaks multiple languages, and sees education through a global lens. These are not just teachers; they are cultural ambassadors, role models, and mentors.

“In Vilnius,” says Alina, “I found a city full of history and creativity—and a school that values inquiry, inclusion, and innovation. It’s exactly the kind of place international teachers thrive.”

Eric sums it up simply: “You don’t just teach a curriculum. You teach connection, adaptability, and curiosity. And that stays with students long after the teacher moves on.”

Short-Term Teachers, Long-Term Benefits

Yes, some of our international teachers may move on—but they leave behind something enduring: broader minds, deeper empathy, and a more global outlook in our students.

Their stories remind us that education is not confined to textbooks or tests. At Erudito Lyceum, global mobility is not a disruption—it’s a superpower.