My Story
Hi, I'm Melba Ande
I'm a proud mom of 4 amazing kids and the founder of TeachAbroad — the platform built specifically to help Filipino teachers land jobs in the USA and New Zealand.
Like many Filipino educators, I know firsthand what it feels like to work incredibly hard in the classroom and still worry about whether your salary will stretch to the end of the month. Teaching is one of the most important professions in the world — and for too long, Filipino teachers have been underpaid for the enormous value they bring.
"I didn't build TeachAbroad because I read about the problem. I built it because I lived it — and I know exactly what it takes to turn a Filipino teaching career into an international one."
— Melba Ande, Founder of TeachAbroad
In 2022, I made the decision to stop accepting that teachers should struggle financially. I researched everything — US state licensing requirements, NACES credential evaluation, J-1 visas, New Zealand's Teaching Council registration, IELTS requirements — and I put it all in one place so that other teachers wouldn't have to piece it together from scattered, unreliable sources.
Since then, I've coached Filipino teachers through the exact process of qualifying, applying, and landing teaching jobs abroad. I've seen teachers go from ₱25,000/month in the Philippines to $5,000+/month in Texas — and I've been there every step of the way.
Every guide, template, and resource on TeachAbroad is built from real experience — not theory. I've done the research, verified the sources, and made the path as clear as possible so you can focus on what you do best: teaching.
🎓
Google AI Certified
Certified in AI fundamentals and applications for educators
🌏
International Teaching Coach
Helped dozens of teachers navigate USA & NZ licensing processes
📋
Visa & Credential Expert
Deep knowledge of J-1, H-1B, AEWV visas & NACES evaluation
🇵🇭
Filipino Educator
Speaks English, Bisaya, and Tagalog — coaches in all three
💡
Founder & CEO
The Creators University of America & TeachAbroad
📱
Digital Platform Builder
Built courses, guidebooks, apps & websites that support teachers globally
🤍 A Personal Note
You may notice I have two of my children in the photos here — my third is a little camera-shy! And our sweet Anna is in Heaven now, but she is always present in everything I do. Every step forward, every teacher I help — Anna is right there with us.
That's why I take this work seriously. When I help a teacher get to the USA or New Zealand, I'm not just helping them — I'm helping their whole family. Their children. Their parents. Their future. That weight never leaves me, and it's what drives me to make TeachAbroad as thorough, honest, and helpful as I possibly can.
Every guide is verified. Every resource is real. And every coaching call is personal.
Melba Ande 🤍
Founder, TeachAbroad · The Creators University of America
