Job Discussion Forums

shadwag · Joined: 25 Apr 2012 Posts: 1

Hello. I'm 37 and from the U.S. I have bachelor's and master's but neither in teaching. I'm looking to try teaching ESL abroad in Korea or China, starting in about 10 months.

I'm getting mixed information on teaching in Korea without a clean criminal history. I recently plead guilty to a disorderly conduct charge (in a neighboring state) that is a misdemeanor. I've read more minor offenses have been overlooked in Korea, in some instances. In others, I've read it's a 100% deal breaker. Does this disqualify Korea for me?

For getting certified ahead of time, I've been considering this. Does it look like a legit program or not worth the money? Can you get a higher salary for having this with no other experience? https://www.oxfordseminars.com/city/washington-d-c/

I'm in the very early stages of the process but want to get things moving as 10 months will slide by quickly. Any insights are appreciated.

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

The ONLY thing that matters is what is reported on your FBI clearance check.

Get one.

Until you see what it actually says, EVERYTHING is pure speculation.

If it reports "no record found" then you are good to go.

If there is anything else on it then Korea, Taiwan, China, Vietnam and others are off of your list (for legal work). Try central America.

.

alonzo9772 · Joined: 23 Sep 2016 Posts: 55

Go ahead and do the FBI criminal background check. If nothing comes up, that gives you a thumbs up to go ahead and begin your ESL career. However, if it does show up in the report, that means you can not go through with it. Korean and Chinese consulates are strict with not allowing people with a background of criminal activity to teach children.