Job Discussion Forums

squirrel2go · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 15 Location: Las Vegas Nevada

So, since all this stuff about appearances is really serious... here's a question.

I happen to have "the look"... blond/blue, hair might be a bit longish, but not long really... and I'm young and look it i guess. Some are saying youth is important, so I guess I am lucky.

So heres my question... what about a person, a male in particular, who is gettin older but still LOOKS real young? My brother is 37 now, not old i know but maybe getting there for some of the standards u talked about here. But he looks easily mid 20's. So is age discrimination an issuse if a candidate looks young? I am gonna teach in Europe this year, but my bro is interested now too. Any opinions on reality vs. appearance in this area?

guangho · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 476 Location: in transit

What are his qualifications? This picture game is usually played in places that do not demand much in terms of experience or education from their teachers.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

squirrel2go · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 15 Location: Las Vegas Nevada

qualifications... he has a bachelors (not in english, but i forget what he graduated in! lol!), and some bits n pieces of experience but never in a full fledged language program. I am gonna take the CELTA in a few months and if it goes well and seems to matter, he may follow me in that.

But basically, i was mostly thinking in terms of appearance and discrimination, since the implication here has been that mayny countries are only interested in young, white, almost nordic-looking teachers, regardless of certs and whatnot.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Didn't you say you want to teach in Europe?
While it's common to include a photo on your CV for European jobs, they are usually just checking that you look like a professional - they aren't giving hiring preference to blondes under 25. The only 'discrimination' you are likely find in Europe is EU hiring laws.

squirrel2go · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 15 Location: Las Vegas Nevada

thanks... i kinda figured it would be ok for me. But I am asking for my bro too. More than likely he will not even pursue this as seriously as I intend to, but it was just a question that seemed worth looking into as I read through this particular thread. And his interest is more the eastern countries and south america... he spent some time there in the military. Myself, I have been only to Europe and I hear ya... its a different game there. I am sure i will be ok, they want the qualification. If anything ppl have told me my age and inexperience will work against me more than for me, which is why the idea that some countries treat youth and appearance as qualifications in themselves is pretty surprising to me.

But thanks for weighing in to all who have. As usual, these boards are a real wealth of info for us newbies!