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[flamethrower]

Hooray for me! My first post in Dave's ESL Cafe.

I know the answer to this question is probably in some FAQ somewhere but I am sick of trying to find it. It probably doesn't address my specific situation, anyhow. So here it goes...

This June I will finally finish my PhD and I am so excited! My PhD is in English Composition. Naturally, I have managed to rack up a pretty hefty sum in student loans, so I would like to work them off with a little stint overseas. My predecessors tell me I can make a pretty penny teaching English in Asia, but I am a little bit worried about the "racism" issue.

You see, I am Black --or more precisely, a "Cablinasian," as Tiger Woods might say. In fact, I kind of look like a cartoon version of Tiger Woods. So as a cartoony Tiger, I wonder what I might be getting myself into by carting my multicolored behind all the way over to the other side of the planet. And more specifically, in which country would I better fare? Taiwan or Korea? Thank you very much for your time and patience. Again, I realize this question has probably been asked before, but please humor a poor newbie.

[773]

Racism is rife in both Taiwan and Korea. Aside from that, pay in Taiwan is quite low, even at universities, and the benefits are nearly non-existent.

You could make far more $ and enjoy better expat benefits in the Middle East if you are willing to go there...

[TRUBADOUR]

I personally think that the race card is overplayed worldwide. Peeps here care about your race as much as they care about the appearance of their teacher. A truism, you may think. But I think that everyone's experience really depends on their actual teaching ability...

Those that ask for your photo may think that your apprerance counts against you, even though most schools (esp. in Korea at this time) are desperate for teachers. In Taiwan, they are desperate for good teachers. Sometimes they specify North American accents, sometimes Taiwanese passports.

I say that if you are a good teacher you need not worry. Everyone will agree it will depend on your experience and personal qualities. If you kick ass in your demo or in your first year, then it's not an issue. I've met black teachers in China, Korea and Taiwan. They have no problem, as far as I know, due to their race. They even have extra cudos. (anything that is 'unusual' has cudos).

It's really about your personality and your teaching ability. If either are unsuited to teaching ESL then you will be unable to find a decent job. That is why it may be harder to find one without experience in a relevant situation.

If you are a newbie, as it sounds like you are, then I suggest you cut your teeth where ever you can get a job (like everybody else has to) see if you can hack it, see if you are any good, see if you can excel; then we will be able to say wether you can get a jobor not.

'Racism' is an issue far all foreigners, regardless of 'race' or appearance.

[surreal_realism]

While some people seem to think that colored people will be accepted to work without any problems in Taiwan I know differently.

My school hired 2 males (through an agent) a few years back. They were almost mortified to find out that one was of Indian heritage and the other a colored man. Both were Canadian and native English speakers but the perception is that anyone not caucasion is not a native 'English' speaker. I think this goes more for the private schools rather than the public schools and universities.

Someone mentioned the wages here in Taiwan are not good. Again, I disagree. I used to clear 100,000 NTD a month here working my job and a few private lessons. Now I choose just to work my job and refuse private lessons. I still clear around 80000 NTD a month. Depending how you choose to live, (what kind of housing and what city you live in) you can save a fair chunk of cash or be sending it home to pay off bills.

Taipei is one of the most expensive places to live. Unless you live in one of the smaller cities outside of Taipei you will either be living in a shoebox sized studio apartment or be sharing a place with a handful of other people.

We all have our own opinions, but seeing as my BF is from Ghana - I see and live the racism daily.

In the end if a school is happy with your teaching demo, qualifications and your enthusiasm they should be able to see past anyones physical appearance.

Good Luck!

[JZer]

[surreal_realism]

MOD EDIT

Anywhere I live is home. You can choose to let racism bother you or let it go. Personally, I ignore it. The more you make an issue of it - the more reason you give those people to continue making their rude statements or actions. Ignore it and their interest in creating trouble will most likely disappear.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

This thread has now experienced edits and deletions. If and when this thread is unlocked, please stay on topic and avoid the personal attacks and extraneous arguments. If not, the thread will cease to exist and sanctions will be in order.