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PeterDragon
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 50
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 Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 6:43 am Post subject: Tainted FBI CBC, clean state CBC--- countries to apply to? |
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So I've been teaching ESL for several years now, currently in America, but started out in Korea. Korea has started requiring FBI background checks for their public school system, so I ordered mine, just to see if anything bad was on it. (I can still get back into Korea and do freelance work as the spouse of a Korean, but would quite franly prefer to work someplace else at this point.)
As I feared it might, my FBI background check contains an arrest record, as I was arrested and charged with a crime three times in the last 10 years (long, stupid story). My state background check is clean because said arrests did not result in convictions.
Which countries have a hard and fast requirement for an FBI background check? Of those countries, which ones might be willing to actually read my FBI check (which indicates dismissed charges), rather than rejecting me outright for anything short of "no record"?
Which countries have employers that will only ask for a state background check, making my life much, much simpler? I know Vietnam is one of them, and some Western European countries do actually look at the age and nature of the items on FBI checks. What does the rest of East Asia, The Middle East, Latin America, or Europe look like on this front? |
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tttompatz
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
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| Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:58 am Post subject: |
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The only that are hard and fast about it are Korea and Taiwan (for legal work visas).
ALL the others in Asia will accept a state check (as long as you are resident in said state) at the time of your visa application.
Most don't ask for a check unless you are applying from within Canada, USA or UK. (consuls in North America and the UK are starting more and more to ask and some require a check before they issue a visa as a teacher).
If you are applying from abroad (a 3rd country - not your home country or the country you are going to) they don't usually ask.
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 1:44 pm Post subject: |
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I presume you are a US citizen, and therefore most of Western Europe isn't in the cards anyway, on that basis alone.
In the past, central/eastern European countries usually asked only for state criminal record. You might be ok there - but keep in mind that it's a very competitive job market, not comparable with conditions in Korea at all. |
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fladude
Joined: 02 Feb 2009
Posts: 432
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| Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 9:46 pm Post subject: |
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| I've been told mixed things about Taiwan. I have heard that you must have a CBC (criminal background check) but that a conviction does not automatically disqualify you unless its something really serious. At least that's what I was told about a year ago when I was applying for jobs in that region. I did not try to pursue any of the job offers though that I received (after informing them of my 1991 misdemeanor), because I decided to focus on becoming an international teacher instead of doing the ESL route. It might be one of those situations where it depends on who you ask and who your employer is. |
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PeterDragon
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 50
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 12:15 am Post subject: |
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| spiral78 wrote: |
I presume you are a US citizen, and therefore most of Western Europe isn't in the cards anyway, on that basis alone.
In the past, central/eastern European countries usually asked only for state criminal record. You might be ok there - but keep in mind that it's a very competitive job market, not comparable with conditions in Korea at all. |
Well, I was also thinking of Russia, which is quasi-European. In addition, I'm looking at possibly getting my teaching certificate, and almost done with my MA TESOL. These credentials combined open up a few loopholes here and there in EU employment exclusivity, provided I can get around my criminal record problem. I've looked into (non-EU) Norway and found that I'm noy barred from employment there, for example, either by my citizenship or my... colorful CBC. Unfortunately, not a lot of jobs there. When I get more time, I suppose I should repost this question in some region and country specific forums. Thanks to everyone who's weighed in, and thanks in advance to anyone else who gives me advice on this thread. |
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PeterDragon
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 50
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 12:16 am Post subject: |
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| fladude wrote: |
| I decided to focus on becoming an international teacher instead of doing the ESL route. It might be one of those situations where it depends on who you ask and who your employer is. |
OP--- I've been thinking of shifting into the "International Teacher" venue as well. Is that field a little more forgiving to people haunted by old misdemeanors? |
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tttompatz
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 1:11 am Post subject: |
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| PeterDragon wrote: |
| fladude wrote: |
| I decided to focus on becoming an international teacher instead of doing the ESL route. It might be one of those situations where it depends on who you ask and who your employer is. |
OP--- I've been thinking of shifting into the "International Teacher" venue as well. Is that field a little more forgiving to people haunted by old misdemeanors? |
It actually tends to be less forgiving than immigration departments are but you may still be able to get by with just a "state level" CBC rather than an FBI one.
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fladude
Joined: 02 Feb 2009
Posts: 432
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 4:14 am Post subject: |
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| PeterDragon wrote: |
OP--- I've been thinking of shifting into the "International Teacher" venue as well. Is that field a little more forgiving to people haunted by old misdemeanors? |
I tend to think that it is, which is one reason that I went that route. (the other being that I prefer to teach Social Studies). Although it really depends on your context. It is less forgiving of people without real degrees or licenses. You have to get licensed by a State and get some work experience (two years is the norm). Admittedly, good paying jobs in ESL will require similar credentials. But it would be easier, I think, to get an entry level ESL job than an entry level job as an international teacher. To work at an international school you have to get licensed and get experience in the state system (two years of contract teaching... not subbing).
I know that none of the US based States in which I am licensed have cared about my criminal record (which is minor but still a record). They were all well aware of it. And I was able to get a teaching job in the USA which I worked for two years and have been offered a job overseas, albeit in South America. But I didn't choose SA because of the record, but rather because I am from Florida and wanted to learn Spanish and be a short plane flight from home.
Edited to add: It is extremely important that you disclose these things though. If you try to hide it on a State licensing application.. then you will have serious issues and may even be prosecuted (probably not but it is possible even if I don't know of anyone who has been). That would be the real end of your teaching career. I know that all the states will double check with an FBI background check and if anything comes up... Most states run their own check. Florida has you come in and they scan your thumb and then a computer handles it. And I know for a fact that Florida uses NICS. So if there is anything on your FBI check then they will know about it. |
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AGoodStory
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 738
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 3:18 pm Post subject: |
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| I've looked into (non-EU) Norway and found that I'm noy barred from employment there, for example, either by my citizenship or my... colorful CBC. Unfortunately, not a lot of jobs there. |
Norway is one of three non-EU members of the Schengen zone. |
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Sashadroogie
Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Posts: 11061
Location: Moskva, The Workers' Paradise
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 3:29 pm Post subject: |
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| Russia sounds like your best bet in Europe. (For it is Europe - no quasi about it. Just not in the EU.) Absolutely no criminal checks, that I know of at least. However, the visa process is a joy that needs to be experienced to be believed... |
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jpvanderwerf2001
Joined: 02 Oct 2003
Posts: 1117
Location: New York
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| Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 12:53 am Post subject: |
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If you plan to stay in Russia (meaning get residency, a so on), you will need a background check. However, I just got one from the courthouse in the town where I grew up; hardly the FBI 
Anyway, in general, Sasha is right--Russia shouldn't be a problem. |
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