Job Discussion Forums

[Jonikiro]

Quick introduction: My name's Matt. I was born in Southern California, but moved to Illinois around the age of 7. I'm a native English speaker (don't speak a word of Spanish, sadly). Having graduated college with a degree in Communications, I decided to get a CELTA to teach English abroad.

Thing is, in all the websites and blogs I've seen (nay, even on my own CELTA course!), I was the only Hispanic teacher! This may seem like a silly observation, but I'm a little bit concerned that employers abroad may have the idea that English teachers are usually white (which is certainly the impression I got). If they were to know I was Hispanic, would that hurt my resume/chances teaching abroad? Indeed, would that damage others' perceptions of me in foreign countries? Could I pass off as Italian if needed, or is my heritage something I should embrace over seas?

As you can see, I'm a bit paranoid about this. In fact, I feel quite silly even bringing it up. Nevertheless, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[spiral78]

You're American, man. You are not hispanic. You may have hispanic ancestry, but you are a bonafide American. Americans come in more than one colour, as do Brits, Aussies, Kiwis, Canadians, and other native English speakers.

Savvy employers in most regions are aware of that these days. And the brutal truth is that if they are looking for blonde/blue, you won't fit their bill, but honestly that should be pretty rare!!

What regions of the world are you thinking of teaching in? Asia tends to be (from what I hear - I've never been there) more hung up on looks than most places, but I think that even there, native speakers of a variety of colours are getting pretty common. In other regions, I wouldn't think you'd have any significant problems.

[BadBeagleBad]

I am Hispanic, and have never had a problem getting a job in the US, Guatemala or Mexico. I did have someone call once, apparently to hear my accent, but all my education from High School on was in the US, so I even put High School on my resume. If it has ever been an issue I have not been aware of it. And I have a name that is the Hispanic version of Jane Doe, there is NO mistaking it. On the other hand, in a lot of countries I don�t think they will even make the distinction and as Spiral pointed out, it�s going to be your passport that is important. Where are you going to be looking for work?

[Jonikiro]

Thanks for the replies. I'm glad that my American status will generally come before my racial status. I'm certainly open to teaching anywhere, but my original goal was SE Asia, as I heard it was fairly friendly for those new to traveling abroad (this is my first time overseas). As much as I'd like to teach in South America, the crime in that area has done a lot in dissuading me. I'm certainly torn between the two areas.

[naturegirl321]

Not hispanic, but have a Spanish last name and was hired from a Spanish speaking country and look Spanish. I can tell you first hand it DOES go against you.

I've had peopel ask me how I learned English, when my parents immigrated to the US (my mom's from eastern Europe, but came over when she was 1; English is her only language. My family has NO hispanic heritage and has been in the US for over a century), what my native language is and compliment my English skills.

On my CV I have where I was born, US, and include my passport often with it.

Sometimes it's ok, but sometime interviewers go over the line and I've told people that I wanted to stop the interview because of it.

That's not to say that all people will be like that, but keep in mind some will. At least that's the case when I interviewed for jobs in China, korea, Taiwan, and Japan.

[MotherF]

Heck, I'm all freckly and I don't think I look the slightest bit Latina, and I've had people compliment my on my English skills!

You're certainly not the only hispanic. And crime in Mexico is really not all that bad.

[Jonikiro]

Good morning, folks. Sorry for the late reply. It was time to hit the hay and I've just woken up.

Naturegirl, I'm sorry to hear about your negative experiences, but I can't tell you how reassuring it is to know that I'm not the only English teacher in this position. South America is looking more and more reasonable as a starting point in my ESL career.

MotherF, you, too, have helped out. I'm interested in your knowledge of Latin America in general. From what I know, crime is the worst in Brazil and the surrounding area. Do you happen to know in which South American countries it would be safest to look for employment?

[naturegirl321]

[Isla Guapa]

I wonder if problems Americans of Hispanic descent may have in certain parts of the world come from having a Spanish name or brown skin or both. Although I'm a pale Jewish person from the States, I wonder what would happen if I married a Mexican and took his last name. Would I have problems finding work in, say, Korea? This is just a theoretical question, mind you. Just curious . . .

[BadBeagleBad]

[naturegirl321]

[spiral78]

[naturegirl321]

[Jonikiro]

Good research, Naturegirl. There's a lot of sociological interest in how factors (such as names) can affect first impressions, especially in the field of employment where so many CV's are simply glanced at due to their high volume.

Spiral, I'm glad to hear that you haven't had any issues with your nationality or heritage. I could certainly understand, however, if an employer looking for a Native English speaker ran across the name "Martinez" on a CV and took pause.

In some countries, they may not know the difference between a Mexican, Black, or English name. It all looks foreign to them, so it may not be a problem. As both you and Naturegirl have pointed out, sometimes these things happen, sometimes they don't. Nevertheless, I believe that it's an interesting topic that deserves some critical thought.

[naturegirl321]