Job Discussion Forums

[patchwork]

hi all,

I'm worried that my Indian name (my dad is from India) will make employers not want to even give me an interview. I am white, though, as my mom is Italian/French-Canadian.

Taiwan is a place I'd really like to teach. Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are also places I'd like to visit/teach in but this website is making think they are so racist there that my indian name will screw me over.

My english is perfect and I'm getting a Trinity cert next month as well.


Any thougts?

[Ki]

Don't worry. Your white face is much more important than your Indian name in Taiwan.

To get any decent job in Taiwan (ie non-recruiter, non-chain) you need to be IN Taiwan. When you go looking for jobs your (white) face will be seen well before your surname is mentioned. Always say you are Canadian and have the appropriate passport. If you do send something via email such as your resume send them your photo as well.

But really though, I doubt the average Taiwanese would be able to tell an Indian name from a European one. You could say your Dad is Italian and they probably wouldn't know the difference but it probably won't even come up in conversation.
Ki.

[Taylor]

Dear Readers,

I completely agree with everything Ki said. (Good post!) Having lived in Kaohsiung for 7 years, I can assure the original poster--Patchwork--that most people in Taiwan are so clueless about names that it is a non-issue.

Everyone will call you by your first name or your nickname anyway! Best wishes.

Sincerely,
Taylor

[patchwork]

Taylor,

I hope so!

My friend is from Taichung, and she told me it would be nice to go there.

[matchstick_man]

I wouldn't worry too much. I have an Indian South African friend who is teaching here and he has been here a number of years. He has however been told he is too black for some jobs but landed a job he is very happy with.