Job Discussion Forums

[icebear]

Not to rehash a recent topic, but I've had trouble finding information specifically related to my situation. I've read that a white face is the main qualification in China for teachers, but I'm wondering just how white. To be specific, my mother is originally from Colombia, SA, and my father is from Ohio (so he's as white as...white). The bottom line is I tan easily and have a bit darker complexion, but personally I don't consider myself to be extremely dark (or really dark at all). I'm asking because a friend of mine who also is researching teaching in China asked me yesterday "So are you white enough to be 'white'?" and I figured it couldn't hurt to ask...

Some pictures to make me feel incredibly foolish about even asking:





Hmm, after looking at the pictures all I can think is "Damn they must really be sticklers (in China) if this won't fly."

I guess along these same lines... when submiting a resume with a picture, should it be a portrait, casual, photo shoot, action shot, etc?

Thanks for humoring me.

[Kilroy]

I'd say you're fine... you're "white enough". Appearance wise you're OK.

Any of those photos would be fine... it's in color, and it needn't be something "formal". Just make sure to specify which one you are if you send them a picture with more than one person on it, especially the one with you and the other guy on it as well. It's probably better to use a picture with only you on it, then there can be no confusion. Heaven knows, it's easy to confuse the Chinese...

Good luck...

[Shurpa]

I second Kilroy on that! Send them a picture of you at your "whitest", heh!
Although I think that the Chinese are sticklers for you not being Asian...

I have a friend who took his TEFL course here in Montreal and he wanted to teach in China but was rejected at 7 of the 10 jobs he applied for, after they found out he was Asian... his father was from Hong Kong and his mom from Quebec city...he spoke absolutely no Chinese and had a small knowledge of Chinese history and wanted to enlarge it by teaching in China. His prominent Asian features gave him away, the same features that got him the girls!!
He decided to head for Latin America and I have not seen him since!(2 years ago) His emails confirm that he is enjoying himself tremendously!

[saint57]

Hey Iceman,

First of all, I recognize that you're at a very famous skateboarding spot. I'm from Canada but I always see that in videos. I know it's in Cali but wht is it called. Anyways, all of my grandparents were born in Canada but I'm much less "white" looking than you. I worked in both China and Korea. After I graduate from my B.Ed program I'm off to Malaysia. I never had a problem getting my full-time jobs. However, I've had a few difficulties.

The first strange event was in Korea when I went to meet a woman about a part-time gig. Her first words to me were, "You don't look white, you look...... Korean." I have been mistaken for many things except East Asian. I believe she wanted to say, "You look Arab" but she stopped short and said Korean so as not to offend me too much. I never heard back from her.

The other strange event happened half-way through my time in China. I took a trip to Thailand during Spring Festival. I spent a lot of time cooking myself in shallow water. Upon my return anyone could be excused for mistaking me for Guyanese or East Indian. The students were shocked. One (otherwise) very good student referred to me as "Black Saint57" for the rest of my time at the school. Even if you have blond hair and blue eyes you will be treated like an alien from some Chinese people.

My conclusion is that no school that requires more than a weekend TESL certificate will deny you based on your skin tone. If a school discriminates against you based on skin tone, then they have done you a favour. Even people with blond hair and blue eyes will find many difficulties in Asia.

[william wallace]

nil

[Babala]

I think people make too much of the "white" thing. I think what country your passport says is alot more important. We have non-white teachers at my school. I think it's more difficult if you are not from US, AUS, CAN, UK, NZ or if you are of Asian descent.

[guruengerish]

the one point not raised so far (thankfully) has been religion.

I was at a school in Jakarta, where a very good teacher, and popular with everyone, let it be known to his class that he was Jewish.

After the class, a few of the students went to the front desk and complained.
They didn't want to be taught by one of these guys!

Fortunately, common-sense prevailed, the objectors changed classes, and there were no further complaints.

I refrain from further comment

[Louras]

Bring that girl with and tell me where you intend to teach.

[Mysterious Mark]

Some schools care more than others about these details. They might give you a lower salary, without telling you, if they consider you non-white. I'd say you're at your "whitest" in pictures 1 and 2. The lighting in number 3 makes you stand out compared to the other person, and your facial features come across differently every time. Anyway, if they ask for a picture, which they usually do, send a good one in case they're looking for things other than ethnicity. A simple headshot is fine. Dress well and look mature, but not so serious that they think you never smile.

[mondrian]

[icebear]