Job Discussion Forums

[Springbokkie]

Hi there,

I am a 23 years old South African female newbie (of Indian descent), degreed, native English speaker with no ESL teaching experience/ certification. (I plan to work on the TEFL certification bit before I leave home). I am keen to do ESL teaching in S.Korea, Taiwan or Japan.

I have heard that it is difficult for a non-white person in S. Korea. Apparently it is difficult to get a job if you're not white, and the kids don't take you seriously. I am looking for advice from other people of colour teaching in Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Have you faced any problems/ incidents because of your colour? etc

Thanx!

[Glenski]

My African-American co-worker (35 years old) has never had a problem of any kind in the 10 years he has worked in Japan. He was even a manager of a Linguaphone branch, and he is married to a Japanese woman.

[Jeff Mohamed]

The fact that you are of Indian descent shouldn't cause you any serious problems if you live and teach in the countries you mention. You probably will encounter some racism but, as I'm sure you already know, you probably will encounter some racism anywhere you go.

A bigger problem may be your South African citizenship. I believe that several Asian countries will not issue work permits/visas for EFL teachers who hold passports from certain English-speaking countries. You may want to contact the Japanese, Taiwanese and Korean embassies/consulates to clarify the work permit/visa situation.

[scot47]

Here in Saudi Arabia I know of several instances where South Africans who were clearly native speakers were refused employment after an interview. In all cases the reason was not skin colour but because "they have a strange accent".

Saudis have their own idiosyncratic idea of what a native speaker is. I guess that holds true in Japan, Korea and China too.

And in saudi there is generally tolerance towards the Afro-American teacher in the classroom but great hostility to those who are perceived of as from India or Pakistan.

[Roger]

China has become a major abode for South African refugees. The major problem is that most people here are terribly ignorant and expect a SOuth African to be black, poor and backward - worse than themselves. In fact, they have no idea that the RSA is a multicultural country. I have family ties to the RSA and lived there for quite some time too though I have no passport from there - lucky me!
In your case, being a native English speaker may work in your favour, but being a native from the RSA could in some cases be a liability!
However, you may take some comfort from the fact that some schools here employ NIgerians.

[Springbokkie]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies. I have researched ESL teaching in S.Korea, Japan, Taiwan & China, and being South African shouldn't pose too much of a problem in terms of obtaining a visa. I know of many South African's teaching in Asia. I am more worried about the race issue- have heard of a few scary stories of kids laughing at their teachers, just because they were different.

Glenksi - I have heard that the Japanese are very tolerant. I am more interested in hearing from people in South Korea though - as it is very likely that I'll be teaching there.

As for Saudi, I have no real interest in teaching there as I do not have the relevant qualifications anyway.

[KateCee]

Hi Springbokkie,

I'm Canadian of Indian origin. I worked in Saudi & experienced no problem there at all. Then again, maybe it was because I was an RN with the American Oil Company.

I'm in China right now and had looked into Japan & Taiwan before I got here. I found no problem with Japan, but can't say the same for Taiwan. Do a search on "Dewey" & you'll find my experience on the Taiwan branch. I gave up Japan 'cos I personally didn't fancy the eikawa style of teaching & that is pretty much the only way to get started there without a B.Ed.

I'm aware that this thread is 3 weeks old, but I hope it will help you in some way.

Good luck...do you still need it?

Kate