Job Discussion Forums

[mracine]

I was born in Korea and was adopted at an early age to a white family in Michigan. English is my native and only language.

I was trying to get into the Jet program but did not get accepted. I have about 3 years experience teaching English, a non related bachelors degree, and will have a TEFL certificate soon. I plan to go Japan in August.

I'm am currently living in Thailand and can't make most of the interview for the bigger companies in the US. This only allows me to apply for smaller schools. Although I didn't have too much problems getting a job in Thailand and Korea, I feel I might have some difficulties in Japan.

Do you think it's best for me to wait until I get to Japan to look for a job or search online for one first. I'm currently looking at Dave's for possible jobs. Do you think my race will be a major problem for me?

Thanks

[Shiggy]

I don't know. Why would it?

Are you under the impression that white people are given precedence?

[Deep Thirteen]

You'll be able to find something if it is meant for you.

If you can find jobs in Korea and you are of Asian descent, then you'll be fine in Japan. But just as in Korea, there are schools that are only looking for one type of look. It's not a universal thing though. The larger companies tend to be diverse in their teachers I've found. You could try applying to some of them if you are in Japan.

[Glenski]

[mracine]

[lenoreelux]

[Deep Thirteen]

I can speak firsthand on that since I'm experiencing it now Generally the Japanese are very nice when they find out you don't speak the language fluently (at least the ones I've met), but since I've gotten here, I've had to use my limited ability at the language everytime I come into contact with someone.

[Bread]

[Cool Teacher]

I think the answer is difficult because it depensd on the place you go. Most ot the time I don't think it is diffcilut to find a job for Asians because there are many places who welcome Asians. It is sometimes a little difficult if the school likes to market it's exotic ideas about learning English I suppose.

I think that if a school was going to teach certain things then maybe they worry about the preconceptions involved. Like, if a person is only a housewife and wants to learn English she might think this the way that she is thinking about learning an exotic thing. If she turns up and her teacher is Japanese but teaching her Irish dancing, or Italinan cooking or how to play the digeridoo then she might think that it isn't waht she thought or ecpected. It wouldn't eb like racist but she just likes the hobby or something.

I once had a job interview but I didn't geet the job because my accent wasn't American English. It does happen but don't worry too mush because I think it is mostly rare.

But if you have an Americna accent then maybe you have an advantage over the non-Americans!!

[Shiggy]

White. Male. American accent. I should be the perfect candidate.

In the United States, you have it made if you're a black female. Hehe.

[starteacher]

Correct me if I am wrong, mracine, but is it the image of being Korean or connected to Korea, to be in Japan concerning you ? After all when you introduce yourself, you will have to say that you are of Korean descent when anyone approaches you. Well, you do the same whenyou are at home, right ?

[Apsara]

[Deep Thirteen]

[seklarwia]

[starteacher]

Let's see what mracine has to say.