Job Discussion Forums

majestic58 · Joined: 08 Aug 2011 Posts: 19 Location: Canada

Hello! I'm a Canadian female who will be graduating with a BA in linguistics and I'm looking to spend some time overseas teaching English after getting my CELTA. My question is, will my being overweight make it impossible to find a job? I'm looking mainly at Asia at the moment but haven't narrowed it down further than that. Any input (other than "just lose the weight you slob") would be greatly appreciated. Smile

scholar · Joined: 18 May 2012 Posts: 159

All other things being equal, a thin candidate might get the job, but most schools can't be that choosy. You should be fine.

Primary factors are that you have the skin color they want, come from a native-English-speaking country, have a bachelor's degree (so they can secure a visa), and don't have obvious physical problems such as a lame leg. Secondary factors are age, weight, gender, general attractiveness, certificates, and advanced degrees.

Most schools can only worry about the primary factors.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 6:31 pm Post subject:

Dunno. I advise just have a few drinks. Get the interviewers to have a few shots too. Can't go wrong after that. At least, that is how I hire staff - and they all seemed just swimming at the time!

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 6:31 pm Post subject:

I believe that's how I got my job too, come to think of it...

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

HK_GURU · Joined: 17 Nov 2011 Posts: 26

Sadly it will ne a big negative for you in Asia. The Asian markets (which are varied in themselves) discriminate when hiring foreign teachers based on age, race, weight and looks. This is not to say that you will not find a job but you should know from the start that it may well make things harder. You will certainly need to develop a thick skin too as Koreans and Chinese have no hesitation in calling you fat, rubbing your stomach, etc. good luck.

Jbhughes · Joined: 01 Jul 2010 Posts: 254

Add Vietnam to the list. Plenty of belly rubbing here, too.

Having lost a little weight recently, one of the students in the school called me thin, just can't win sometimes!

contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

ancient_dweller · Joined: 12 Aug 2010 Posts: 415 Location: Woodland Bench

majestic58 · Joined: 08 Aug 2011 Posts: 19 Location: Canada

I was simply curious if experienced FTs had seen this kind of discrimination where they are working. I certainly am working to remedy my personal situation, but didn't think it would hurt to ask questions. My query had nothing to do with low self esteem or lack of confidence, it was simply a question. Smile

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I've worked with several teachers over the years who might have been considered to have weight issues (is that a polite way to put it? I don't want to be judgemental in any way - weight is a totally personal issue IMO and far outside anyone's right to judge).

The teachers I know have taught in a variety of regions, including Asia, North America, and Europe. All happen to be absolutely excellent instructors and have high-level qualifications, and so far as I know have not faced any serious discrimination. I mean, to be heavy is in no way outside the norm, nor does it generally affect a teacher's classroom - why should you or anyone give it a second thought?

tttompatz

Aristede · Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Posts: 180

I worked with a teacher in China who had been fired from her previous job with EF because of her weight. They told her this flat-out, but then denied it later. She ended up getting fired from our school too, but due to student complaints unrelated to her weight. According to her, the school's receptionists sometimes poked her belly like she was the Pillsbury Dough Boy.

I heard stories from other teachers about students telling them to their faces that they needed to lose weight. None of them ever said it to me, though--or I should say, at least not in English. Smile

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 11:01 am Post subject:

Look, everybody just have a drink. Stop eating food. You'll feel much better and relaxed. You may even shed a few stone into the bargain. Vodka is the new Slimfast! : )

Hic!

Zimmer · Joined: 26 Oct 2011 Posts: 229

I've known a lot of people here in China who would be considered overweight by Chinese standards, quite a few who would be considered overweight by western standards, and a few who would qualify as obese. None of them had any problems getting or holding a job as far as I know.
The only real problem I could see is if the school thought you may be a health concern or were unable to do your job.