Korean Job Discussion Forums

MarionG · Joined: 14 Sep 2006

If anyone has questions about older teachers coming to Korea, I am definitely one of those and I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about the job prospects, attitude etc.

La Gringa · Joined: 21 Aug 2006

I'm in that group. I'm 53. And I'm sure that the group will grow larger as more of the baby boomers in the States get fed up and start looking for alternative incomes outside of the U.S.

So here are a few questions:

1. Are the Korean students open to having an older gringo as their teacher?
2. Is there a bias against hiring older teachers? I am thinking of just coming over to Korea to get a job once there, instead of getting it set up on this end beforehand. Could that be a problem?
3. Is the group of older teachers small/almost nil?
4. If so, how do you find people your age group (Korean or foreign) to hang out with?

I've lived all over the world so this whole thing of coming to Korea to teach is not a big deal except for not knowing the language. But that too shall come in time.

I will take ANY advice that you deem important.

Thanks!

K-in-C · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Heading somewhere

WisconsinMark · Joined: 09 Jun 2007

K-in-C · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Heading somewhere

WisconsinMark · Joined: 09 Jun 2007

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

I'm old, very old. My age can be a constant annoyance here, or positive, depending on my mood of the day. Koreans are Confucian to the bone. So they've to respect anyone who is 1 minute older than them.

So a lot of Hagwon bosses don't like to hire older teachers. They can't cheat them as easily as a 'younger' person. That said, I had 2 years in a Hagwon - and my age was only a problem when I asked for more holidays/etc. Then, I was too old. Funnily enough, the parents wanted an older teacher - and there was waiting lists for my classes.

I'm in Public School now. The kids don't disrespect me in any way. They're very well mannered - but I do try to be their friend and not a stern K teacher. Nobody plays around in my classes though - it's an English class. I suspect my public school would now like a younger (more maliable ) teacher. Us older guys know what we want - and ask for it.

You'll find being an older teacher here very tiring outside of school. Because EVERYTHING in Confucian society is based on age - every Korean you meet is going to treat you according to your age - not as a a 'person'. This is a real pain. You'll find it nigh impossible to make any lasting friendships because only older people will talk with you . Trouble is, most older people are conservative - married - and Confucian - so you'll have nothing in common with them. Younger, more open-minded (if that's possible) Koreans are usually very wary/over polite around older people - especially males.

So that's why many school discriminate against older teachers. That said, I like my job here - I like the kids - but I think there's no long-term future for an older teacher in Korea.

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

If you have experience teaching school back home then shooting for a International School job is probably your best bet (see: iss.edu)

wanderingsalsero · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Location: Houston, TX.

Well actually, it is and it isn't. But I thought it was interesting to even see the question here on the board. I had the same question when I first became interested in the Korean ESL thing. I'm 63 in July....but most people peg me as being in my 40's.

I'm flying into Incheon this Wednesday to go to a public high school job in Namyangju and, overall, I'm looking forward to the experience.

When I first began posting my resume on Dave's and elsewhere I was initially encouraged that I got several return inquiries from various recruiters even though I had one particular recruite that I liked (www.asknow.ca). They're the ones who actually got me my job and I think they had at least another hagwon job possibility lined up too.

My attitude toward the who age-as-a-limiting-factor thing was that.....if my closing average wasn't going to be so good, then I'd just have to talk to more prospective customers......i.e. it's a numbers game. Just play it to score eventually.

unknown9398 · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Location: Yeongcheon, S. Korea

contrarian · Joined: 20 Jan 2007 Location: Nearly in NK

I came to Korea at age 60. 11 months in a Hagwan who gave me an early release to take a university job, and gave me 11/12 of my bonus.

I year at a uni in Cheonan. I was not renewed - too old.

On to 4 Years at another uni not renewed for 2 more years. Said their pension plan could not accomodate me (it was costing them and me each over 300,00 a month.

On to one year at a college. I was not renewed and then asked to come back when my young replacement turned into a dud. I did.

Now this year in a High School. I can say I have never had a discipline problem, and I had waiting lists for me classes.

I think I'm just too stubborn to quit.

It can be done.

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Zark · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 10:45 pm Post subject:

I left Korea a little over a year ago after three years at a university - I was 54 when I left - age was no problem - a friend of 55 continued working there.

Some schools prefer the older more experienced teachers.

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

K-in-C · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Heading somewhere

Thanks to all the OPs for your encouraging posts. I have worked in Korea on and off for 5 years, I was forty-five when I first did a stint on the Rok, and I am returning soon; however, I was a tad concerned about the future. I feel less anxious now.

Best to the baby boomers... And all of you out there.

K