Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cubanlord]

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2007/08/123_7682.html

[laogaiguk]

Ha, not anytime soon. They barely accept Canadian/American Indians who were born in those countries let alone ones actually from India. It won't hurt us much. Plus, many still enjoy face to face lessons, and I don't think that will change anytime soon either. It may be used in parallel to us, but not replace us. There is also the culture of our countries issue, which many people want with the English.

[SuperFly]

My company just hired an Indian software tester/programmer.

We did a teleconfrence interview with three guys. The interviews lasted about 30 minutes each. After the interviews were completed, I sat down with the group leaders and part leaders and I asked them:

Me: "Did you have any difficulty understanding their English?"

Korean engineers: "we understood about 20%"

This was a teleconfrence, with the latest, sophisticated equipment and a HUGE television screen.

[tiger fancini]

``We are all Asians so we can relate better to non-Americans, non-English students and non-native students wanting to study English,'' he said. ``There is a lot of benefits when you lean English from somebody who is not a native speaker, someone who knows Asian customs and the Asian way of thinking.''

I understand this point, but I doubt that most Koreans think all Asians are equal.

OP, I don't think this will have much of an impact on PS teachers for the foreseeable future. Even Hagwons, although they are mainly money-obsessed, will probably still hire native teacher over an Indian one, because of expectations. I'm sure most parents would rather pay for their kids to be with a native rather than an Indian. It may have a minor effect on TOEFL/TOEIC etc teachers, but I think that'll be about all.

[cdninkorea]

I think this is an excellent idea. English education is expensive when it comes to hiring native speakers, especially one to one tutoring. Maybe someday these people will be allowed to get E2 visas and work in the country too. Here's hoping.

[yesnoyesyesno]

i applaud this move. Indians ARE native English speakers. and it'll get Koreans away from the 'white is right' mentality regarding the English language. koeans aren't as dumb as some people on here think

[seoulman1]

[VirginIslander]

An Indian teaching English is comparable to a white guy teaching martial arts. Although both teachers might be experts and perhaps better than their native counterparts, many students feel that it is less authentic. This is especially true for young people.

Its sad but there is some truth to it. I mean, who would you rather have as your martial arts instructor: Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris.?

I believe that the Indian teachers will, as they want, appeal to students with less money. This will even the playing field a little.

However, most of us are here for our accents and because we are status symbols, not so much because of our expertise. For example, I was offered a very lucrative private job becasue I wasn't Canadian and the parents wanted one of the few Americans in their area to teach their children.

A funny thought. The English used the Irish to teach Indians English and the latter picked up a little of the Irish accent. Will them same happen to Korean kids?

[yesnoyesyesno]

[VanIslander]

Hmmm,... my days are numbered here:

I am on my 1615th day here,... and counting

[julian_w]