Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tman]

Hi all,

I'm a former ESL teacher, TEFL'd and taught for a bit in Prague, and am hoping to get back out there, this time in Korea. After a few days reading your posts here - have to admit, you guys know how to give a newbie doubts!

If anyone has the time, or inclination, I would greatly appreciate any advice you may have - particularly concerning the following:

1) I almost have all the necessary paperwork - hope my mom has my degree hidden in the attic somewhere. What are the odds of finding decent, secure work so that I may be in Korea by mid December?

2) I'm an American of South Asian ancestry, went to a highly respected, though incredibly overpriced University, and being a child of my generation, am pretty heavily tattooed. How do these factors add up to my gaining employment in Korea?

3) Any recommendations, based on the above, of places I should avoid living? May want to consider? I was hoping to stay out of Seoul - want to be forced to learn more about the Korean language and culture - but at the same time, I don't want to scare anyone - and maybe a bigger city may be more open minded concerning my appearance? Race?

Thanks for your time!

[caniff]

Although they are certainly not insurmountable, I think there could be a couple difficulties based on what you have posted.

The first issue would be tattoos. Where are they on your body? I ask because I know Americans (I am also American) who have some on their neck or near their hands. If they are really visible or large, this could make for some difficulty in hiring.

As far as you being SE Asian-American, I would think that could be a draw-back in some circumstances, but wouldn't be a deal-breaker for your employment in Korea. You would get hired, but you might have to look around more.

On the plus side, there are tons of jobs available. I am married to a Korean, so I can choose to not teach exclusively at any one location, but perhaps another poster could steer you to a good recruiter.

Good luck.

edit: spliff, stop posting when I am editing.

[spliff]

[Tman]

[in_seoul_2003]

[dogshed]

This is off topic, but I know a redhead in Kansas City who speaks Urdu and is into guys with tattoos. PM me with your picture and I'll pass it along.

[Tman]

...ummmm.... redheads. Fire and passion, and heartbreak in my experience:) Unfortunately I don't do long distance - but if she's ever coming to Korea - send ME her picure:) Thanks for the red-heads-up though!

Swaton? Thanks - I'll see what I can find google wise.

Oh - and I'm a brownie - indian style - not S.E. Asian. 5 generations ago, the Brits, in their foresightedness, saw fit to abolish slavery - hence indentured servitude was invented - a much better package over all, and a country that loves it's tea with sugar created the oppotunity to send us brownie's all over, including my great-great-grandmother (Woman were worth the price of 2 men). So, my people, big on inbreeding, held true to their genetic sensibilities, and I am the the pure Indian product of Pre-globalization, globalization.

...in any case... being Indian-ish in Korea? Any diasporic brethren out there? How is it?

[icnelly]

[in_seoul_2003]