Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mhv]

Hi all, I am a francophone Quebecer living in Montreal, and I'm interested in teaching English in Korea.

Here's why: I have a BA (English+Linguistics) and an MA in English, both from McGill University. I humbly consider my English to be rather on the good side, and I want the experience of teaching abroad.

Yes, I wrote all my term papers and my MA thesis in English, I have read Ulysses in the original and got all the corny jokes, my girlfriend (5+ years) is anglophone, I work, write, read in English (and French too, of course), etc ad nauseam.

Here's the rub: all job postings require being a "native English speaker." I've had recruiters bail on me just because I'm not native, but I don't want to base my entire opinion of the Korean job market on recruiters.

Are employers remotely likely to consider the quality of my English on the basis of my experience, rather than on the basis of being non-native? What attitude should I adopt in approaching an employer in order not to scare him/her?

Your precious advice is kindly appreciated.

[Ukon]

Lie?

Do you sound really french of something

[smurfetta]

It sounds like you can satisfy the E-2 visa requirements. You are from one of the 7 English speaking countries and you did your undergraduate degree at an English university (which I am assuming that you did). You shouldn't have any problems. Try a different recruiter or apply directly to ads posted by schools themselves.

Actually, I think that you are the perfect Canadian- you are fluent in both French and English.

Also, I know that there are other Quebecers working in Korea as English teachers.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[mhv]

[waltjocketty]

it's EFL, not ESL. i hate to be this guy, but it's really really annoying.

[cbclark4]

[mhv]