Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mmarshalynne]

This is a serious question. It's not a joke.

OK... I'm not gross... I dress nicely... and a few male americans still find me attractive, but we know how undiscriminating they can be..

The big question is, "Do I need to be worried about being left at the airport, obviously I don't want to make the trip just to be rejected. So, maybe I could get some more feedback on this question. Do overweight female teachers get left at the airport? Despite their otherwise good health, will Korean doctors fails them on the medical exam?

And for those people who can't resist personal attacks on fat people... go ahead because I know you will ... and like I said before maybe it will make you feel better about yourself.

[mrsquirrel]

I've heard of it happening as well.

Teacher arrives at the airport school gets their first look at them and just walks away quietly. Didn't think he was suitable material for the school.

[SirFink]

I wouldn't worry about it too much, certainly not if you're getting a public school job. Hagwons are a little more concerned as Barbie Doll teachers attract more students -- or so they believe.

That said, there's a reason 99.9% of all ESL jobs in Korea ask for a resume and a photo.

[ttompatz]

It has been known to happen, especially when the teacher has paid for the ticket and the hakwon has NO money invested in the teacher.

This was especially true in the days when they would entice teachers to fly over and work illegally on their tourist stamp for a short time before making a visa run.

It is highly unlikely to happen if you have a valid E2 in your passport when you enter. The school is on record as being your employer and is legally responsible for you.

[passport220]

I think what puts off an employer is not just one factor (obese) but the overall package. I see some Jerry Springer's dream foreign teachers here who dress like skid row, they �lost their comb� AND have weight issues. (The �lost their comb� line seems to be a running joke among some Asian woman about Western woman, because I have heard it a few times in the last two years).

Just dress business causal for the flight and freshen up before you step out into the light of day after your long flight�.and you will be fine.

[sojourner1]

No worries, I taught at a hagwon aside a large 350 pound American man with a masters degree and yes they do prefer good looks, but they are also going for who ever they can get that is most qualified in a job market that has more demand than candidates.

If a school was to ditch you on obesity or race, then it's best you never taught for them as they are obviously selfish corrupt bastards anyhow. I would try for a release from the visa and then get a job on the ground. Bring all your important documents to Korea just in case you need to get down to business.

[VanIslander]

Advice: Wear your best dress clothes (Yves St. Laurent pant suits ladies!) at the airport.

I wore a dress shirt and tie, put on in the airport washroom upon arrival.

It's just good advice generally for everyone to make A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION, to look professional, and to start the relationship off on the best possible foot.

I know, I know, how things should be, but the fact is, for Koreans, appearances matter, and HOW YOU DRESS, regardless of handsomeness, makes all the difference with them.

[Faunaki]

Of course you won't be left at the airport and if it does happen find a better job. There are 1000s of jobs to be had. Or catch the next plane to Taiwan or Japan. Better places to be anyway.

[gangpae]

If you need to lose weight do it. But of course do feel free to share your 'victimization' with the world.

[Zaria32]

The story that has made the rounds the most about an obese teacher who was left at the airport...it was a public school job. However, the E-2 visa in your passport is pretty important...it has the name of the school on it.

I think for every 100 "I heard they left this fat teacher at the airport..." story one hears, there might be less than one of the stories that is true.

There's a certain expectation that teachers from North America will be on the chunky side...they've heard that we're all fat.

Also, there is such a huge ESL teacher shortage now that they are unlikely to "throw away" a teacher with an E-2 visa who can still fog up a mirror. Don't worry about it...

[bassexpander]

Welcome to Dave's, where some angry people who call themselves teachers lack any sort of compassion or understanding...

If you're really worried, send the contact at your school a photo of yourself that includes your entire body (clothed, please) as an attachment. See what their reaction is.

I've seen some pretty big folks working here. I think you'll be OK.

[mmarshalynne]

Bassexpander, thanks for your answer. You made me laugh out loud.
Gangpae, if I get left at the airport, I promise I will right a very colorful novel portraying how I was victimized by the thin and beautiful koreans of the world, who left me at the airport, and dedicate the novel to you.
VanIslander and Passport220, thanks for the great advice.
Zaria & Faunaki, thanks for the comfort.
TTompatz, I'm not paying for the ticket; so, I'm probably ok.

To everyone, thank you. This has been interesting, educational and amusing. When you see a curvaceous blonde-haired blue eyed 45 year old (yes I am old too) woman walking down the streets of Seoul... it just could be me.

[gangpae]

[captain kirk]

[Gamecock]

As long as you don't misrepresent yourself I think you'll be fine. I know of several cases where hogwan bosses have told me they've been quite disappointed to find that the teacher who gets off the plane looks NOTHING like the photo sent in the application process. If you're heavy, at least send a recent photo of yourself. Don't send one from 5 years ago when you weighed 100 pounds less!