Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Morning_Star]

So I'm asian-american and I want to teach english abroad in Korea. I have "heard" that it's much more difficult to obtain a job as an English teacher if you have a "non-caucasian" face.

I'm a citizen of the US and English is my first language.

Are there any asian-americans (or anyone who knows) here who can reccomend a non-discriminating agency or confirm whether this is true and how hard it would be for me to obtain a job? Please help!

[afsjesse]

Hey there buddy!

The sad fact is that sometimes companies/schools want a more western looking teacher because it may help their image. Some people have reported trouble finding jobs at times. However, I would take these with a grain of salt.

The fact is you are just a capable and willing to get a job just as much as I or anyone else is. I would reccomend you apply for a Public School job through EPIK. Contact Rowan Hall at ESL PLANET! They are great and have recieved outstanding reviews from a dozen posters on this site. Rowan placed my in my current location and we continue to be in contact even after his services are completed.

www.esl-planet.com or something like that. Do a google. Really you will not go wrong with this guy!

As for hagwons, I'd highly recommend staying away from them.

Suerte,
Jesse

[afsjesse]

double post.

[ThingsComeAround]

Is that to say you aren't Korean?

I worked with a fellow who was Chinese-Canadian at my last hagwon.

You can find work here, just don't tell them your nationality.

[Bibbitybop]

[rationality]

[fromtheuk]

I'm of Pakistani descent, I have a big beard and I look like an Arab.

I had no difficulty getting a public school job at all.

[it's full of stars]

Aiwah, but you didn't tell the Public School they were all going to die terrible deaths because they are all Kaffirs, now did you? But you told us, tool.

FTUK, the OP is not a hatefilled "minority' like yourself.

[husker]

If you go through EPIK (only handles public school jobs outside of Seoul and "Greater Gyeonggi") it won't be a problem. I'm black and were numerous Asians, including Koreans, in my hiring class in August.

[Morning_Star]

[fromtheuk]

I didn't say anything about dieing a terrible death. I talked about what happens to them after death.

Please refrain from tabloid journalism, I'm not full of hate. I know you're full of something though.

The point I made is if I can get a job here, I'm sure the OP can too.

[aznguy]

hey Morning_Star, as you can guess i'm also of asian decent. I've tried esl-planet because of the glowing reviews, but was told rather kindly that my asian face would be a great hindrance when looking for a job, at least with their contacts. They did provide me with helpful advice, which i did take. Basically, the big hagwons will take just about anybody with a 4 year degree, since these companies are on permanent expansion or thats what i have read.

so, they gave me a list of the biggies like Avalon, Topia, CDI, YBM, etc... I eventually chose Avalon because of the limited amount of horror stories. if your interested in any of the schools then do a search here for more info and if interested then visit their website to apply for a position.

hope this helps you out and of course, once you pick a school, always read through the contract carefully and take your time.

[husker]

[Morning_Star]

[ontheway]

Some schools and some recruiters will discriminate against you. The best one's won't however, so consider it an advantage. You don't want to work for those places too stupid to hire you because you're Asian American. You might have to work a little harder to find a job though.

Post your resume on Dave's as well. Be upfront about being Asian American, link your photo. The biggots won't waste your time and you'll get a good job.

Good luck.