Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gbw84]

I recently was denied a job because of my race and I have the e-mail conversation to prove it. The recruiter I spoke with liked my resume, my cover letter, my degree and even our phone conversation. But when I e-mailed my picture he told me straight out that their school only wanted White skin teacher. They said they liked everything else except for the fact that I'm Black.

I'm not posting this out of sympathy, I'm just looking to deal with an ethical company and school that willnot turn me away because of the color of my skin. I want to start teaching by the first week of September. I would prefer to teach in a public school, but I�m pressed for time so I will take the first genuine offer that comes along. If their is anyone who wants to give me a chance or know of a school that has no problem hiring Black people please contact me at [email protected]

[shostahoosier]

If I were you I would post my resume in the "jobs wanted" section to see what public school jobs are left.

If you want a public school position I would try for GEPIK as it looks like they're still taking people.

I've also heard that some MOEs have opened up recruitment.

Just send your information to as many recruiters as possible.

[DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP]

You'd be best off applying to GEPIC, SMOE or EPIK.

Of the two black people I've known teaching in Korea in the private hakwan system I have two stories.

One was a female and when I went to her hakwan to have an interview myself, the director told me in confidence that he hated her and although he wasn't a racist and liked 'English Gentlemen' like myself (lol) he hated being around her and wanted to do bad things to her because she was black. He said that verbatim.

Another was a guy who was from NZ. His school didn't like his name which was of Egyptian origin. Nothing terribly bad happened to him but they did make him change his name to "Christopher' at school because it sounded more like an 'English country' name...

That said I beleive that treatment in the public school sytem is not like that and they welcome diversity. Hey, there may well be private acadamies that are like this too- so don't be put off, just be really damned careful and make sure you get a good feel for and trust the people you deal with before accepting and coming over....

[gbw84]

DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP

And how was the guy not a racist? I know people don't like to be described as a racist, but if their actions towards other, and what they say display such then that is what they are. It perplexes me how someone could be filled with hate for a group that hardly lives in their area, and they have no historic interaction with. Korea like most of Asia is a homogeneous society that has never interacted with any collective on the mass scale other than Europeans. If you don't know a group or that person how can these feeling for them exist? I guess evil is not to be questioned, but should be simply seen for what it is, and dealt with when it presents itself. Whatever the case is I'm just focus on getting a job, and saving money. I'm not looking to make a race issue out of everything. I've traveled to different countries before and I'm use to being looked at. I don't take it personal because I'm a stranger in a foreign land. But I thought the rule of treating others the way you want to be treated was universal.

[DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP]

[cwflaneur]

[djsmnc]

All I can say is good luck. A lot of employers are either A. Outwardly or B. Inwardly prejudiced

It's considered bad for business to have anyone but a white native English speaker to please the parents.

[DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP]

[Jane]

My African American friend has found success working in Korea for the past few years. And yes she has got some blatant racist responses and reactions to her, and she takes it in stride.

She was never able to find a job in Seoul, but in the satellite cities around Seoul. She is an incredible individual who has been able to keep her head high despite a lifetime of adversity rolled up into the short period of a few years.

All the best for your job search.

[I-am-me]

Try outside of seoul. I personally know 2 black females working at public school. It might be more difficult for a black male though. I have only met one in my 5 years here and he was at a hagwon.

[Carla]

OP. Ya, there are some jobs out there, but they are smaller in number than if you are white. Keep trying, and in a few months when the runners start, the schools will be desperate and less picky. Probably the public schools would be the better options for you.

Also, send your picture with your resume. Most jobs request your picture and resume when you contact them. Ya, it sucks, but at least you won't be wasting your time again on a job that won't hire you in the end.

[karmarooster]

Chung Dahm hagwon (CDI) usually does not have racist policies. in fact, most schools have 1 (one) token black person so as to give the impression that they are diverse and forward thinking. not sure if any of those schools that already have a black teacher would be interested in hiring another to fill a position.

however i would strongly recommend that you consider alternative countries. i'm not an expert, but judging from the comments of several children and random korean people, you may find it difficult to live here. you may find it more reasonable to live in Taiwan, china, or japan.

[PeterDragon]

Apply directly to the SMOE, GEPIK, and EPIK offices (yes do all 3) without using a recruiter. SMOE, GEPIK and EPIK are fairly color blind. Recruiters WISH they could be colorblind, but many public schools turn to recruiters in an attempt to avoid or circumvent SMOE/GEPIK/EPIK's policies of non-discrimination. They have the attitude that since they're paying several hundred dollars for their teacher, they have the right to pick and choose, even when their main criteria is discriminatory--- they'll reject teachers on the basis of age, race, gender,even weight or looks.

But if you apply through a government agency and are accepted, some school will HAVE to take you. And once you arrive, the school will probably come to like you as long as your good at your job. For all of their bigotry, you can earn the respect and trust of most Koreans in time. Most of them will still stay bigoted toward others of "your kind", but they'll exempt you. That's still kind of annoying, but in this country, sometimes it's the best you'll get if your any race other than Korean.

None of my kind words for Koreans above apply to Hagwon bosses though. They're just the scum of the earth, treating all they meet with thinly disguised contempt.

[zipper]

[djsmnc]