Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Xaiko]

I'm a bit confused. I was born and raised in Texas. My mother is Korean and my father is American/white. Am I a US native? Would I be considered full gyopo? Half gyopo? It's such a pain getting a job being viewed as a gyopo who doesn't speak korean.

Most job postings are looking for Native teachers.

I look American and Korean by the way. Thanks~!

[Olivencia]

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/native

My wife, being a Filipina, is not a native teacher according to defintion #7 but in that English is an official language of the Philippines she is a native speaker according to defintion #8.

[reactionary]

You are a native speaker. And I imagine your last name is not Korean sounding since your father isn't Korean. I'm sure it can't be that bad for you. Besides, a lot of jobs prefer gyopos, and not necessarily for their Korean language skills.

Decide whether or not the job you are applying for does or does not prefer gyopos, and adjust your cover letter accordingly. Pick and choose what you are; you have that luxury.

[grandpa]

I think you're a "native speaker" if you can speak the language practically instinctively without having to analyze.

[djsmnc]

You teach a foreign or second language to individuals who have their own native languages. Look at it that way and being a "native teacher" makes complete sense. Think outside the box, people!

[DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP]

Strictly speaking the term would suggest a person who teaches Natives.

A Native English Teacher however would be someone who is native of a country where the first language is English.

[itaewonguy]

A 3rd generation Korean whose grand father came over to the usa 100 years ago is not a native in the eyes of koreans! he is a kyopo!

An Indian whose great great grand father came to the US 150 years ago is not a native either, he is an indian!

natives in the case of the ESL iindustry in Korea are from European decent.. well in 98% of the time. but Hakwons will hire others in case of an emergency