Korean Job Discussion Forums

[metaphor]

I was just told by ESL Recruiting that they checked with EPIK and they told them NOT to send my application. I had been told by them with a Master's degree, 10 years additional training in child development, 10 years of treatment of all kinds of developmental and learning disorder, a CELTA, and 1 1/2 years of ESL teaching that they thought I would be accepted. So, I gathered all of the documents, only to be told no. I am finding the same reaction in the private schools. I have heard that there are older teachers there and have even heard from some of them. I don't know if it is worth pursuing employment there or not. I cannot fault ESL Recruiting at all. They were very professional, supportive and helpful. If I were the right age I would definitely use them. Has something changed recently? I always had a high regard for Korea, but historically their culture had a respect for older people, now I don't feel as positive, especially since I have not received this kind of outright rejection from any other country.

[salgichawa]

[oldfatfarang]

It's a sign of the times. Too many younger applicants who have the 'face of English' and who are also cheaper hires.

At the recent EPIK orientation there were about 5 wrinklies, most were recent grads with only a few 30 year olds. What nationality are you? How's your photo i.e., do you look young and energetic.

Good luck.

[metaphor]

One recruiter told me that he wished all of his teachers were over fifty since they did their jobs, they didn't complain, and they didn't quit after a few months as the very young teachers did. I guess I just don't understand what is happening. Thanks for your posts of support. I appreciate it. I have been a turn-around management consultant with some of my jobs being in Peru, Costa Rica, and Belize. Last year, I edited a manuscript for publication for my mentor and friend, a professor of education. I guess I am not used to being treated like a second-class citizen.

[furtakk]

Have you tried applying to any Universities?

With a masters and a bunch of other qualifications, I think you would have a decent shot. I would think they would also be less prone to age discrimination (but I am probably wrong).

Either way, worth a shot.

[metaphor]

That is what I am thinking. Universities might be the best shot. Thanks.

[oskinny1]

[creeper1]

I think it's because it would be awkward having a highly educated older foreigner in this type of job. We are considered assistants in public schools. We don't grade papers or give examinations so it's not really that demanding.

They just like younger teachers. I don't know why. Sets off an alarm bell for me if I was to think about longevity in this "career".

[bcjinseoul]

I agree with what 'oldfatfarang' said

I'm 29, and I must have been one of the oldest attendees at the SMOE orientation August 2009. There were like 2-3 40 year old women who hung out with each, maybe half-a-dozen or so early 30-somethings, and the rest were 22-25, totally new to Korea and teaching. Hogwons in and near Seoul are like this too, and with the saturated market during the great recession, now even EPIK is like this, while public schools give less and less time off than ever before and hogwons haven't budged on wages while extending hours into the night. I know a guy in his late 30s in Busan who's been in Korea more than ten years, and has been unemployed for a month, and can't seem to get anything in Busan, the second largest city in Korea. THAT is the state of ESL in Korea these days. EPIK and hogwons want young and naive. Too bad. This might be the time for many a veteran out here to look at other countries...

[Depths of My Soul]

This thread somewhat depresses me.

[eljuero]

[Mr Lee's Monkey]

The Korean Ministry Of Education has instructed EPIK this year to cut off applications for new hires at age 49. This is apparently being challenged by groups that find it discriminatory, but that's the latest news about age and EPIK. It's not impossible to find work in Korea as an "older person", but it really makes a difference to be here and search for jobs. Recruiters usually put resumes of older people in the circular file. One who recently responded that she couldn't place me (I'm old) said the reason was that I was "overqualified with too much experience and, in a depressed global economy, most likely too expensive". Three recruiters have told me that a lot of private school directors like their teachers to be inexperienced, malliable, and easily controlled. There are some directors and a few larger chains that care less about age than qualifications and experience. Again, it's much easier to pursue work in Korea as an older person if you are physically here and can meet and talk with prospective employers. Corporations, the military, and some universities would probably be good places to look into if you are not in country. Some kindies like older mama types. Like everything in Korea, all of the rules have exceptions. There are rural public schools that will place a warm body, and some of us geezers find ourselves working in the boonies because they can't get anyone else to take their jobs. Honestly, there is a ton of age discrimination here, but it's not impossible to find a job. Luck and timing help. There are a few websites like seriousteachers.com that seem to be more geezer-friendly than many out there. It's not impossible, but I've seen people on Dave's say that age is not a problem and I've often wondered whether they were talking about another Korea.

[metaphor]

Thank you for your input everybody. It is hard to analyze from the outside. I think ESL Recruiting was surprised. They had me gather all the documents which was very time consuming and costly. The rejection was very cold and made me feel sad.

Does anyone know how to go about applying to the government and corporations? It seems they might want someone who is proficient in professional English.

[metaphor]

Thank you for your input everybody. It is hard to analyze from the outside. I think ESL Recruiting was surprised. They had me gather all the documents which was very time consuming and costly. The rejection was very cold and made me feel sad.

Does anyone know how to go about applying to the government and corporations? It seems they might want someone who is proficient in professional English.

[Illysook]

Some people go to the embassy and apply directly. If you are close to one, it can't hurt.