Korean Job Discussion Forums

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

I've met quite a few uni teachers here and they've all been white. A lot of the uni teachers I've encountered have no masters degree, CELTA or formal training, but they have been young and white.
This might sound paranoid, but it's no secret that many Korean employers think 'white is right' when it comes to EFL.
Do you think that this prejudice extends to the university arena?

The_slap_chop · Joined: 22 Nov 2010

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

RMNC · Joined: 21 Jul 2010

There's no need for anecdotes on that one. The answer is a simple "yes", with everything that means included.

The_slap_chop · Joined: 22 Nov 2010

shostahoosier · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

I dont see this thread going anywhere positive... Rolling Eyes

SinclairLondon · Joined: 17 Sep 2010

Preferably, white, attractive, female and educated, in that order.

Stan Rogers · Joined: 20 Aug 2010

The question by the OP hints at age and racial discrimination being a deciding factor. I can't speak for the Koreans, but I have been on selection committees and I can say that qualified and experienced are their first choices.

machoman · Joined: 11 Jul 2007

my gf's friend is a black dude who taught at a uni in daejeon, and now he teaches at a uni in busan. i know a half korean/half white guy teaching at a u ni as well.

Poker · Joined: 16 Jan 2010

I think if a uni is faced with choosing between a white face and a non-white face, with the same qualifications and both are "likable", they would choose the white face. But that doesn't mean unis won't hire non-white faces.

nathanrutledge · Joined: 01 May 2008 Location: Marakesh

Why don't you look at the numbers? In the US, blacks make up approximately 10% of the population. In the US, they are also, generally speaking, a lot less likely to attend college. So, if you look at the demographics of all the ESL teachers in Korea, I'd say black ESL teachers are a very small group, and as such, you're not going to find a lot of them at universities.

I happen to know one that works at a University, and he's more than qualified. When it comes to a Uni, they are a bit more neutral in their hiring practices, i.e. a selection committee, standards that they follow, etc. So I'd have to say no, it's just that there are not a lot of black ESL teachers in the first place.

brickabrack · Joined: 17 May 2010

Yes. That's just the way it is. Individuals usually change perceptions...not groups. Be an exception in this land of harmony.