Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tokkibunni8]

If I wanted to stay in Korea, I would have no problems finding a new school because I have four years of teaching experiences in Korea, great references, a tesol cert, two years of teaching in the States....But, all of that doesn't matter because I'm white and still breathing and that automatically gets me a job.


However, a good friend of mine is having trouble even landing an interview with schools because she's not white. Despite the 2 years of experiences that she has in Korea, great relationships with students and teachers at her current schools, great references from the p and vp and an in class TESOL cert from Thailand, and even willing to take a slight paycut, she can't land an interview.

Korea, you really need to catch up to the present. Just ranting because it sucks to see my friend this frustrated.

Also, because I am all done teaching in Korea for forever and because I have found nothing better to do on this cold deskwarming day

[minos]

[Juregen]

Tell it to the parents not the hagwon bosses.

If people wanna buy toast, but no franchipanne, there is nothing the baker can do about it.

[Radius]

So you're done in Korea because your friend can't get a job?

[ssuprnova]

[some waygug-in]

Yep, happens all the time in hagwons, and not just kiddie hagwons.

Some of the "adult" (yeah right) hagwons are even worse.

[tokkibunni8]

Sad part is, it's the public schools!

[sirius black]

The ignorance about Korea can not only be frustrating but makes you appreciate your home country a bit. However, its not like the vast majority of us don't know about the ignorance and blatant racism coming in. In fact, I would suggest there are a few of 'us' who don't mind it deep down because it guarantees you the choice jobs. The irony is that some of the ones that know they got their jobs solely based on their look cry foul and scream from the rooftops when they face bias based on their not being Korean.

To the OP, I feel for your friend. Its tough to see a friend face that. If we all take nothing else from our experience here I hope its a newfound respect for diversity, a sensitivity to racism and when we see it back home we don't stand idly by.

[brauggi]

[some waygug-in]

Why do you think they ask for a picture on your resume?

They want to see you first and then judge whether or not you will be

"sale-able" to their clients.


I know of many cases of applicants being turned away simply based on appearance.


In my own experience I was called in for a job interview and the guy took 1 look at me and said "we aren't hiring".

I still don't know what that was about, perhaps my age?

[RMNC]

This is why it's a good idea to try and get an M.A. in English or TESOL in the meantime. That way you can take something out of it with you that's international, or at least pick up a swank University job.

And yes, they are swank.

[longlivetheclash]

The ajjuma waiting to enroll her kids at my old hagwon requested that I teach her kids. Quote : "I want the blue-eyed, Caucasian man at that desk teaching my kids English."

[T-J]

[T-J]

To the OP, bye�Be sure to tell everyone you meet how awful it is to work here and that you would never recommend it. Also ask everyone you tell to tell everyone they know and so on�thanks.

[sirius black]

The 'good' news is that things are slowly changing. Obama is popular in Korea and a fair number of the kids like hip hop and many of their songs are hip hop influenced. Will Smith, Michael Jackson, Tyra and Oprah are very popular and known. The kids are a lot more open it to it and consider it a bit cool. Its the ajumas who didn't grow up wtih that and live under old stereotypes that need to be dragged into modernity.

Non white teachers are in the hard to place areas outside of Seoul and in other provinces. I worked in what is deemed a small city (if you call 500k small) that had black public school teachers and from what I understand are popular with the kids...and have been asked to do some privates (shh...its a secret ).

Fact is many of us would be out if it was based on qualifications and effectiveness if someone observed our teaching and the right look is pretty much all we have. Maybe I'm completely wrong and off on this but I wouldn't be surprised if a few of us secretly like the look based hiring if we fall into that select group.