Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ArgentineDreams]

I was born and raised in the US, but I have a very Hispanic sounding name since my parents are from Spain. Would my name affect my chances of finding a job as an ESL teacher in Korea?

[barbaricyip]

Anecdotally speaking, my predecessor had a very Hispanic name. Our hagwon is on the skeezier side of respectable, however, so that might not be saying much.

[ttompatz]

[CSlinguist]

My surname is Suarez and I am olive skin toned and I've been working at a PS for the past year. I would say if you have a professional picture and resume you should be fine.

[northway]

They likely won't notice the difference. In the past, I've met Koreans who took Latin names as their English names without even knowing it.

[jeremysums]

I don't think so. Qualifications might hurt your chances, not your name.

[Skill]

Your name and your olive skin would not matter much.
There is nothing in my name or my picture that can be mistaken fo a caucasian, and I make sure they don't.

Some institute might discriminate based on your skin colour but who want's to work for them?

Just have your documents ready and be flexible with location.

[warmachinenkorea]

I at least 10 people in the Daegu area that have names like Camacho, Gonzalez, Garcia, Uriste that teach in PS and Hakwons. As long as the Passport says American then you should be good.

Two of my good friends are from Puerto Rico and have been here for 2+ years.

[marsreloaded]

As long as you look white and have the correct passport it wont matter

[ArgentineDreams]

Thanks, this is good news.

[RangerMcGreggor]

No.

They might not even know it is Spanish. My last name is de la Cruz and I've seen many Koreans who think it's Spanish or Italian.

[jeremysums]

De la Cruz can be filippino as well. Knew one.

[Adventurer]

I wouldn't worry about that. There might be somewhat of a preference for Caucasian teachers including many Hispanics and Italian Americans. There is prejudice in Korea, but pretty much no one has a problem getting a job whether they're Caucasian, African Americans, Asian-Americans etc... You do get a bit of that desire of some private schools wanting the blonde teacher to be photographed or something.
Don't worry about that stuff at all. Just be you, and start working:)

Welcome to Korea:)

[cheolsu]

I'm dark-skinned with an Arabic last name. I've never had problems getting a job.

[jeremysums]

There are many posts that wonder about race, sex etc for hiring in SK.