Korean Job Discussion Forums

billrhodes · Joined: 05 Sep 2012

So the main reason I've decided to get a job teaching in Korea is that my girlfriend, a Korean national, had to return there for at least a year to save up money for school here in the US. I'm going to have an interview with a global village tomorrow evening, and they will be asking me why I want to teach, and probably specifically why I want to teach in Korea.

Anyone have any advice on whether or not to mention this to them? I don't want them to think that the only reason I want to come there and teach is to be with my girlfriend, because it's not. I also want to experience another culture, and see how other people live. I also want to be honest and upfront with them about things.

Any advise or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

english_prospect · Joined: 21 Nov 2011

Mention those other things, such as the culture etc, but there's no need to mention the girlfriend

They might ask if you like Korean girls though

big_fella1 · Joined: 08 Dec 2005

I don't see why you would tell them. Would you discuss your private life in an interview in your home country?

Further let me introduce you to hagwon thinking 101 (yes I know you said global village, not much, if any difference):

"He has a Korean girlfriend, he may marry her and get an F6 visa then we can't control him, don't hire him."

or

"He is stealing Korean women who should be reserved for Korean men" from the racist ones, don't mention it.

Tell them you want to experience the culture and you've been told kimchi is delicious.

Zackback · Joined: 05 Nov 2010 Location: Kyungbuk

Don't mention it.

If you do they will get pissed (jealousy, etc) and if things go sour they will get pissed (he must have treated her awful, etc).

It's a lose-lose situation.

Dodge7 · Joined: 21 Oct 2011

transmogrifier · Joined: 02 Jan 2012 Location: Seoul, South Korea

WadRUG'naDoo · Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Location: Shanghai

Tell them. And while you're at it, mention three things you hate about Korea. Beat them to the punch.

TravelinSig · Joined: 30 Dec 2009

I'm in a slightly different situation since I've worked here before I met my Korean GF (in Korea).
I personally let the employer know that I have a serious gf. (I also add a lie that I intend to stay in Korea long term.) To me it shows them that I not only understand Korean culture, but I am tolerant of it and actually enjoy it.

I don't disagree with what others have said; they could take it the other way and become jealous or think you're just going to take her away. In your case, the latter being more likely as you are coming here for the first time. Because of this, I wouldn�t tell them.

If you are young (under 30) and a decent looking guy, you are automatically a desired teacher. Just talk about the other reasons for coming; cultural/language experience, your deep love for kpop and kimchi, etc�

Porksta · Joined: 05 May 2011

Is a global village anything like an English Village? If so I wouldn't work there if you have a girlfriend.

Rutherford · Joined: 31 Jul 2007

Telling them about your Korean girlfriend won't help you and might hurt you if someone takes offense to it.

If you're married to a Korean that can be an advantage because you then have a permanent tie to the culture and are seen as more likely to be a responsible employee.

transmogrifier · Joined: 02 Jan 2012 Location: Seoul, South Korea

For me, I said "No" simply because if I was hiring, I'd be less than impressed if someone came in and admitted that they were only looking for a job as a teacher because they had followed their girlfriend over.

You'd drop right down the priority list with an answer like that. Forget how the Koreans would react it to with regard their prejudices; it's simple interview strategy to not appear less than 100% committed to the job.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 3:23 am Post subject:

Your gf is irrelevant to your qualifications or to the job you are applying from. No need to mention her unless you intend for her to live in the same apt as you and only if that apt would be the school provided one. Another thing, saying you want to teach in Korea because you have a Korean gf sounds a bit unprofessional....so just stick to the basics: want to teach, interested in education, want to experience a new culture and so on.

At any rate, no one would "take offense" to you having a Korean gf, that is just a silly thing to say. Laughing

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

oceanhue · Joined: 15 Sep 2012 Location: Santa Barbara, CA

Would you mention such meaningless information at a job interview at your own country? What does your girlfriend have to do with your interview? Leave that out, shouldn't that be common sense?

Dodge7 · Joined: 21 Oct 2011

for the 3 that voted yes, I'd love to hear why you'd explain you have a Korean girlfriend, how the hell will that put you in better light to get the job? Dumb, dumb, dumb.