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texasteacher
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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 Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 6:29 pm Post subject: Will my Bell's palsy stop me from receiving a job in Korea? |
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I have a condition called Bell's Palsy. Well, actually I no longer have Bell's Palsy, I now have muscle atrophy. When I did have Bells it completely damaged my facial nerves on my right side. This does not affect my ability to teach or speak and isn't noticable unless you look close, only one side of my face is functional. Other than this issue I am a very pretty young lady, but this does take away from my beauty.
I've completed stage 1 of the interview process now they are requesting that I submit a video. Unfortunately, when I record myself it's quite obvious that the right side of my face isn't moving (blinking, smiling etc..).
I've had this condition for a number of years and has impacted my emotional health because I'm extremely conscience of it and knowing how appearences matter in south Korea, I'm quite frightened.
It doesn't help that the recruiters keep asking me to smile, but I can't....my face wont allow me to.
Please give you your suggestions. |
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Lucas
Joined: 11 Sep 2012
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| Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 7:43 pm Post subject: |
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| I've had this condition for a number of years and has impacted my emotional health because I'm extremely conscience of it and knowing how appearences matter in south Korea, I'm quite frightened. |
Roll a dice on that one....... You may have understanding co-workers or you may not.....
The children will of course ask you what your 'problem' is - maybe once, maybe more.....
How they ask you may also vary (depending upon the age you teach and maturity!)
If you completed stage 1 I guess you filled out a health questionnaire - did you state your contition on that?
If not your application will be void anyway I imagine as you didn't mention it....
Best of luck to you - hope it all work out for you! |
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texasteacher
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 7:49 pm Post subject: |
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| No, I didn't. The health statement simply asked if I am good healt. If I have contagious virus etc... I don't. This isn't a health issue. Bells Palsy has no known causes. I am 5'3, 115lbs, athletic and in excellent health. |
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texasteacher
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 7:51 pm Post subject: |
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| texasteacher wrote: |
| No, I didn't. The health statement simply asked if I am good healt. If I have contagious virus etc... I don't. This isn't a health issue. Bells Palsy has no known causes. I am 5'3, 115lbs, athletic and in excellent health. |
P.s I am currently student teaching 4th graders. I have never had children to comment, but I don't mind people asking me about it. I don't want to be a deterrent for employment. |
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texasteacher
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 8:01 pm Post subject: |
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I googled physical critera in teaching ESL in Korea and found the statement below on a recruiters website.
"Physical Appearance / Disabilities
As there are fewer differences in physical appearance among Koreans than among Westerners, Koreans focus on smaller physical differences that many North Americans wouldn't even notice. What shade of black is her hair? What kind of eyelids does he have? Can she "pinch an inch," or an inch and a quarter? More disturbing, some Koreans, like many East Asians, view physical handicaps or less flattering physical differences as a reflection of personality or character. Concealing significant weight issues (i.e. 30 lbs or more) or visible physical differences (e.g. missing fingers or mobility difficulties) from us may increase your chances of being hired by a Korean employer; however, this will backfire as problems will arise upon your arrival in Korea. If your application is deceptive, neither I nor my Korean partners will take responsibility for the outcome. Be direct with me, and I'll be direct with you and give you the best advice I can so that you can make the most appropriate decisions for your own welfare and happiness."
I guess I should let the recruiters know, I truly didn't think it was a big issue, but neither is missing a finger as stated above. Thanks for your comment. I will stay positive and hope for the best. |
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Swampfox10mm
Joined: 24 Mar 2011
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| Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 8:24 pm Post subject: |
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Many Koreans display little emotion, so in all seriousness, I think you might fit in fine if you just display little emotion with either side of your face. 
As someone said... roll the dice. Send the video and see what they think. Have hope! |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 8:41 pm Post subject: Re: Will my Bell's palsy stop me from receiving a job in Kor |
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| texasteacher wrote: |
I have a condition called Bell's Palsy. Well, actually I no longer have Bell's Palsy, I now have muscle atrophy. When I did have Bells it completely damaged my facial nerves on my right side. This does not affect my ability to teach or speak and isn't noticable unless you look close, only one side of my face is functional. Other than this issue I am a very pretty young lady, but this does take away from my beauty.
I've completed stage 1 of the interview process now they are requesting that I submit a video. Unfortunately, when I record myself it's quite obvious that the right side of my face isn't moving (blinking, smiling etc..).
I've had this condition for a number of years and has impacted my emotional health because I'm extremely conscience of it and knowing how appearances matter in south Korea, I'm quite frightened.
It doesn't help that the recruiters keep asking me to smile, but I can't....my face wont allow me to.
Please give you your suggestions. |
If you are (or will be) a certified teacher then skip the nonsense of being an EFL teacher in Korea.
There ARE better options in a multitude of countries with better remuneration packages, better benefits, less of the nonsense and no issue with your condition.
If you are set on being an EFL teacher in Korea then no, it won't make any difference if you can find a job.
. |
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texasteacher
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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I truly appreciate your responses.
Yes, I will be certified in March 2013. I have researched esl positions in other countries and they require years of experience.  |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 10:18 pm Post subject: |
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| texasteacher wrote: |
I truly appreciate your responses.
Yes, I will be certified in March 2013. I have researched esl positions in other countries and they require years of experience. |
TEACHER not ESL/EFL.
Entry level TEACHING (subjects rather than ESL) in countries like China, Thailand, Taiwan pay as well as or better than ESL in Korea (for a certified teacher), have fewer (overall) headaches and better overall remuneration packages (more savings and same or better quality of life locally).
Most properly accredited international schools are very competitive and want you to have 2+ years of classroom experience at home and/or multiple years of experience abroad before they look at you
BUT
there are lots of other schools (international (in name only), bilingual, English Program) would take a fresh out of school certified teacher and have the same or less paperwork than Korea (as well as less of the nonsense that you will have to put up with in Korean hagwons).
Japan's JET program,
Hong Kong's NET program,
Taiwan public school system,
EPs, bilingual and international school's in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, (big demand in the ASEAN block for certified teachers with or without experience). Just about the only ASEAN country out of reach for American teachers is Brunei.
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Troglodyte
Joined: 06 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 4:28 am Post subject: Re: Will my Bell's palsy stop me from receiving a job in Kor |
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| texasteacher wrote: |
I've had this condition for a number of years and has impacted my emotional health because I'm extremely conscience of it and knowing how appearences matter in south Korea, I'm quite frightened.
It doesn't help that the recruiters keep asking me to smile, but I can't....my face wont allow me to.
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[quote="texasteacher"]
| texasteacher wrote: |
P.s I am currently student teaching 4th graders. I have never had children to comment, but I don't mind people asking me about it. I don't want to be a deterrent for employment. |
It's not a matter of "maybe they'll ask about it". It's likely that at least one of them will make fun of it. If they see that it gets to you, then others will follow suit. If you're unfortunate then another teacher might even mimic you in front of students (although probably not while you're there). I've seen teachers make fun of other teachers who were fat, bald, or walked with a limp. If this is something that you're really conscience of and it has a real impact on you, then I would not recommend Korea unless you get a job teaching adults.
Keep in mind that living abroad can often be a stressful experience, especially if you end up working for a jerk. Imagine that the school isn't doing well financially and the boss takes it out on the employees and tries to blame them for his problems. I've seen many hogwon owners who can't admit to themselves that it's their own fault that their business is failing. Start to combine all of these little things and what might normally have been a manageable stressful situation (kids mocking you) might all of a sudden take you over the edge.
If you do come here, I seriously recommend that you check out the school well before coming over. Speak to a former teacher (not a current teacher). Find someone else who lives in that city who could go check out the place in person. Find out how well the school is doing and how the boss treats the employees. And most of all, bring an extra set (or two even) of documents. If you don't like the situation, you have to be willing to just say "Stuff it!" and walk out.
But my main recommendation to you... If you want a career in ELT, start somewhere other than Korea. For the most part, the ELT industry here is rubbish. Teachers in public schools are poorly utilized and receive little training (both Korean and foreigners). In the private language schools it's often just a money grab and they don't care about the methodology as long as customers keep coming back for more. Starting out here will be like jumping into the deep end of the pool to get experience swimming. You'll also pick up a lot of bad teaching habits and get an unrealistic view of the global ELT industry. Lots of places throughout the world will hire you with either a teaching degree or an internationally recognized ELT certificate (CELTA being the no. 1, most desired certificate). Sure, you might not make as much money as here at most jobs, but you can get some good hands on experience at a school that will actually have staff whose job is to help you plan your classes, give you training, and be serious about education. Two great organisations to check out are the British Council and International House. Both pay well (especially the BC) and if you get a job at one of them then when you contract is finishing, you can easily find out about and transfer to other jobs within the organisation in other countries. |
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young_clinton
Joined: 09 Sep 2009
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| Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 5:47 am Post subject: |
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I wish you could show us an example of what it looks like when you talk. Because it might be noticable, but as long as it's not unattractive or hinders your ability to communicate there is a good chance it will not keep you from continuing your job.
You might try shooting for a public school in the countryside. My public school tolerated a NET that would show up at times with alcohol on her breath. She was fat and unattractive. However she was licensed to teach in the USA. She continued at her job untill she literally drank herself to death 6 months after being hired. My opinion is a public school in the country will overlook it for your dedication and love of the kids. |
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EZE
Joined: 05 May 2012
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| Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 7:48 am Post subject: |
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I believe you'll get hired rather quickly, and I also think it's rare for recruiters or schools to ask for videos. I have always provided a photo, but have never even been asked for a video.
I doubt it will really be an issue at work. Some of the kids will probably mock you and Korean adults will probably ask you a hundred times what is wrong and then give you unsolicited advice on how you should blink and smile. Definitely bring thick skin and a couple of extra copies of your criminal background check and diploma, which everyone should bring even under ideal circumstances. |
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texasteacher
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 10:59 am Post subject: |
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| If I knee how to attach a pic on I would. Ideas? Not at profile pic, just for this posting. |
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Swampfox10mm
Joined: 24 Mar 2011
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 5:49 am Post subject: |
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I was expecting a video, but if a photo is enough to show it, then I am guessing you may have more difficulty than I thought at first.
You could end up in a fine place, but honestly, I would also suggest considering other countries. Korea is changing, but the esl industry is, by-and-large, one big turd.
I used to feel good about some of us in the university industry actually being able to educate. More and more, I have seen/heard about various institutions of higher learning dissolving into money-versities bent on keeping students happy at all costs. In the great tuition money-grab, and fight to win international students, it has only gotten worse.
Two good friends work for international schools here, and even they are becoming disgruntled with the quality of education their schools now provide. This was a big factor in our decision not to send our child to one of these overpriced money-grabs, as well. |
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young_clinton
Joined: 09 Sep 2009
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 6:22 am Post subject: |
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| EZE wrote: |
I believe you'll get hired rather quickly, and I also think it's rare for recruiters or schools to ask for videos. I have always provided a photo, but have never even been asked for a video.
I doubt it will really be an issue at work. Some of the kids will probably mock you and Korean adults will probably ask you a hundred times what is wrong and then give you unsolicited advice on how you should blink and smile. Definitely bring thick skin and a couple of extra copies of your criminal background check and diploma, which everyone should bring even under ideal circumstances. |
I agree with EZE especially on bringing extra documents with you just in case. |
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