Korean Job Discussion Forums

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

I'm a senior in college and have been desperately trying to find a job... Anything, but the economy sucks RN so I am panicking (even though I'm graduating in June). Teaching in SK has become a "last resort" type of thing. If I cannot find any employment, I decided to teach abroad in Korea for a year or two. It all depends on how it all works out Confused

Now, once in awhile I read some "horror" stories about Blacks in South Korea, but not every story is the same. So as of now, it seems like there's a 50% chance that it'll end horribly or a 50% chance it'll be perfectly fine.

I'm a bit familiar with the culture since my ex was Korean (no I'm not one of those girls into K-pop). I've discovered that the Koreans I've met in California have been very kind and friendly towards me, so I don't necessarily believe the racist stories that I hear. And there's a large Korean population in California (and quite a lot recent immigrants). I've never had bad experiences ever.

What I'm trying to say is, I'm a nervous wreck. My number one priority is to pay off my student debt, take my GRE (I saw that I could take it in SK), save some money for graduate school and come back to the states. If I was able to find a job here in the US, I would stay but that doesn't seem like a possibility.

What are my chances of getting hired?

And I've already looked up the cultural differences. I've lived in a foreign country before so readjusting to someone else's culture doesn't bother me. I majored in anthropology anyway so I'm extremely interested in other cultures and would love to visit neighboring Asian countries while (or if) I'm stationed in SK.

tanklor1 · Joined: 13 Jun 2006

I've known a couple. Ain't impossible.

husker · Joined: 22 Dec 2004

I'm Black, male, AND old, 48. I've been here since August 2008, with EPIK, and have never had a problem.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Quite a few black women have had (or are having) decent work experiences in my area. They've been lovely motivated people & its been a valuable experience for their students. EPIK is color blind in its hiring.

My qualm about your post is your emphasis on "last resort" & the implication that you'd really rather not be doing this. Doesnt sound like a formula for making a winning impression.

Lucas · Joined: 11 Sep 2012

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

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

World Traveler · Joined: 29 May 2009

IamBabo · Joined: 16 Jun 2005

I work with 3 black females at my school...

andrewchon · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 12:42 am Post subject:

US rate is 9.1% at the moment. That is BAD.
Korea's kind of flat at the moment. What with the NK bomb, US fiscal cliff deal, republicans shutting down the government, Marco Rubio's drinking problem, new prezie taking office on 25th, Chuck Hagel cutting defence budgets,.... austerity is the buzzword.

You'd be better off teaching in China if you're graduating in June.

IamCourtney · Joined: 01 Jan 2013

Don't worry you will find something. I'm a 31 year old black woman, and I found something within 2 weeks of applying. There are always going to be people who discriminate, but there are many employers out there who are fair when hiring. Check out the Facebook page Brothas & Sistas of South Korea. There are over 3000 members who are people of color, who have worked or currently work in Korea. Good luck on your job hunt.

rollo · Joined: 10 May 2006 Location: China

i worked with black women at schools in South korea and they seemed to do alright. I do not want to sugar coat it, you will probably have some bad moments. The job is fairly easy and it is a very interesting experience. if you like chilodren it can be terrific.
Dont be afraid. There are plenty of open minded people in korea and you will find a job if you search hard enough. You can do it but do your research first.
I have a masters in Anthropology , love it , but few jobs.

Good Luck!!

Malislamusrex · Joined: 01 Feb 2010

There was a football tournament in Deagu and the Korean delegates were pointing at the waygooks ans sayingthe names of f famous players. Rooney for bald guys. Messi for short guys. Then he said "Oh yes, where is Dave" and they stopped the whole speech process for 3 minutes to find Dave. After they found him they marched him up to the front and said "TIGER WOODS LOOK IT'S TIGER WOODS".

World Traveler · Joined: 29 May 2009

alwaysbeclosing100 · Joined: 07 Feb 2009

Many hagwons here will not hire black teachers at all. Discrimination here is completely 100% legal. If a jimjilbang wants to have a korean only rule it is legal. There are two black teachers in my city. One was forced to share an apartment with another teacher. The other was transferred to our city. It is not a stretch to say it was probably because some principal didn't want a black teacher in another city. Most Koreans are not well traveled. Even if they are very few can communicate on their own. What little experience they have with black americans is either from movies or possibly second hand knowledge from family in cities like LA. Very few Koreans in the US live outside of major cities. There are black teachers doing well in Korea. The chance of some type of discrimination when working in a public school from my observations is it is likely to happen.