Korean Job Discussion Forums

iamstephen1128 · Joined: 08 Apr 2013 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL

To preface this I am fully aware that there are numerous threads on the issue of finding a job while being black and I have read through a good number of them. However, most responses are by either non-black members or black females. While these responses are helpful in their own right, I would really be more interested in hearing from another black male about the difficulties they faced in finding placement.

Are there any black males here or does anyone know how to put me in touch with one that could give me some useful insight?

A little background info on myself: I am 24 and this is my first time applying for an ESL position. I do not have any relevant teaching certifications but I have a Bachelors and Masters in accounting and am currently enrolled in a PhD program for accounting (though I plan to leave before completion to teach abroad). I was employed by a university tutoring lab for three years during undergrad, tutored and did a teaching assistantship during my masters, and have taught a full course to undergrads while a PhD student. I have been applying to multiple recruiters but not getting many responses back, which I am hoping is merely a function of the fact that I do not have all required documents in hand. I have both apostilled degrees, transcripts, and resume, but am still waiting for passport and criminal record check to be processed.

Thank you in advance, and despite how I may have made it sound any responses are welcome!

Lucas · Joined: 11 Sep 2012

Mw182006 · Joined: 13 Feb 2013

I came across this blog the other day, maybe you can get in touch?

http://blacktravelersblog.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/shout-out-to-epik-fall-2013-applicants/

For the record it's not my blog, just trying to help a fellow interweber out.

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

OP,
The job market is tight, many applicants (regardless of race, nationality, gender, etc) are having a tough time finding jobs.

Simply put, NO ONE is interested in a candidate who doesn't even have a passport, let alone a CRC.

Korea has always been a "do nothing for the longest time, then hurry hurry" type of place... this means, most jobs want someone who can start ASAP.

Get your documents in line, then start applying. The best equal-opportunity employers in Korea are the public school programs (GEPIK/EPIK). If you're interested in one of those positions keep an eye on the deadlines, (the major intakes are in September and March, if you want to be eligible for Sept, you need to be moving by June usually). However, these programs have recently tightened their hiring standards, and a form of TEFL certification is usually required.

If you choose to go the hagwon (private school) route, once you have your docs ready keep on applying...you'll get something.

As for being black, I've met countless black MALE teachers from around the world working both in the private and public sector here. Some of them had a rough time, most of them didn't.

I'm not black, and I'm not going to pass out contact details, however,
if you check out these groups... there may be a few teachers you can contact as I've seen some black guys posting from time to time.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/239156359461009/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3094780809/

mayorhaggar · Joined: 01 Jan 2013

I'm a white dude who works with EPIK, and at my orientation in February there was a pretty wide variety of races. So if you're qualified and do well in your interview you shouldn't worry too much about being black or a dude. I would try and find some black male EPIK teachers online though and ask what their experiences are like in terms of teaching and living in Korea.

PatrickBateman · Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 9:42 pm Post subject:

PM me.

PatrickBateman · Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 9:43 pm Post subject:

Double-post.

Cacille · Joined: 05 Oct 2011

There are two black women in my town, and from what I've seen, they are loving this town and their jobs. They are with EPIK and TALK if I remember. Of course, this being rural means that me, the white person, is barely looked at. Now they are the ones turning heads like crazy! Be prepared for a lot of staring, and for some, potentially some fear if you're a big and tall man also. Small towns just don't know how to deal with it, lol.

Couchsurfer · Joined: 10 Apr 2013

There are people who are open-minded enough to know that skin colour matters not, but it's not the norm.

I agree with others. Get your passport, get any other papers/documents/preparation done and it makes you an easy hire. Keep plugging away and you will get a job.