Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shalom]

Hello,

I am not an ESL teacher yet, hoping to when I complete my degree. I am a mature age student (mid 30s and male). When i apply I will have a degree (not a B/A in education though), a TESOL or CELTA certificate and a couple years of close association with Koreans here in OZ. I go with an open mind to staying there more than a year.
My question,
Will it be hard for someone like myself to get a decent job over there.
Has any of the older teachers been out of work a long time due to their age?

Love to hear any experiences from anyone.

[jaganath69]

Not at all. you`ll encounter a few more hurdles, but just hold on and you'll find something. I was in the same boat last year.

[jinks]

When I came to Korea early this year I fully expected to be way outside the main demographic of foreign English teachers in town - I'm 43 and I live in a small town in Gyeongsangnam-do - but my colleague, a 24 year old male and his same-age friend are the 2 youngest foreigners in town, by far. Don't worry about not being f/24/canadian; even though many employers like the idea of pretty, innocent English teachers many other employers are looking at all applicants to find the best fit for their school [though f/24/canadian does not necessarily mean pretty, innocent, inexperienced or the wrong fit].
If any employer is so superficial that s/he is only looking for a particular age/gender/nationality then you are lucky not to be employed there.
Good luck! keep applying and something good will come along soon.

[TJ]

I was older than you when I was teaching in SK. My BA was in Politics and Asian Studies, plus I had a Diploma in Agriculture. But I did not have a TESOL or similar.

I didn't have any problems getting work...... Hagwan, university, government elementary school and finally government middle school.

Provided your appearance is reasonable and you have a good command of English you will not have trouble getting a job teaching in Korea.

If you want to enhance your chances of gettting a job be prepared to work somewhere other than Seoul.

[mysteriousdeltarays]

The Koreans themselves don't seem to care. Ah our friends the recruiters, call them what you want, I usuallynuse a four letter word that begins with the letter P. Well the procuerers do.

[Rteacher]

I think that you fall within the preferred age range (30 - 40) now sought by many the best schools. Unfortunately, they also want a BA in English (or TESOL). Nonetheless, there are many decent schools that would hire you in - and/or around Seoul. You just have to weed out the bad ones by checking them out (references from teachers and internet postings) Because the mass transportation is so good, practically every place is in Korea is within a couple hours of Seoul (via express bus or high speed train) A very good situation is living and working in a Seoul suburb or satellite city that is connected to the greater Seoul subway system...

I got my first job in Korea in 2002 at age 52 directly by responding to a director's ad on Dave's job listings. My last couple jobs I've had to get through a recruiter (it's tougher when you're 56...) who flatly told schools that I was in my "40's". Now, I'm teaching at a public high school where the principal and vice-principal initially thought I was too old (after seeing my passport) but who now think that I'm a good fit ...

[Zark]

Came to Korea first time at age 39 - second time at age 52. Nice thing is you miss out on all the nasty kindergarten jobs. Lucky!

[dulouz]

Yea, don't sweat it.

[joe_doufu]

I think your age is easily within one standard deviation of the mean, and your qualifications are significantly better than average. If there's any handicap for you, it's that you're Australian. If the recruiter or hagwon boss can't understand you in the interview, they might (but not necessarily) decline to hire you. So... I guess try to minimize your accent when you talk to them.

[UncleAlex]

Mid-thirties is relatively young here provided that you look your age, if not
younger, and have an outgoing personality. I first started teaching here when
I was 4 years older than you are now. I've been here for 11 years and can
still get a good teaching job in a public school or hogwan. Keep your chin up
and come on over.

[UncleAlex]

I did apply for a public school position through Canadian Connection last winter.
And although there were about 30 ASAP positions available at the time, the
agency responded by telling me that there was nothing available at the moment.
Such a reply smacks of age discrimination. Also, the majority of public school
teachers hired by workandplay are under 30, from whom I've met and worked
with. But you still have a good chance to get a public school position, if that's
what you want. There are many employers who are seeking more experienced
and mature candidates.

[mindmetoo]

[Hollywoodaction]

[some waygug-in]

It depends on the type of school and who their students are. I've been rejected because of age by a lot of adult hagwans. (they never say it directly, but I can tell that is the reason) One place called me in for an interview and as soon as I arrived he said, "Oh we're not hiring right now, sorry"

The reason, I suppose is that they cater to university age or young adult students for the most part. These students are mostly attracted by " young handsome teachers", not anything remotely related to teaching ability, so that's what these types of schools look for.

Not all schools are like that, some kids' schools prefer older teachers. It depends on the manager and how practical they are.

The way I look at it is......if they won't hire me because of my age, they are doing me a favour in the long run.

Don't worry though, you are the perfect age for most of these places.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

It's also how old you look. Get any grey out of your hair and maybe get a photoshopped photo that makes you look younger.

Koreans usually think I'm about five years younger than I am, which extends my expirary date for a lot of positions by five years.