Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mark7]

I'm new to this whole thing. Yet I've read on some FAQs that some (or many, I am not sure) institutions will not hire an applicant because a person is not white. I've read some people mentioning this is because they feel as if a white person can teach English better than someone who is Asian, black, etc.

My question is, if an applicant is not white (which I am), realistically what are my opportunities to land a job in Korea? Any advice and strategies when I apply to a place to get around this barrier? I feel as if when I write to a potential employer and send them my picture, I do not receive a reply back...its seems frustrating. Any advice?

[Vollrath]

i've heard of korean-X's (insert English-speaking country here) getting jobs that pay just the same as any other native speaker but the harsh reality is that although it's technically illegal to discriminate (this only changed rather recently, i think) a lot of schools just want whities because they *look* better (to Koreans)... a lot of Koreans are very superficial that way.. but again, no blanket statements.. anything is possible if you look hard enough or get extremely lucky the first time around........

[Reason.]

I was initially worried about this as well, as I've experienced some of what you're speaking of. I try to think of it this way, if a school turns you down simply on the basis of your color, then chances are, that's not the right place for you anyways. Being non-White and trying to teach in S. Korea just means that you're going to have to dig a little harder and be a little more patient when it comes to job searching.

Also, as general rule for myself, whenever I talk to a recruiter/director/head teacher on the phone that has seen only my resume, but not a picture, I be sure to mention the fact that i'm Black. I do this in an attempt to notice what type of reaction they'll give me, as well as see what types of feedback they'll give me as far as being Black and teaching in Korea. Just be patient, and don't worry. There seems to be a surplus of ESL jobs, and a shortage of teachers, so i'm sure you'll get in somewhere. Just make sure that you do your research before you sign on the dotted line.

[Mark7]

To Reason:

Thanks for your advice. It makes sense on what you said: that if a school does not hire you because of your color than it is best not to work there anyway, because it shows their attitude. Do you also suggest that I should mention my race as well when an employer inquires of me through an e-mail? Would that be beneficial?

So, I will continue to look for the best options available, and perhaps something will come up.

In the meanwhile, can you guys point to a school/recruiter/program that is less inclined to be biased and more based on potential skills of teaching?

Thanks.

[Grotto]

One guy I worked with (Collins) was black and he wore coloured contacts.....eerily blue eyes....he had no problem finding jobs here

[Reason.]

[Antrugha]

you will have no problem finding a job, I'm brown and found a bunch of jobs before I chose this one. Just be careful is all, but that is a given, despite race.

[Mark7]

Does the kind of photo matter? The only photos I have on my computer are just me in casual clothes where I'm posing with friends.

Someone once told me that its beneficial to wear like more business attire and take a photo, but what do you guys think?

Thanks for your encouragement everybody. Its just I am a little wary of the fact that race will always be a factor in someone's mind, especially when it comes to the job. But I'm out to prove them wrong as well.

[Sody]

Hi,

I know schools that insist on Asian Americans actually. Many of them are from the Gyeonggi-do province. But I've never been to these schools or met the directors.

I don't know what the word is on Black or Indian native English speakers but I do know a Black woman who is working at a Gyeonggi-Do school and she's quite happy and they treat her very well.

I think if you are Black then you should try and apply to a public school position. You will face far less discrimination or none at all. Even if you do get a Hagwon job you may face a lot of problems later from disgruntled parents. Also, you should be upfront and definitely include a picture of yourself in professional attire. It should be a clear photo of you smiling or even a positive photo of you interacting with former students. Not a picture of you with your beer buddies drinking it up or something stupid like that. The more professional the better your chances.

I want to emphasize that if you are the type who is very sensitive about discrimination based upon your photo then Korea is probably not for you. There are so many other issues concerning discrimination here that will affect you more deeply than your application. You really need a thick skin to teach in Korea. It's not like in Japan where they seldom tell you what they are thinking.

Sody

[huffdaddy]

[screw_driver]

hey

It shouldn't be a problem finding a job, but just as everyone has stated, it might take you a little longer thats all. I'm Vietnamese Australian, so first of all I don't have a North American accent which many schools prefer. Secondly, I am not caucasian but of Asian appearance . So there is still hope

Good luck job hunting

[Milwaukiedave]

I agree with the person who said you should look for a public school job. The Gyeonggi-do province has been hiring quite a bit lately. You can contact Patrick at ATC, which is who I went through.

[the_beaver]

[JZer]

[Dante57]

Is it easy to get colored contacts in S. Korea?