Korean Job Discussion Forums

sumfunu · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Location: Canada

Hello. I have taught in Korea for 8 years ( 2 years at a hagwon and 6 at a university ), but am currently back home in Canada. I am mulling over the idea of going back to teach again for an extended period( 10 -12 years ), but am wondering if age bias would be a large problem for me. I am 52 years of age at this time and although I have heard of teachers who have stayed in Korea when over 60, I have not met any in person. It would be nice to hear from some teachers ( presently in Korea )who have 60 plus candles on their birthday cakes to see if age is a determining factor, in hiring or indeed firing. I am well aware of the propensity to hire " young and cute ", but am curious as to the " geezer " market. Thank-you in advance for any and all constructive replies.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

How long have you been away?

As I'm sure you know, Korean TV programmes and films tend to steal or recycle plots. One of the current ones going around is that of a young buck showing up and out-classing / up-staging an older teacher. The great irony to this is that in my experience young Korean teachers, especially rookie teachers, are utterly clueless, not generally competent in their subject matter, and end up picking up all the more experienced teachers� habits, be they good or bad.

sumfunu · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Location: Canada

I have been back in Canada for 17 months now. Have you heard of any schools( particularly universities ) that have refused to re-offer contracts based on age?

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

I think you'll find that universities will be open to hiring you. Especially if you have an MA and previous university experience, I don't think you'll have much trouble getting a respectable position. There are several such teachers at my university - one is over 60. Another over 60 has left. Perhaps the lower quality 'unigwons' would prefer the younger bubbly types, but they are not worth working for imo.
Make sure you also sell all the 'extra skills' that you can offer. Universitites are not just looking for pure English teachers.

andrew · Joined: 30 Jan 2003

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Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

One of the teachers I mentioned above who has now left was married to a Korean, but the other is married to a fellow American.

twg · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Location: Getting some fresh air...

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

TWG. Older teachers can be combative and I think that's part of being assertive for them, seeing that they have life experience and possibly more teaching experience as well. Throw in a twenty something female Korean head teacher/manager/whitey wrangler and imagine the results. You can look either way as the fur flies and see both sides; 'the older teacher is too old', 'the manager is too young'. Lots of fun!

Re; the OP I'd suggest visiting jobs in person. I wouldn't take a job period without first doing that. To check out whether the players in the hierarchy/office politics seem reasonable, sensible people. Whether they are pushing on pride and are inexperienced or incompetent, and if the boss sets a bad example then just pass. Re; 'agism' it depends on whether a person has been minding their health. Even a young person can have low energy. And an older person can have high energy. At the interview the boss can sense something about you and you can scan him/her. On paper Koreans are 'ageist' but in person they respond to their impressions of the person/applicant, relationships are more important that way. Another benefit of experience, if an older person has energy, is they can handle all sorts of situations smoothly. Less maintenance for management.