Korean Job Discussion Forums

[giwizzef]

In the strictest sense, no. You are not too old. I met many older ESL teachers during my time in Korea, some of whom had not even moved there until after retiring from careers in their home countries. In many cases, they and their stories were some of the most interesting I encountered while there. That said, some hagwons do tend to lean toward younger applicants because younger applicants are perceived as still wet behind the ears and, thus, more "trainable" and potentially more likely to be in it for the long haul. Also, because age tends to be a big deal in Korea, I think there is a general belief that students will respond better to young, pretty teachers. "Perception" is the key word, however. The reality is that younger candidates are no more likely to adapt and stay at a school than older candidates because, although they might be young and trainable, they also tend to have less work experience prior to arriving in Korea and haven't built up the BS tolerance that anyone with a few--or twenty--years of experience behind them has. And anyone who has worked in Korea will tell you that you need a pretty high BS tolerance level. Also, teachers (not just younger ones) who stay in Korea tend to get "the grass is always greener" syndrome once they do chalk up a bit of experience and, in respect to the fact that it's Korea where hagwons and English teachers are both a dime a dozen, understandably so. Why stick around in a 2.1 mil job after you get a year or two of experience behind you when in most cases you can practically walk across the street and get 2.5 or 2.6 mil and some other newbie can be brought in to backfill your 2.1 mil job? I also found the whole belief about looks to be a myth. While students may make an initial assessment of you based on your age and appearance, your disposition ultimately matters a lot more to your students than your age or looks--or at least that was my personal experience.

[Julius]

[giwizzef]

[Mike S.]

Thanks y'all for all 17 replies!

Mike S.

[Malislamusrex]

I don't know, but considering I am a 'professor' just turned 30 and working with people who are 50-60+ I imagine an older guy would be in a stronger position with the qualifications.

[Ballerina2012]

I recently was rejected by a recruiter and i think my age definitely had something to do with it. If you know recruiters who take "oldies" please pass it on.. I have a BS and will have a Master's in August still got rejected..Maybe I am just ugly..lol

[sirius black]

After you get your master's a uni job would be ideal. Unis are actually age conscious to the advantage of older folks.
You may not be able to get a top uni job right away and may have to cut your teeth at a hogwon for a year or so but I know unis who actually don't like to hire teachers who are too young (under 30 or 25).

Age, race, weight, looks, can play against you in the hiring process in Korea but its by no means a deal breaker.