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Weigookin74
Joined: 26 Oct 2009
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 Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 6:30 am Post subject: |
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| young_clinton wrote: |
I wish you could show us an example of what it looks like when you talk. Because it might be noticable, but as long as it's not unattractive or hinders your ability to communicate there is a good chance it will not keep you from continuing your job.
You might try shooting for a public school in the countryside. My public school tolerated a NET that would show up at times with alcohol on her breath. She was fat and unattractive. However she was licensed to teach in the USA. She continued at her job untill she literally drank herself to death 6 months after being hired. My opinion is a public school in the country will overlook it for your dedication and love of the kids. |
Are you sure this wasn't pre-recession? Even many rural areas seem to have young foriegners who are not too fat. There is definately looks discrimination going on there. But, I remember a few years ago, the only teachers they could get were older teachers, teachers who drank a lot, fat teachers, bald teachers, etc. (I'm not criticizing these traits myself. But the Korean mindset was to settle for what was less than their ideal steriotype of a teacher because it was all they could get.) But now I'm seeing a lot of younger teachers even in rural areas, though they may not be white or speak North American English. The ideal English teacher in the Korean mindset is a slim pretty North American white blond haired blue eyed 22 year old female.  |
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texasteacher
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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Swampfox10mm
Joined: 24 Mar 2011
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| Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 5:14 pm Post subject: |
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Wow, you are gorgeous!
Would have taken me a while to notice the palsy, and even then, I never would have thought much about it.
I think you would have more troubles getting work here being black, but I see many teachers of color these days. If anything, I think being black would help filter-out some of the crap schools nobody wants to work for, anyway.
Seeing pretty people like you makes me wish I were young and single.  |
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texasteacher
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 6:21 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the feedback, I truly appreciate it.
Also, thanks for the compliment, this was taken after a long Sunday so I look quite tired
I wasn't too worried about dark skin....many, many of us spread out in Korea. Well, Im interested in public school...I know its more difficult to obtain employment with a hagwon.
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Soldier
Joined: 21 Oct 2011
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| Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 7:13 pm Post subject: Honestly... |
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It's not noticable...especially as I am very tired at the moment. I think with some energy...no one will notice. They're going to notice you're black much sooner then if they would notice your mouth or face. Most people I've seen and talked to here really don't care, they will tuck that far in their memory chip, that's it.
Frankly...I don't notice it much. In fact...I see a hot chick. Your voice is very clear.
Don't worry about race...there are more and more non caucasion teachers here teaching in the public schools in Korea. Be nice...love your students...and you will shine. The other foreign teachers in the community will welcome you with open arms. I've seen the Korean teachers as well as the principal do likewise. |
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earthquakez
Joined: 10 Nov 2010
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| Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 2:56 am Post subject: Re: Will my Bell's palsy stop me from receiving a job in Kor |
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| texasteacher wrote: |
I have a condition called Bell's Palsy. Well, actually I no longer have Bell's Palsy, I now have muscle atrophy. When I did have Bells it completely damaged my facial nerves on my right side. This does not affect my ability to teach or speak and isn't noticable unless you look close, only one side of my face is functional. Other than this issue I am a very pretty young lady, but this does take away from my beauty.
I've completed stage 1 of the interview process now they are requesting that I submit a video. Unfortunately, when I record myself it's quite obvious that the right side of my face isn't moving (blinking, smiling etc..).
I've had this condition for a number of years and has impacted my emotional health because I'm extremely conscience of it and knowing how appearences matter in south Korea, I'm quite frightened.
It doesn't help that the recruiters keep asking me to smile, but I can't....my face wont allow me to.
Please give you your suggestions. |
DO NOT WORRY! You look cool in your video and your speaking voice and the way you present yourself are great. Whatever you do, don't put yourself down and think your chances are limited to hagwons or whatever demanding you jump thru hoops.
I apologise if you've given this info already - is it a private language institute (ie hagwon, private university) or a public or private primary, middle or high school? If you don't mind large/r classes I recommend you try for direct hire to a school like these ones in the school system.
You look professional and maybe you're a bit too good for hagwon employers telling you to jump thru hoops. But then again, hagwons have smaller (much smaller) class sizes so maybe that kind of teaching is for you.
Re appearance discrimination - yes, the Koreans make it part of their lives in a big way. However, the extent of it is the key issue. I'd say that with hiphop's popularity and the fact that many younger Koreans are into western culture in a superficial way, you are not going to have any significant problems with being black working in Korea unless you're unlucky enough to land a bad school.
Of course there is the general attitude that Koreans are superior to foreigners and black people do get stereotyped more than whites and Asians etc but there is some gradual movement taking place in Korean society towards more open mindedness.
Although sad to say some of the most bigoted nationalists I have met are actually young Koreans, hating on the fact that Americans etc took part in the Korean War and there are still American bases here. These kinds of young Koreans who don't understand that if North Korea had taken this place, they would be eating grasses and bark - if they were lucky to be alive.
The old/older Koreans who remember the war and what not only the US but many countries under the direction of the UN did, are p---- off by this 'Get out of my country' attitude those young Koreans have.
If you do land a job where the attitudes are bad - just remember that there are enough jobs for you to move on to somewhere better. And keep in mind that if this prospective employer is being too fussy and demanding you can drop your interest and find another recruiter who will introduce you to somebody better. Good luck!  |
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Bearnana
Joined: 22 Nov 2012
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| Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 3:46 am Post subject: |
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I didn't even notice it until you pointed it out in the video.  |
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Hamburgs_MecGee
Joined: 28 Jan 2012
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| Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 5:28 am Post subject: |
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In all fairness you'll have more problems with the fact that you are a hispanic latina. Korean is quite homogeneous and they prefer white people teaching them.
This may sound blunt but they are like this.
Nevertheless, goodluck and keep your ear to the grindstone! |
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texasteacher
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:04 pm Post subject: I am not hispanic. |
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| I am not hispanic, I am African American. |
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texasteacher
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:12 pm Post subject: Re: Will my Bell's palsy stop me from receiving a job in Kor |
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@ earthquakez, thank for so much for your positive comments. I am applying to the EPIK program as well, The recuiter at GONE2.....
informed me that it may be diffult to find me a position because I am black. He said there 's a good chance because I'm certified, but warned me of possible rejection. I am not discouraged about the race issue, I am quite secure, proud and accepting of my ethnicity. Problem is, I haven't accepted my "condition" as easily.
I received word from another agency and they keep requesting that I smile in my photos. This experience has truly taught me to appreciate the power of a smile. I enjoy seeing others smile. I miss mine soooo very much. So, everyone, please smile often....there are so many others that can't and wish they could! 
I will not be discouraged....I will continue to find my place abroad!
Thanks everyone! |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:55 pm Post subject: |
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Get some photos of you working with/playing with kids in your target age group.
If it is in a classroom / academic type setting then even better.
Your "smile for the photo" issue will disappear.
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earthquakez
Joined: 10 Nov 2010
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| Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2013 3:22 am Post subject: |
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Good for you Texas Teacher!
Epik sounds like a good match for you. The program and the people who run it tend to be far more aware of why it's important to hire good people regardless of how old they are (tho over 55 is generally considered too old), their skin colour and any condition that gives a slight physical impediment.
Often it's the recruiters who are the problem, stonewalling foreigners and claiming it's the schools. They often do switch and bait - oh, sorry, being black and not smiley smiley is impossible in this location (usually a good one) but down in this small place where there's no facilities we can fit you in! 
You actually have certification - that's more than many English teachers here do. I'd say go for Epik although I can't give any real info as it's changed since I worked in it. Can anybody on here (ttompatz etc) give Texas Teacher some good info about the scheme now, direct hire into it etc? |
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smurfetta
Joined: 03 Oct 2007
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| Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2013 10:32 pm Post subject: |
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It sounds like you are certified in your home state. I would look at getting an international school job. Lower tier international schools or ones in less desirable countries will hire teachers with no experience other than their practicums. Sign up for an account with www.tieonline.com and apply for some jobs. Also, consider attending an international school fair. Google all these sites and you will have an better idea about the international school market:
Search Associates
International Schools Review (check out the blogs and forums, the pay side is worth it)
International Schools Services
Good luck with your job search. |
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valkerie
Joined: 02 Mar 2007
Location: Busan
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| Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 4:58 am Post subject: |
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| I seriously didn't notice the face problem you are concerned about, and I was looking for it. Go for it. |
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texasteacher
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 8:54 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks guys! |
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