Korean Job Discussion Forums

sandcmoeller925 · Joined: 11 Oct 2007

Hello everyone! I am brand to new this forum and I am very excited about learning as much as I can about teaching/living in Korea. I am a Korean-American living in St. Louis. I was adopted at the age of 9, along with my younger sister and brother. I am now 29 years old and am considering spending a year or two in South Korea. I am interested in working but I've heard it might be difficult to find a teaching position as a Korean. Also, in doing some research, a lot of the jobs ask for "native English speakers" only...I obviously spoke Korean until I was 9 but no longer speak the language. (I know - really a shame. I am actually in the process of re-learning the language...I'll save this for another discussion!) SO - I speak Engish VERY WELL, w/ no accent and most people assume English is my native language. Will this hurt my chance of finding a job? Also, will I have trouble finding a teaching job because of what I look like? Thanks!!

crsandus · Joined: 05 Oct 2004

Check out this thread:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=101384

The other members can correct me if I'm wrong but as long as you went from middle school through college in one of the accepted countries (US being one of them) you're fine in public schools.

English Spectrum generally seems to have more gyopo positions posted than here. (You're considered a gyopo btw and are eligible for an F4 visa which is superior to an normal E2 visa). You can look up an F4 visa in the FAQ or travel forum.

theatrelily · Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Location: Haeundae-gu, Busan

I know of another Korean-American adoptee with very little (actually, non-existent) Korean language skills who is teaching here in Bundang.

It might not be easy to find a job (I have no idea) but I know it's possible.

Good luck in the hunt! Very Happy

ulmaeri · Joined: 26 Sep 2007

I also know a few Korean Americans that have jobs here and they have pretty good Korean skills. Most of them downplay their Korean ability. At school, they only speak English. But I think the biggest obstacle is that some hagwons are looking to place a look. If they could get a european looking person, they would choose them. That could just be my perception tho.