Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Cognorati]

I've noticed that most of the ESL tutors that I'm meeting in Korea seem psychologically unstable (I mean, of the ones who aren't completely inexperienced or straight out of college)-- actually, to be blunt, when speaking with them one inevitably learns that there is some history that makes me question whether they are fit to be around children without formal treatment.

Since beginning work, I've met an instructor who is a licensed therapist, but had a suicide attempt and now believes he has achieved enlightenment/is in league with God; I've met another with a neurological condition which causes mood swings and aggression (he was on fired after 6 months of his tirades and bizarre conduct); I know of one instructor, made a Head Teacher, who is an active alcoholic and had an unstable work history in his native country -- before coming to Korea, he was sleeping in a van and crashing on the streets with homeless people. I've met many people who have questioned whether they are alcoholic (and the use of alcohol in Korea makes the situation worse), and many people who are, well, strange...

It isn't just that they have a history. If they received treatment and show stability, then they may be employable. But these people are not reformed and are actively dysfunctional, and they are around children, sometimes sharing anecdotes of their conduct at work that I believe are clearly inappropriate.

Why are Koreans hiring these people, and why do they keep them on even with CCTV and student complaints? Should Koreans monitor and research work history more closely?

I, for one, would be all for it.

[shaunew]

It would be nice, but there are two problems time and money. The director does not want to spend the money doing this. He does not have the time either. When his school has no native speaker he is losing students and money to other institutions. Education is nothing more then a way to make money. The first second you think it is anything else to Koreans, you are just kidding yourself.

[nomad-ish]

[Ilsanman]

[Roch]

[Vicissitude]

[wylies99]

OP- You may receive some flames for this thread, but you are 99.99% accurate with your description of many "teachers." Hagwon owners will hire anyone. Good post.

[The Perfect Cup of Coffee]

[mindmetoo]

Back in 2003 when I was applying for jobs, considering China, Japan, Korea, China and Japan had a number of roadblocks. China you needed some medical test. Japan seems to have a rather long visa approval process. Korea was just about showing up. So clearly, it's going to be Darwinian.

[shaunew]

Right and the mystical founder of Korea married a bear. Nothing strange about that. Sleep with a bear it's ok, eat a dog it's ok.

[bassexpander]

Interesting story about the homeless guy. I know a guy who fits that description, however I can't imagine him ever becoming a head teacher. He kept going from contract to contract, and could never finish one due to multiple issues.

[KarenWest1984]

OP - things are going to get better, my friend was reading the korean newspaper the other day & from december a medical & police background check is going to be required for ALL positions. Not that the medical is going to check for unstable people, but it's sure to weed out some of them.

[hugo_danner]

Gotta agree! I've been in and out of Korea since 1995 and for some reason, the worst seem to be concentrated here. Of course, on the other hand, I've met some of the coolest and best teachers in Korea as well.

[Vicissitude]

[pkang0202]

I know a couple ESL teachers here that have a few bolts loose in their head. I just try my best to avoid them.