Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Dragonstyle]

It's been almost two months since I began looking for a teaching post in South Korea (Busan). Now as far as I can tell there are tons of jobs, at least it seems that way each time I check Pusanweb or here. I've been applying beyond crazy; my qualifications more than speak for themselves if you have one good read at my resume. I was under the impression that I would be able to find a job with a bit more ease than this. I have everything I need prepared and ready to go, but not getting any answers. HELP!!!
There is a second part to this after my little intro segment. I am a black male and from other topics that I've posted I've gathered that it can be somewhat difficult for a person of colour to obtain these teaching positions. Can be difficult, yes, but not unheard of at the same time. I am more than qualified to do this job and I know it. So what's up the asses of all these peole that I've sent a resume and of course a pic to. Could it be that I am a black male with dreadlocks, could it be that I look intimidating, cause that's far from the case.
I'm going to end this now, at this point I'm just throwing things out in the air but I think that any one who has a read will no where it's going and if you do read this post, drop a comment or a hook up for a school/recruiter who is open minded and willing to work with person of colour.
Only serious responses please as I have not given up on coming to Korea and would greatly appreciate any input that can be given.
ANY ONE OF COLOUR WHO IS IN KOREA AND ON THIS DISCUSSION FORUM. HOOK A BROTHA UP!

[hellofaniceguy]

As you already know; koreans for the most part are raciests. Not all but the majority. Nice to your face and stab you in the back type thing. Private schools are a business, not a school. School owners want students, er... customers. And with the private schools concentrating on elementary ages for enrollment, parents want a "white" face most of the time. If your resume and picture shows you in dreadlocks, you can bet that "it's scary looking" to a korean, the person looking for a teacher.
You only get one chance at a first impression. I'd suggest visiting schools in person, meet with the school owner. Sell yourself. I have seen many black teachers teaching in korea. I'm sure someone reading this can hook you up with a gig somewhere or at least an interview.

[endofthewor1d]

all i can say, as someone who is in the same boat as you, is keep trying. i've met a number of black canadian teachers in korea during my two years there, so i know it's possible. being black, you've got a steeper hill to climb than i have, which isn't encouraging considering how much of a time i've been trying to get a job lately. but persistance will get you on the plane one way or another. have you made any special demands/requests? i started my search with a pretty rigid set of stipulations that i wanted met before i signed any contracts. about a month later, my requests have been humbled significantly. i'm starting to get a couple bites here and there. nothing solid yet though. keep your chin up.

my only other advice is that, before you let your pile of demands get whittled away to nothing, bear in mind that you will be signing a contract for a year, which can be a long time to live under conditions that you're not sure are acceptable to you. a couple extra weeks holding out might save you a lot of grief in the long run. good luck to the both of us!

[chronicpride]

The pecking order starts at Canadian female under 30 from the West coast and goes from there. Canadian, because they have the N.American accent that parents seek for the children, but without the social hangups that many schools have complained about their US teachers. Under 30 and female, to have a fresh, young, attractive face in a society that promotes the image of attractiveness as more of higher social echelon than even we do. West coast, because it is a cheaper flight to pay for from Vancouver, than from Toronto. I actually sent a resume from a guy in Vancouver and another in Halifax to a director once and they chose the Vancouver guy solely on the basis of the cheaper airfare.

In reference to your post, I just wanted to articulate the hiring mindset that you are up against as a visible minority, especially when conducting your job search online, when there are hundreds of applicants that are applying for the same job that may be qualified or even in Korea right now.

My advice, as stated earlier by hellofaniceguy, is come over on your own and do the job search over here. It's tough to sell yourself with scanned photo, resume, and voice over the phone, even during the best of times in this industry.

[ulsanchris]

JUst want to wish you good luck.
PS Koreans might find you look intimidating. especially if you have dreadlocks.

[justagirl]

Another thought--my old boss thought all black people spoke like they were from the ghetto. I had a hard time trying to convince him that not all blacks talk like that!

Most Koreans only know about black people through Hollywood, which isn't realistic, but they don't really understand that 98% of North America really isn't like the movies and not all black people are gangsters.

Anyway, just wanted to perhaps give another idea as to why it's been rough to get a job so far and let you know I'll send positive thoughts your way! Good luck!

justagirl

[jajdude]

Good luck Dragon! Koreans do have a hard time with foreigners as it is... and black people probably encounter lots of crap here as in other places in Asia. Of course I don't know really. Have you thought of Taiwan? It's similar I think in terms of pay, but may be more do-able? Have you thought of changing the hair? Seems to me Koreans and many other Asians are very concerned with looks and image. The attractive certainly have an advantage over here. Good luck!

[Juggertha]

Good luck to you man. Most of my buds from back home are black... and I have a hard time tellign them they should come over here. Honestly.. even for Honkeys.. its not always easy. Theres alot of racism here. Sometimes it works for ya..sometimes not.

One thing that I've found works wonders over here is personality and energy though.. if you've got em'... use em.

[Dragonstyle]

thanks for all the responses, input is very much appreciated. Keep them coming.

[Paji eh Wong]

The only advice I can offer is to not take any of it personally. None of it has anything to do with you, so ignore it and keep looking.