Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Illysook]

I have a friend who is thinking of joining the U.S. Army. I have suggested that she try being an ESL teacher here in Korea instead. She's fit and educated, and she loves kids. I think that she would like it.

Unlike the army, we only have to sign up for one year at a time, and we are not considered criminals if we hate it enough to leave. However, I would like to better understand any special considerations that she should have. Your input is appreciated.

[RACETRAITOR]

Not everyone is sent to Korea automatically.

Also, your friend isn't green or turquoise, is she? The US army has a specific policy banning people of those particular colours.

[Illysook]

Racetraitor, you have misunderstood my question, or perhaps I did not make it clear.

I am interested in hearing about the experiences of foreign women of color as ESL teachers here in Korea as well as how they feel about those experiences.

[sobriquet]

Of color?

Dem colored folks make good cannon fodder.


What do you mean by 'of color'? Are you trying to say a black woman, or a brown woman, or a yellow woman?

[jkelly80]

[Missihippi]

OP, i work with a woman "of color" who is a fantastic teacher. She is outgoing, friendly, and has thick skin. The kids may be nervous around her at first, but when she starts teaching they are attentive and responsive.

On another note, if your friend is joining the military because she has student loans, than i wouldn't recommend korea as a way to pay those off. The exchange rate is just too bad right now to be sending money home. Recommend Korea if she has the previously mentioned traits, and doesn't have any student loans and/or major debts. Recommend the Coast Guard or something if she is in it for the money.

[Sapa]

I listened to a podcast the other week and they were talking about it. I think the girls blog name was expatjane or where the hell am i. search for both and you should find it. I don't remember the podcast name but it was on itunes a few weeks ago.

[Straphanger]

[Jane]

[jkelly80]

[Straphanger]

[RACETRAITOR]

[jkelly80]

[lebowski]

I have seen people of all walks of life come into Korea, different colours, genders and religions. While many hagwons refuse to hire people of "colour" and would like to stick with the under 30's, white, North American, there are places out here that aren't ignorant. I have worked with many different people of various backgrounds, and the ones who have succeeded are the ones who don't take what ignorant people say or do too seriously.

I have seen a young white woman spat at because someone thought she was American.

I have seen Asian Americans chastised because they don't speak Korean.

I have heard coworkers get angry because a "coloured" man was hired.

Just last weekend, I was told by a Korean that "Koreans are superior to all other races." While it angered me at first (had a few drinks in me) and I wanted to get into fisticuffs, once I sobered up, I laughed it off and realized I should have asked if his superior mind believed in Fan Death. The Korean bar owner and a regular customer, my Korean friends, as well as and my friend of Korean and "coloured" decent were all disgusted by his actions.

The bottom line I suppose is, you are going to find ignorance everywhere you go. How you let it affect you and your perceptions around you are what really counts.

[Ukon]

I'm a person of "Color", koreans love me....if she's got it in for korean guys, plenty of korean dudes would love a roll in the hay with a black girl.....