Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sportsguy35]

In the past couple of years Immigration has changed the criteria for teachers here by adding the drug tests, CBC's, etc...

I am wondering if there should be an age limit like 25 or 26 years old due to the fact that these younger people come here that have never left their home country and don't know how to react in a different culture.

The only reason I bring this up is because there seems to be a lot of younger teachers coming over here compared to recent years and their reactions to Korean culture seem to be very bad due to their own lack of maturity.

To them, having an open mind is something that only applies to other people and the way they think about the US or Canada. For example, they would expect Koreans to understand the Canadian culture but won't put any effort into understanding the Korean culture.

Maybe it is just the people I have been around, I don't know. Has anyone else noticed anything similar?

[giraffe]

Has nothing to do with Age.. Many people who are considered older ( 25+) arent any more cultivated than some of the younger ones... Some people young or old should never leave their own home countries for the way they think =p. I suppose it has more to do with the way they were raised and also their ignorance of other people. IVe met many older people who are just inconsiderate towards other peopels cultures.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I've met some 22-23-year-old teachers who were very responsible and mature and have known some 40-and 50-somethings who were most likely here for the very reason that they lacked the responsibility to hold down a job in the west. That said, I think that putting under-25s into high schools is definitely not a good idea. If my school were to be hiring a second foreigner I'd certainly want someone 30+ who had some prior teaching expreience.

For most children's chain hagwons, however, a clueless 22-year-old would probably be a lot better than someone more mature who had actual expectations.

[Ya-ta Boy]

[moosehead]

[harlowethrombey]

Age limit: 25-35.

Also, from now on they should only let in hot chicks.



Look, grabbing kids fresh out of college is the only way a lot of hagwons can get away with treating them like crap. I agree that people a bit older might be better able to adjust to culture shock, but its too much of a generalization. A well-adjusted, adventurous 22 year old will do better in Korea than an alcoholic, bitter 30 year old.


With that said, keep it down you kids! Us old people are trying to sleep!

[eamo]

As already said, most hagwons and public schools prefer fresh graduates...........more easily exploitable. Plus, the average ajumma wants her little Min-hee to be taught be a young, beautiful, caucasian teacher.

The Korean government have made a lot of hoops to jump through for foreigners to come here and teach..........but the only measures they could take which would really make a difference would be to change the, 'any degree and you're in' stipulation.

I would only give a visa for teaching English to those with an education degree or any degree plus a recognized TEFL course.

Then we could get some respect around here!!!

[lithium]

[giraffe]

[The_Source]

[loggerhead007]

I've been pulling air into these old lungs for 52 years and I've found one undeniable truth: There's no substitute for experience. None. P.S. Lithium wise. Gayness of the anus.

[Tjames426]

One sees a great deal of this in Korea.

No, I don't have children. I just graduated from College. I have never taught children. No, I don't have an education degree. I am young, attractive, and have energy.

Sure, put me in a classroom with 10 - 30 kids that do not speak my native language. I can teach them effectively!!!!!

Then the above persons complains about life and work in Korea.

LoL

***

Korea needs more experienced and older teachers.

[ekul]

Sounds stupid to me. I've met weirdos of all ages. I'm normal for over 95% of my time, just those few hours on a Friday or Saturday that ruin my average.

[samcheokguy]

TEFL courses are money makers and a scam. Seriously, what is better two uni level linguistics classes or a 120 hour tefl cert?

[DCJames]

Face it most older folks can't adjust to change as well as younger people.

Also, there's the notion that older people can't relate to younger people (students) thus students are less willing to talk with them.

Why would any older person want to teach English here anyway???