Korean Job Discussion Forums

[binyamina]

Hello everyone,

My husband and I are both English teachers in the U.S. and are wanting to apply for jobs teaching English in Korea. We are planning on moving there in the beginning of 2010 and wanted to get started on the job hunt sooner rather than later.

My questions pertains to us being Muslim. I wear hijab (the headscarf) and my husband is what some might call "visibly Muslim" (i.e. has a beard, wears a kufi, etc.) and we were wondering what (if any) obstacles or discrimination we might come across when applying for teaching jobs.

Does anyone know of any problems that Muslims teachers might have faced in the past? Does anyone know of any Muslim co-workers who have had problems with their experience, either in being hired, just living in Korea or possibly both?

We would really appreciate your advice. We want to make this plan a reality, but we are also aware that in some places, things are not always in our favor.

Looking forward to your wisdom



Binya

[FistFace]

Good luck.

There are many muslims who go to the mosque in Itaewon, but I've never heard of a "visibly" muslim individual working within the Korean school system -- certified or not.

You can always try.

[alphakennyone]

I can't imagine a hijab going over too well. I'm not sure they'll even know it's a sign of your faith, but it definitely will make you stick out like a sore thumb, which as a foreigner you already would without wearing it. Looks discrimination is bad enough in Korea without even considering religious clothing.

If you don't get hired due to your looks, take it in a positive light...better not to get hired than to come over and deal with worse discrimination later.

I'd probably go with public schools as I imagine many hagwons might consider you "less than marketable."

[winterfall]

You'll be treated much more differently than the run of mill white guy. Probably worse so especially if you show it. Though I don't think the common stereotypes in America are as strong in Korea. Even still you should expect awkward and impolite questions. I'm sorry for that.

If your not comfortable with Korea. Other destinations in Asia, try looking into Malaysia and possibly Indonesia. They both have large and accepted Muslim populations. More so in Malaysia.

[jinks]

[fromtheuk]

I am a Muslim, visibly Muslim. I have a fairly large beard and shaved head.

I am of Pakistani descent. My first job was easy to find, it was at a public school.

I am in my 3rd consecutive year teaching, at a new public school this year.

I found a job, but only through one reliable recruiter I've managed to find. I did find it difficult to find a job through other recruiters.

When I got my first visa, the Korean consulate contacted my recruiter, they thought I may be a terrorist.

You'll face some hostility in Korea, but rest assured no physical violence. If you need the contact details of my recruiter, please let me know.

Lastly, you can apply for a public school job through the relevant board of education, instead of using a recruiter. I am with GEPIK, which covers Gyeonggi province. You could apply for a job through them.

[Fishead soup]

Go to The United Arab Emirates. It pays marginally better you get more vacation time and a bigger apartment. The food is better too.

[i]

Yes, agree. If you have the credentials, why come to Korea. Saudi, Kuwait, UAE is where many teachers here want to end up.

[Big Mac]

Koreans are not very accepting of cultural differences. They will most likely not understand your situation.

[lithium]

[alphakennyone]

[brainfreeze]

[winterfall]

[Swampthing500]

I imagine the biggest problem would on the socialisation front.

If you are a MINO (Muslim in name only) then it's not a problem

If a serious one, you are gonna have to eat Pork and drink at some point.

Of course, one could drop pointless 7th century beliefs....

[fromtheuk]

Ignore Swampthing500, it is talking rubbish.

I never socialize or participate in anything social with my colleagues, it's not an issue.

I agree we should drop pointless outdated beliefs from ancient Greece though i.e western hypocrisy. Oops........sorry......I mean't to say 'western democracy'.