Korean Job Discussion Forums

[eljuero]

I just wanted to get some opinions on discrimination experienced by foreigners in S. Korea but I�m interested in age discrimination specifically. I�m starting to look for potential work teaching ESL in Korea but have heard that �old folks� (I�m 50) may have trouble getting hired. Are there particular types of schools that are more or less likely to discriminate in your experience? How difficult would it be to break into teaching there? I�m TESOL certified, lots of job experience and about 1.5 years teaching TESOL experience.

[some waygug-in]

It's a crap shoot. You basically have to be willing to go out in the boonies, or wherever they send you.

The larger cities have their pick of young teachers, so you may have a lot more trouble getting a job, but who knows? Every now and then, someone becomes the exception.

[Kurtz]

I have a friend who is 60 that recently got a job in an elite high school, and his co-worker is also of a similar age so it's still possible to get a job but I'd say your average hagwon owner would prefer a younger and perhaps more dynamic sort of person and your EPIK/GEPIK programs might send you out to the back of beyond to fill positions.

[VanIslander]

Recently a small town elementary school virtually begged a 52 year old I know to re-new after his first year here; I know seven 55+ year olds off the top of my head who work in the public schools and three in hagwons.

It really is hit or miss. If one employer wants young, try again with another.

There are waaaaaaaaayyyyy too many jobs that need filling for you not to succeed.

[calicoe]

I have to agree with Van Islander and others. I know of at least two mid-50s in my small backwater town with EPIK, and at least one 40+ in a bigger, more desirable placement. I am in my 40s, and have just started to job search, and have gotten a response from every place that I sent a resume. One of those places was an elite high school in Seoul. So, I don't think I will have a problem finding a job, even in Seoul.

[winterwawa]

I agree with most of what has been said, but would add that I worked in Unis for 10 years and there is an unspoken rule that 55 is the cut off age. If you have a job when you turn 55, and are in good standing with the university, then renewal is possible; but, as a new hire, 55 is pretty much the cut off age.

Epik also has eligibility requirements posted on their website that says you must be a maximum of 55 years of age. So, if you are only 50, you still have a good shot at finding a job.

[eljuero]

Hi Everyone - I especially appreciate the feedback and perspective. Just what I wanted to hear.