Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Andyc24_uk]

So I've just been rejected by yet another hagwon on the basis of them wanting an American or Canadian. I'm really starting to get annoyed with this biased, arguably verging on racist, attitude.
I (British) and several others I know (South African, Australian, Irish etc) have found it much, much harder to get jobs this year, seemingly for this reason. In the last week, I've been turned down by two schools on those grounds - both of which were looking for staff available ASAP with teaching qualifications and experience, all of which criteria I filled. In both cases the principal was very interested and liked my qualifications and experience, but as soon as they realised I was not North American they lost interest immediately.

Perhaps it's about the minor variations in spelling (although any decent teacher will point out the variations in spelling of 'Colo[u]r; Flavo[u]r; Alumin[i]um etc that students might come across anyhow - I certainly do, as do many of my American colleagues).

The most ridiculous thing though is that the vast majority of Koreans - of all ages - hav no clue as to what nationality you are anyhow! 90% of Koreans you meet in the street cannot tell the difference between an American, Canaian, British or Australian accent; just as very few of us waegukin could tell a Busan accent from a Seoul or Jeolla accent!

I've been here nearly three years and this pro-American attitude has always been the case to some degree; but it seems this year it's reached ridiculous levels, as in many directors' heads a North American accent now seems more important than qualifications or experience!

[Andyc24_uk]

By the way - this is in no way meant to be an attack on Canadians or Americans, many of whom are excellent teachers - more of a rant at Hagwon owners who make decisions based on nationality rather than suitability for the job!

[SW]

I'm an American of British descent and I'm with you. I don't understand the reason for this bias. Obviously in the last 60 years or so America's been the most powerful and influential English-speaking nation, but I think by the time this generation of children come of age it will be different. I expect the Anglosphere will be much closer to an equal partnership by then. And I'm not 100% certain, but didn't Korea just sign some sort of trade agreement with the EU? That would be just one more reason to expect that Koreans would be just as likely to encounter British as American English (or one of the other variations).

I've also had the same experience re Koreans telling the difference between accents - only those already quite good at English can do it, unless we're talking about a very heavy accent.

Sadly, it seems that with the glut of qualified applicants, image still counts as much as ever, if not more. Well, it may not be a consolation, but look at this way: if both of applied for the same hagwon position as an American barbie doll, we'd both be screwed.

[edwardcatflap]

[skim234]

I don't blame them because the idea is to learn American English, given the huge financial, scholastic and cultural influence America has had on Korea.

Of course, it's easier for me to say since I am an American, but the two countries are more tied together than the UK.

Conversely, I wish I could teach English in Italy, but as I'm not an EU-citizen I'm being "discriminated" against.

Also, when I visit China, my visa fee is almost as high as my actual plane ticket. I know this is because the US charges high visa prices for foreigners, but I'm not the one charging foreigners.

[edwardcatflap]

Ok it might be a consideration if you have two candidates of roughly equal merit but what's more important? That little Bum Suk gets told to spell colour without a 'u' in it or he gets a teacher who can make the lessons lively, engaging and pedagogically sound?

[djsmnc]

I would think it just as well for you that they wouldn't hire you. Who wants to work for a place that isn't open to having a diverse English environment? I really appreciate the fact that everywhere I have worked has had teachers from all over as it has given the students who are there for a long haul a far better range of perspectives and skill sets. Well, there was one place I was at that only wanted Americans or Canadians which was a nightmare that I left rather hastily along with everyone else. You'll find a better place to be, I'm sure, and it will be worth the wait in the end.

[Kurtz]

[Andyc24_uk]

Skim - Fair points, but I'd have to disagree with American English only being the way forward. I know plenty of kids and adults here who have gone/plan on going to Australia, NZ or the UK to study or work - particularly Australia, I guess due to its being relatively close. I'd say a good 30-35% of the students I've taught have been interested in going English-speaking countries outside of North America... so focusing on American English really doesn't help a significant minority of students.

I'm entirely with you on the EU thing - the complete screw-up they've managed to create over EU employment policy means pretty much any European can essentially work anywhere, regardless of their suitability for the job, while they're keeping skilled non-Europeans out. Madness.

Not quite getting your point about Chinese visas though - Your country charges extortionate amounts to Chinese visitors (as does mine!). Their government retaliates. The general population, as usual, suffers. Stupid, petty and futile I agree but not sure what it's got to do with this?

[Andyc24_uk]

That is indeed right, Ay?

Fair point guys - Hopefully I'll find a place with a more thoughtful director...

[frankly speaking]

There are countries that prefer British English. Personally, I don't care either way. As long as a person is descriptive while teaching and doesn't teach in absolutes, they are good in my book.

[Horangi Munshin]

It was like that back in 2000/2001 when I first came here, it gradually disappeared. Now with more people wanting to come here the schools might think they can be more choosy again.

[ChopChaeJoe]

Great, more white, liberal AMERICAN guilt.

Personally, I have no interest working somewhere where people don't want me. Fortunately, I have options.

[PigeonFart]

They have the audacity to post "caucasion" or "female only" job adverts.

What's even more shocking than that, is that most koreans wouldn't even see the problem with those job adverts.

It's a peasant nation and will be for many decades to come. Disgraceful.

[skim234]