Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ajhuber]

Ok, I posted my resume, and have gotten several responses from recruiters. After sending my picture, I am being asked "excuse me what is your ethnicity, not to be rude, but the schools will want to know". The thing is that in the States, I am the average white girl- who cares that I am mixed. But it seems to be a big deal. I just wanted to know what the "race card" does in Korea.

do I need to be aware of "whiteness" or does it really matter. I know in the states I am regarded as less than white at times because I am mixed with Colombian blood. As I said this took me aback because people here just assume I am white and move on with it.

[sojusucks]

Welcome to the nasty world called the ESL industry in Korea. Your picture is more important than your resume, to many schools, and you will hear "probing" questions about race, marital status, and other issues that could never be legally discussed in the USA. Understand that going in and it won't be such a shock.
As for hiring based on skin color, well, it's common in Korea. There are even schools that hire based on the color of someone's eyes. Those are usually bad places to work. Don't blame the foreigners for this mess. This one is all on the Koreans in the ESL industry, especially the mothers who demand blonde teachers.

[PigeonFart]

Agreed. It's pathetic and makes many english teachers leave Korea with less respect for the people/culture than when they first arrived.

[TSE]

If you look white, just say you're white. Even if you don't, just say you're tan.