Korean Job Discussion Forums

[redstriped]

Hi everyone,

I saw a post from a few years ago on this topic, but was wondering what people might have to say about it today, or if anyone has had more recent experiences regarding the issue. I'm an American woman hoping to teach ESL in Korea starting this summer after graduation. The issue is that I have three deformed and non-functioning fingers on my left hand due to a birth defect. I also have a tight heel cord which causes me to limp slightly. Other than this, I'm healthy and "normal" looking. I know that Korea is an appearance-centered culture, so I was wondering two things:

Will this affect my chances of getting employment? I will of course make these issues known to my recruiter.

If I am offered employment, could my job later be jeopardized if students (or others) are freaked out about it?

Any info/tips are appreciated. Thanks!

[Troglodyte]

If it's not a health issue, then I wouldn't tell the recruiter about it. I can't remember now what the questions on the visa application actually say. Maybe someone else who has one in hand can quote them. But if your problem isn't an actual health issue that requires treatment or that impairs you in any way, and you don't have to note it on the application, then don't. If it looks like you can't avoid it without lying, then tell the recruiter. Being caught in a lie will likely get you in trouble down the road.

Can they fire you if the students don't like it? In the first 6 months, they can fire you for anything. They don't need a reason.

Will they fire you? In the case of a hogwon, that depends on whether the school owner has ethics. A lot don't. If they think that it will keep students, they'll fire you and probably give a fictional reason. If it's a PS, then they probably won't. They aren't interested in whether the kids think you're good looking or not, and the kids know it. Not that the kids won't mock you. I've seen kids mock adults plenty of times. I've also seen other teachers mock their co-workers to entertain the students. But you won't likely get fired for it.

Just my 2 cents.

[nathanrutledge]

In my time here, I've met a guy who was legally deaf in an ear, someone who uses a single crutch to get around, and numerous people with less than 10 digits. I wouldn't worry TOO much.

What troglodyte says is pretty good - don't lie, but don't answer any more than you have to. When you see the questions that are asked, answer them directly. Don't expand beyond yes/no. If it asks for explanations, downplay everything. But don't lie.

What age are you looking at working with? Kids would probably be a problem. High school and above, not much of an issue, IMO.

When I worked at a middle school, I had a student who had a deformed hand (birth defect) and he simply wore a glove over it all the time. The other students knew why, but not seeing it made them put it in the back of their minds and it wasn't a problem. If I were you, I'd probably get myself a glove to wear and have it with me at all times. If it's an issue, just put it on and after a few days, no one will even notice. Yeah, it sucks that you might have to do that, but there is no ADA here, and it IS an image conscious society.

Try for a public school. They hire a lot of people other places won't (minorities, South Africans) and don't fire people without cause (generally). If you get hired there and didn't lie on any forms, you'll probably be safe.

Of course, it all does depend on the questions they ask. Do your best to play it like Gary Burghoff and good luck!

[Dodge7]

^^Korea, where anyone can be a teacher. If you have a warm body come on by!

Deaf. Really?

[redstriped]

Troglodyte,

Would there be harm in telling my recruiter though? My thought is (assuming I get an ethical recruiter... yes, I've heard these are few and far in between) that the recruiter, keeping this in mind, could perhaps warn me about individual schools or direct me toward schools whose owners they know would not mind this sort of thing.

I wouldn't want to not say anything to them and then get fired for a fictional reason 3 months into my contract, with no options or support, when there is the possibility that they could have known and done something about it. But I am well aware that just like private academies, recruiters are in it to make money.

[redstriped]

Also, Nathan,

I've heard it is easier overall to teach younger children, so I was originally going for that, though here in the U.S. I've preferred to work with middle school and above. If I could, I'd definitely teach adults but I don't know if that's possible, given that all I have is a bachelor's degree.

[IncognitoHFX2]

Your birth defects won't show up in a picture so I'd say not a problem.

Also, ESL really does only require a warm body in the beginning. I once knew a South African teaching here who could only speak a handful of English words yet she was renewed by her PS.

[Adam Carolla]

OP: Appearance is an issue. I once worked with a guy who developed gout, and was subsequently fired (he had a pronounced limp and had trouble moving from class to class.) Now, he was generally unfortunate looking and didn't have the most charismatic of personalities either.

So, with that said, if you can get a job (which I don't think will be a problem), it would really behoove you to become popular with both your students and your coworkers. This is a blatant generalization, but Koreans are somewhat superficial, however I've also found that once you get past the first-impression stage, they really are quite genuine and warm.

[redstriped]

Thanks Adam (love the Ace Man!) for being straight-forward. I am considering just hiding it in a pocket for the most part while I win them over with my wit and charm, though still mentioning it to a recruiter.

From what I'm seeing here so far, I definitely SHOULDN'T bring it up in an interview? Forewarning them wouldn't serve me well, would it?

[Joe Boxer]

[Konglishman]

[Troglodyte]

[Troglodyte]

[Joe Boxer]

[Troglodyte]