Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jstyle88]

My mom is 52 years old and wants to get into teaching in private hagwon in Seoul. She's bilingual in both korean and english. She doesn't have teaching experience but a TEFL certification. She also will get F-4 visa soon.

She will be in Seoul to visit family and wants to apply directly in person.
Is it difficult for her to get a job? I hear age is an issue for working in Korea so she's quite worried.

[Chaparrastique]

Yes.

[jleblanc]

Will she have a harder time than someone in their 20s? Yes. But I don't think it's impossible. Having an F-4 visa, the ability to apply in person, and also being bilingual will help. If she can get some face time and sell herself, it will be far easier than being in another country and trying to convince someone to hire her when all they're going off of is her age and and having to obtain a visa for her. Just tell her to be realistic but to not let that deter her. She's just going to have to work a little harder at it and possible wait a little longer to find something. Post back here with an update, please! It'll help others looking for the same answer. (And I'm curious.)

[jvalmer]

It's harder, but if she's in Korea it will be much easier. They might not want to spend money on flying a 50 year-old over.

I'm assuming she's Korean. Warn her how much Koreans... ahem... students... have changed in the last 35 years. They aren't the most respectful beings around, as she might (or imagined) her generation was.