Korean Job Discussion Forums

diliemma · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Location: Canada

Hi everyone,

I am hoping to teach English in Korea, but I noticed that all the reputable schools that I look at require you to be a "native" English speaker. What does this mean?

I was not born in an English-speaking country. However, I am a Canadian citizen and have been living here for over 10 years, and probably speak better than many "native" speakers. (And yes, I am caucasian, which I know helps) Is this ok?? Will they still hire me??

I also intend to get my TESOL certification first. I know many places don't require it, only requiring a university degree, but I don't think my degree in biochemistry is going to lend much credibility to my English-teaching abilities. Smile

Thank you!!

huffdaddy · Joined: 25 Nov 2005

SuperFly · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Location: In the doghouse

Well I'm a black dog and I can find work easily, & my first language is doglish - not sure what your problem in finding a job would be...

jacl · Joined: 31 Oct 2005

As long as you have a Canadian passport and a university diploma from an English-speaking country, you're set to go.

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Where are you from? Do you have a noticeable accent?

If no, just say you're a native speaker. No one will be able to tell the difference. Sometimes I do different accents for my more advanced students and they say it doesn't even sound different.

I_Am_Wrong · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: whatever

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

I am Chinese, born in Hong Kong but have a British passport.

I get work very easily... it helps I have a Masters from the Uni of London, though.

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

If you are a Canadian citizen you can be hired. I used to work with a woman who grew up in Russia and became a Canadian citizen as a teen.

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

jeffusensei · Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Location: Seoul, Korea

Depending on where you were born, you MAY have trouble at the consulate when you finally go for your visa. Canada still writes your place of birth on the passport and if it's not a nice white place like Western Europe, you could have some explaining to do. A couple of our teachers born outside of Canada but fully Canadian citizens were given the third degree. The Toronto consulate seems particularly bad.

I think the whole "native speaker" system is hugely problematic. First of all, I've met plenty of non-native speakers whose command of the English language is much greater than that of so-called "native" speakers. It also reduces the diversity of teachers we are able to hire and thus have the students interact with and learn from. Finally, it sets up a system where people can study English as much as they want but they'll NEVER be a native speaker ~ I can't think of a more demotivating factor than that! I understand the logic behind the rule but it is seriously flawed.

poet13 · Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 7:09 pm Post subject:

"Canadians can't speak english It's mostly grunting and pointing isn't it?"

Cerriowen. I think that's a really crappy thing to say. It shows your social and cultural ignorance. FYI! We have been using sticks to scratch symbols in the dirt for at least thirty times the snow falling. Grunt and point. BAH!!!

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Yeah, and what about the yellow snow codes we've picked up from the inuit.

I do pee a pretty darn good SOS pattern, don't ya know. Laughing