Korean Job Discussion Forums

Rios · Joined: 05 Aug 2006

I submitted my resume and photo to a recruiter and they repllied to me asking me about my job preference in details (age group, availability, etc.)

This is the response I received from them.

"Dear XXX,

Thanks for the information.

Even though the job offer below does not quite match with your preference, it is a very reputable school in the area. I must be honest with you in regards to the fact in securing an ESL job in Korea. Many schools in Korea, especially the ones in Seoul refuse to hire teachers who are not caucasians. That's the reason why so many EXCELLENT teachers who are African Americans, native speakers with no American accents, Asians born in native countries have so much trouble in securing jobs in Korea. Please don't get me wrong, the schools are not racists but the parents simply do not prefer them. This is the reason why I recommend this school to you. The school hires ANY native speaker regardless of race, color and age. The director simply does not care what the parents want but what he thinks is right for the kids.

So please take this offer into consideration as it is good until the end of August or the beginning of September.

A telephone interview with one of the foreigners there could also be arranged."

Is this recruiter just tying to sucker me into signing up with the first job they throw at me or are they just trying to warn me of what issues non-caucasians may face in obtaining teaching gigs in Seoul, Korea??>

-Rios

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

Regretably, that's the way it is with a lot of schools. Whether it be motivated by racism or not, this happens. It's better that you were told about it now rather than later. Would you rather arrived at the school with a greeting of gasps and get fired further on down the line for some BS reason?

Take the interview.

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

I knew a girl who was given a lower salary on arrival because they couldnt tell she was Indian from her photo. Yeah, its true.

dbee · Joined: 29 Dec 2004 Location: korea

Yes, it's true that schools prefer young, white, canadian, blonde females.

However anyone outside that category shouldn't just take any job that they are given and be grateful for it.

Find the right school for you, one that you are comfortable with. Realize though that it might take a little longer to get placed. Don't settle just because you aren't white ... Wink

RobinH · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:58 am Post subject:

ditto

Pak Yu Man · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Location: The Ida galaxy

Could be even worse than that. Imagine you arrive in Korea, your future boss sees...then he bails.

At least you know what you are getting into from the start.

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

Why not apply direct to schools of your choice rather than go through a recruiter? See what you can get.

Rios · Joined: 05 Aug 2006

Yeah, I've done my share of research and I know all about Koreans preferring caucasion teachers over non-caucasion teachers.

I've been offered a few positions with a few different schools but I've turned them down to due working hours, housing deposit and other requests that I did not agree with.

'Hotpants,' I'll definitely take your advice and apply to the schools directly.

THanks guys

-Rios

PortHardy · Joined: 16 Aug 2006

It's not going to matter if you apply directly to the schools or if you use a recruiter as you have to look at the numbers.

About 95% of the schools in Korea will only hire a caucasian teacher. The other 5% would prefer to hire a caucasian teacher but will hire a noncaucasian if they can't fill their position. It's not fair but that's the reality of life in Korea.

If you take into account that probably 95% of the schools in Korea use a recruiter then do you think you're going to get better offers or have a better chance of getting hired because you bypassed the recruiter?

In most businesses, it's a good idea to bypass the middleman but when it comes to getting job in Korea, the recruiter is probably the better method of getting a job. Obviously the best method is to do both.

A few years ago, a friend from back home wanted to get a job in Busan. She was Chinese-Canadian and fairly attractive. She spent 2 months applying for jobs and then finally called it quits as she didn't get any ofers that were exactly to her liking.

My only point is that if you find a job that offers close to what you want, don't be afraid to sign. The hardest part for a noncaucasian in Korea is to get your foot in the door. Once you start teaching and you do a good job, you will certainly get fair market value if you do another year or want to renegotiate after a few months.