Korean Job Discussion Forums

[stevehend]

Hi. Just wanting to get a few opinions. I am 51 and have been told by a Canadian recruiter for S.Korea that they won't take me on as they wouldn't be able to take me due to my age. I would be a new teacher if I ever got there. Am I wasting my time,honestly. The recruiter told me they couldn't place a 39 year old they had on their books. I don't want to keep going down a blind alley if there's no chance. What do people honestly think?



Thanks

[ttompatz]

[Steve Schertzer]

Hey Steve,

I'm 47 and teach in a public middle-school in Busan. I went through Busan Job recruiters and had no problems with them. The school is good and so are my co-teachers. I have also met and worked with others here in their 40's and 50's.

Some people will say, "Stay away from recruiters. They are just after the money." Then again, so is everyone else. Choose your recruiters very carefully. Ask a lot of questions. Deal with some of the schools directly, if you have to. And keep searching Dave's job board. Something will turn up.

Good luck.

[VanIslander]

There are three foreign teachers in this small town and one of them is 57.
Plus several posters here are 55+ (ya-ta boy, schwa, etc).
You will do fine.
Just get yourself another recruiter.

There are plenty of opportunities, some of which strongly prefer youth, a few of which prefer older non-twenties, and a whole lot who don't really care because they need any waygook with a degree and a pulse!

[kiwiliz]

I am 47 and had no problems, with getting the first position or the second. the first was a Hogwon, the second a public school, where I am really happy.
Age has not been an issue.
silly recruiter! their loss.

[CBP]

A friend of mine is 57 and just started working in a small language school. The kids love him. You're getting good advice here. Stick it out and it sounds like you'll find yourself working in Korea in no time.

Good luck!

[Ya-ta Boy]

I'm 57.

It is true you will have a harder time finding a job, but it can be done. There is a marked preference here for young teachers. You will lose out on many jobs simply because of your age. Your resume will get shifted to the bottom of the pile. That's just the way it is here.

The advice about seeking a job with the public schools is good. They are less picky about age.

If you go that route, try to avoid technical schools. The students there are usually not very motivated to study/speak English. If you think you can tolerate it, consider working in a small town. The demand for teachers there is high.

Good luck.

[Boodleheimer]

that's bull. i know i guy who works for YBM who's in his 50s-60s. maybe you should contact schools/orgs directly.

edit: by "that's bull", i meant what the recruiting company's selling the OP.

[stevehend]

Thanks everyone, that has given me a little hope and some useful advice too, maybe all is not lost!


Steve

[Pak Yu Man]

That's a load of BS. A hogwon (private language institute) will not hire you. You are too old and not handsome enough. Maybe your belly is too big and you don't have the right color of hair.

I'm not insulting you...that's the criteria for a shit job. Shiat job=shiat teacher.

Try a public school or a uni gig (good luck finding one). They later two actually want teachers who can teach. The uni I'm at just hired a guy much older than you. If he was Korean he'd have to retire next year, but the guy is on 'contact' so they can get around stuff like that.

Any school that hires looks over experience is stupid. You wouldn't want to work there anyways. Wait til the new term starts and try for a public school gig.

[CBP]

I'm sure your job in Korea is already there and waiting for you to discover it. So hold tight to your hope and ignore the more negative comments around here.