Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shendallandkelly]

My wife and I are looking to come teach English in Korea. The only problem is that I'm white and she's Filipino (we're both born and accented in Canada). The recruiters tell me that means a job for me but none for her. So what we're thinking is that we should just get a job for me and both fly over to find one for her when we get there, hoping to get her airfare reimbursed.

So, for those who've been around a bit, do we stand a chance or is she going to be reading books in our apartment while I work? By the way, I've heard that the hagwons can be run by prejudiced individuals so I'm not interested in seeing a discussion develop around that topic, just the original question. Thanks.

[VanIslander]

Get another recruiter, there's no shortage of them. (I suggest ETIK.) There are ESL teachers from India, the Middle East and at least one from sub-Africa. The demand for native English speakers is so great that I am sure you both would be offered contracts, although perhaps in more rural areas. Don't settle for less. Tell recruiters you are looking for one of the many couple positions, show them her picture, and await the offers. You may be the reason a hogwan will accept her, and there will be some grumblings in the community, but if that's okay, then your household will have at least 3.6 million won coming into it every month!

Remember: Say there's no you without her, and you'll both find positions.

Coming to Korea first, then looking for a job for her, would seriously limit the geography of the search and the possibilities may be much slimmer.

[The Lemon]

The advantage to hiring both of you is the school gets two teachers happily living under one roof. Some schools will object to your wife's race - "not good for the market", they'll say - but there's financial incentive for those who will.

By the way, you didn't mention your credentials - they matter, though more at some schools than others.

Good luck!

[rapier]

Your wife might have to get used to the Korean perception that any Phillipino is here to work in the euphemistically- called "entertainment industry". She will likely have a tougher time over here than you, and automatically be prejudiced against merely because of her race.
I'd definitely aim for a more rural location away from the big cities.

[shendallandkelly]

As for our credentials, we have no ESL experience, but we both have extensive experience working with children and teenagers, my wife having more experience in school based settings than myself.

By the way, any recommendations for recruiters that cater to couples?

[saint_moi]

Shell&Kelly, I havnt been around for a bit, but one thing I can add is that I met a Philipino lady whos a friend of my boss's and she teaches girl's high school classes. I think, cos of the way that Korea is an incredibly superficial country, she might be paid less than north americans, but she is still Canadian, and Canada is like the holy land to Koreans so I geuss it just depends on where you guys settle. I definately possible for her to work. I dont think that "job for me but none for her" is an accurate statement.



Best of luck you 2.

[Ryst Helmut]

Shen,

I do think that you both will be able to find employment, and as stated, there just may be problems with your wife's background. Stigmas are bountiful 'ere, but I am not sure about finding jobs outside the 'bigger cities'.

I'd put your resumes up for anywhere in Korea, and where you both are accepted take the better deal (and check to see if they are on any no-no lists). I don't think rural/suburban/urban schools are that much different (but rather where they are located, i.e. posh areas).

Although I wouldn't really go for this idea, but it's a possibility...you could try to get a job in an area where a slew of hakwons are located, so that if you two can't get a job together, one of you would only have a short commute.

Oh, and yes, it is quit possible that she will be offered lower salaries due to her ethnicity.


Shoosh,

Ryst

[coolsage]

Your Filipina wife has one advantage: while she may not be hired officialy, with her Asian face she can work up a basketload of private teaching. In and out of the apartments here, she'll slip through the radar undetected, and soon she'll be pulling down a million a month, easy. But don't tell anyone I told you so, or I'll have to hunt you down and feed you kimchi until you succumb.

[shendallandkelly]

What kind of kimchi? Stuff you bought or homemade? This is very important as I consider whether or not to tell.