 What
if I am not young, white, thin, blonde, native-speaking,
straight, or ?
What if I am not the
"standard" person Korean ESL Schools seem to be looking
for?
Yes, it is still
common in the ESL business in Korea for some schools to
want to hire blond, blue-eyed, young, thin and straight
native-speakers. But, you will also find a very wide
variety of people in Korea. Schools often have an
"ideal" candidate - a stereotype if you will - in mind.
The reality is
that there is just not enough of that stereotype to go
around and the ESL schools find themselves very happy
(and lucky!) to hire those of us who don't fit the
stereotype.
What if
I am over 30, 40 or even 60 years of age?
I started
teaching English in Korea at age 41, one month before my
42nd birthday. And, I had grayish hair and a white
beard at the time. Right now, at age 56 and with
thinning white hair, I still wouldn't have trouble
finding a good job. I have worked with people over 60
years old and even met a teacher over 70!
Don't allow your
age to limit your goals. Luckily, us older folks aren't
usually asked to teach kindergarten (thank God!). If
you are older, your broader life and work experience
will often work to your advantage - don't be afraid to
use it.
What if
I am not "white"?
Most countries
are beginning to realize that the UK, Australia, the
USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa - and other
countries that speak English as their first language are
nations of immigrants - and not "lily white" countries.
During my most recent work in Korea, I saw
Chinese-Canadians, Hispanic-Americans, Black-Americans
and just about every other kind of "ethnic mix" you
might think of. While it might take you just a bit
longer to find the right employer - you really don't
want to work for the narrow-minded employers who would
rule you out anyway. Persist and you will find the job
you want.
What
about gay or lesbian or other "non-straight" people?
Many cultures
are bit more reserved than Western countries about
sexuality issues. While alternative lifestyles,
preferences, etc. certainly exist - they are sometimes
hidden and not openly talked about. Most people find
they need to be a little more discreet overseas than
back home. But, this is not always true. Discussion
boards at
ELT World and
TESALL can help you find out the best approach where
you want to go. Generally speaking, it won't come up,
unless you bring it up - so it shouldn't get in the way
of landing, or keeping, a TEFL job overseas.
Got it?
The whole point
of this first half of the page is to say that anything
about you that you might be concerned about - should not
really be a worry. But . . . do ask on the discussion
boards about possible difficulties. Generally, you'll
find people very encouraging - and you'll often hear
from others just like you.
 Is
appearance important in ESL Schools in Korea?
What about tattoos or piercings?
As discussed in
other places on this website, teaching tends to be a
more respected occupation in Korea than in Western
countries. And, as such, schools often have a strong
opinion about your appearance - and how they would like
it to be.
In Western
culture, we tend to pride ourselves on the "rebel
billionaire" look, and we know that dress and appearance
really don't measure the quality of our character. But
. . . in many other cultures - appearance is paramount.
A
Cultural Lesson
In Korea, just
as one example, a common saying is, "The first
impression is everything." Appearances are critical in
many cultures. When I lived in Africa I would sometimes
be surprised to see a man come out of his mud hut
wearing a three-piece suit!
Dress nicely and
professionally. It's not difficult and will enhance
your opportunities.
Our ideals are
often not theirs. Play along, do what is required.
Wear the slacks and tie. It is the gateway to so much
more.
Tattoos, Piercings and More
Keep them out of
sight. In Korea, tattoos are symbols of the yakuza
or mafia. Yes, more and more young Koreans have
tattoos - but they generally aren't teachers. As
a teacher and as a foreigner in Korea you can expect to
be closely observed, judged, commented on - and just
generally the butt of gossip. Get used to it,
understand it, and deal with it appropriately.
I know for many
people showing such things off is a matter of pride and
principle. They feel they should be accepted for who
and what they are. But . . . other cultures don't often
have the same idea. In Korea, they would like you to
conform to their ideals. You will, I promise, limit
your career and opportunities [in many countries] if you
are not discreet.
As I wrote
above: Play along, it is the gateway to so much more.
|
"Twenty
years from now you will be more disappointed
by the things that you didn't do than by the
ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the
trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
Discover." -- Mark Twain |
|
Raise your hand if you'd like to spend your "working"
time in a Luxury Resort . . . 
