BootsnAll Travel Community

hi,
i am currently looking into possibly teaching english in south korea. i was wondering if it would be a problem that i happen to be black. " i look dominican" i am wondering if that would be a problem as far as me finding employment b/c my skin is not "fair" enough or as fair as asians and caucasions? i have a bachelors and am to go to spain this year and by the time i am able to do this program it would be sometime in 2007 since i may try and teach english as well in France. i will also be teaching english in spain so maybe perhaps my experience will sway and my skin tone won't be a problem....PLEASE ADVISE?

While a fair amount of quite up-front racism exists in most of East/Southeast Asia - most people and EFL schools are coming to realize that not all native speakers have blond hair and blue eyes - and are 23 years old (though it sure took them a while!).

I just spent three years in Korea and in that time noticed a lot more openness to other possibilities. I met Chinese-Canadians, Black-Americans, Hispanic-Americans and so on. Most were doing just fine. Some other people think it is just a matter of limited supply and great demand - and that may be true too - but they work together to create a better possibility for you!

I think that your job offers may be slower in coming - but WILL come. Be patient and I think you'll do just fine. Your education and experience will help.

Check out What if I am not young, white, thin, blonde, native-speaking, straight, or ?

I'm Korean American and spent a summer attending a language program and teaching part time at an SAT prep program. If you have a BA, then teaching at an SAT prep school is the way to go. Those jobs are in high demand and you can make a lot of money. I made about $25/hr which was less than the full-timers and I was a freshman in college. Honestly, I don't remember if there were any non-ethnic Korean teachers at the place I worked but if you apply for places that are more established and well known, like Princeton Review, then it shouldn't be a problem finding a job. Plus, it seems like you'll have a lot of experience under your belt so that's always a resume booster. I would say Koreans in Seoul wouldn't be as shocked to see other races as those out in the boonies... so beware where you apply for a job!

My mother is Filipino and my father is southern Italian, so everything about me is dark. I'm teaching in China and it definitely hasn't been a problem, although it is interesting to see them try to figure out what I am (Spanish, Mexican, Japanese(!), etc. etc.).

I've also traveled in Singaporea and Malaysia and actually think it's been a benefit, because at first I blend in but when I talk to people they realize I'm an American, and seem more friendly.

I also met two blacks in Fuzhou (a city of 5-6 mil here in China) and they are just as well-received as any foreigners (one of them has been in China for 6 years, touring as a performer with his Chinese wife of 4 years).

Good luck!

interesting posts, i would be interested in reading more perspectives on skin color and acceptance in various places. in recent history such threads have been begun but often get derailed. i hope this one continues.