Study One: Teacher Applicant Survey

>>>full study<<<

In the last five years I have conducted a considerable amount research regarding teaching English as a Second Language and the industry of ESL in South Korea. Until recently the research was carried out for mainly personal gain and employment. With the knowledge I had gained from personal experience, personal and professional contacts, the use of websites and search engines, numerous interviews with institutions around the country and employment in several facilities in different cities from Seoul to Pusan, I realized the ESL market place had changed rapidly in the five years since I began working here.

The expanding and constantly changing market place presents a considerable challenge for the newcomer in Korea. Challenges I was unaware of as a new teacher five years ago. As there are several risks involved in choosing a school or institution I believe my experience and knowledge of the industry can be a valuable asset to future teachers and enable them to best choose the method and website for their new job search in Korea, thus minimizing to a certain extent the inherent risks of teaching abroad. For this reason, I have put together a comprehensive and expanding study that takes into account country of origin, race, age, gender, income status and a host of other guidelines which should help the new teacher determine his chance of success in the country and what he should expect, not only in his treatment from the school, but in a wider sense what he should expect from the country. It should be clear that this information should only be used as a guideline.

Study One: General stats of the online job searchers.

My first study examines one of the Korean job search websites. Unlike other sites, it publishes the candidates’ picture and full profile, including nationality. For this reason, I have decided to use this website for my first study. This study will survey the candidates’ profile and compare gender, country of origin, age, race, qualifications and experience. The data gathered here will direct the next study.

The following charts can be enlarged by clicking on the image.

Gender Study

Male/Female ratio Male: 49% Female 51% However, 10% of the males and a surprising 82% of the women were Asian.

Race Study

Based upon original race (skin color)
White 35% Black 2% Asian 30% Korean 13% Indian 9% Other 11%

Female Race Study

Based upon original race (skin color)
White 8% Black 0% Asian 52% Korean 24% Indian 9% Other 12%

Male Race Study

Based upon original race (skin color)
White 66% Black 5% Asian 5% Korean 0% Indian 14% Other 10%

Nationalities (Country of Birth)

Philippine 39% American (Probably USA) 16% Canadian 15% USA 12% British 6% Australian 5% Indian 3% South African 3% Nepali 1%

Age

64% are between the age of 20 and 29
23% are between the age of 30 and 39
8% are between the age of 40 and 49
5% are over the age of 50


Conclusion: Further investigation is forthcoming. The actions of Korean employers and recruiters will be studied on the basis of the following criteria in the next studies:

1. age
2. gender
3. race
4. nationality
5. experience
6. general appearance

Note: This study is of course open to interpretation. For instance, the black female ratio was found to be 0% which is in fact very representative of teachers in Korea. This anomaly can be explained first by the website chosen to do the study (there are several websites that can be used), second, a black woman may choose not to post her own photo on the website for several reasons.

In the following weeks, I will be posting several pseudo portfolios on-line. The portfolios will all have similar backgrounds, race, education, etc.

To find out about these studies please continue reading Korean School at a later date.

These studies are preformed for English teaching purposes and are not intended to have any prejudices involved.

>>>Full Study<<<