As I was searching for jobs in Korea, one of the agencies that I went through was a Canadian agency called ASKNOW (asknow.ca). I am Korean-American and have an F-4 visa. I was sent the following message in an e-mail:
"...there is a much bigger and unfortunate factor at play in regards to the F4. It isn't actually the visa, it is the background. Unfortunately, Koreans base the majority of their hiring decision on the appearance of the teacher and what they are looking for are Caucasian teachers, preferably females. It is significantly more difficult to obtain a position for our black and Asian applicants. How significant? I would say close to 99 out of 100 schools will only move ahead with Caucasian teachers. It has nothing to do with the teachers skills, abilities, personality, experience etc..."
Needless to say, I was furious. I was also told by some teachers that non-caucasian teacher were paid less in some areas (none of them were from asknow). HOWEVER, what kind of message does this send to the students? ... that English is only spoken by Caucasians or PROPER English is only spoken by Caucasians? Furthermore, that true Americans are only Caucasians? I understand that Korea is still quite a homogenous country, but that demonstrates a greater need to educate the kids about American culture and diversity. It sad that agencies and schools such as these are limiting the educational opportunities for these students.
Asian Americans in Korea
I'd say about half of the group I was with when I applied for EPIK (English Program in Korea) were Korean Americans. A lot of the people I've met on government EFL programs were Asian American as well so I suppose it's more the issue with the private agencies.
There is, of course, some expectation that English speakers are usually non-East Asian. When I lived in the countryside, many of the rural people didn't initially believe that I was an American.
Racism for Teaching English in Korea
While I don't think the answer the recruiter gave you was very sensitive or tactful, I am not sure if it is fair to blame them for the situation. After all, they are not the people hiring teachers, schools are.
I am pretty sure a recruiting company doesn't care what someone looks like, as they could make more money if schools accepted more diverse teachers.
As such, it is the prejudice on the part of Koreans, that is the owners of the schools and the parents who request Caucasian teachers, that is "limiting education opportunities" of the students.
My experience is that much of Korean society is based on superficiality, and how you look and what you drive and what brand you wear are big considered important.
This prejudice for looks isn't limited to foreigners, however, as South Korea has one of the highest rates of plastic surgery if I am not mistaken.
I'm Black and I face prejudice in the hiring process as well.
This is a serious issue. I had the school I was talking to send me e-mails back and forth and I set them my picture and they said they only wanted White skin teachers. They shouldnot be able to advertise to Americans because we have a Black president. And their president sat down with him a few weeks back. Why do they feel prejudice is ok.