not a single company has responded to my application

[Chagla]

How about the teachin oppurtunities in Japan? I've often been wondering why these Asian countries also do not recruit people from Asia. It's still amazing that even these countries do prefer native speakers of English for english teaching jobs. I've been applying to these countries for job openings in teaching for the past 8 months, but so far not a single company has responded to my application. Or is it the fact that I am not a fully qualified professional? Please can anyone clear my apprehensions on it?

[gfell]

Are you Indian? Schools are looking for native English speakers without a thick accent. Whilst India may have English as an official language, I'm sure you didn't grow up playing with your friends speaking English.

I have met some Indians in my time, and found it very hard to understand them sometimes. That probably explains why schools haven't responded to your application.

[waixingren]

A lot of English-language schools in Asia are racist. I worked for a company that refused to hire anyone who was black (even if he/she was qualified) when they were desperate for more instructors. And it isn't just the schools, there are plenty of students who share the same view. It is rather disappointing to see qualified people turned away in favor of inexperience and a white face.

[Chagla]

Hi all,

I don't know what to speak about yr experience. Racial discrimination exists everywhere. At the same time not all non-native speakers speak bad english. If that had been the case I would not have got an opportunity to teach at a European University - Czech Republic for a year. I still cannot understand the gravity of the situation.

[Antonio]

I don't think it has anything to do with racial discrimination. Racial discrimination is not giving you the job because they don't like your race. Here it is more the fact that your thick accent is not what they are looking for in a new teacher.

[Chagla]

O.K. Many a thanks for your kind reply. But if that is the situation, are we non-native speakers doomed forever. Can we not apply for such positions? Atleast they could've specified in the requirements of the need for only native speakers. But why are they silent on these?

[cool ice]

Many ads to specify the need for Native English speakers. And if the ads don't, it's obvious that in the ESL industry, to be an English teacher you would need to be a native English speaker.

If I studied Indian, I doubt anyone would give me a job to teach Indian. Students want native speakers in the language that they learn.

Why don't you consider proof reading then?

[Chagla]

Thank you so much. But is proof reading also in demand because currently I am teaching proof-reading, technical report writing, business communication et al. Does it have any marketability? But whatever it is & however you may justify I still feel the non-native speakers are discriminated and thereby sidelined. More so in our next encounter. Till then Bye.

[gfell]

Proof reading is in huge demand and proof reading companies are always looking for good contractors.