[Denis DNT]

There is this rumour that the Korean ministry of Education has started a blacklist for ESL teachers accompanied with a background check for all incoming and on-the-field ESL teachers. Any one out there in Korea who can confirm this? Just wondering what criteria they are using to set up the list and how successful it is going if it is true.

[Maria Lee]

Yes, that is true. Korean ministry of Education has announced that all the foreigner teachers should submit their criminal record before they enter Korea.

[Denis DNT]

Wow! Thanks for confirming. Was this measure triggered by some specific incident or it was just a new development within the ministry? Just anxious.

[Eric]

I don't know what triggered it but it's loooooonnngg over due. There have been more than a few English teachers in Korea who are on the run for crimes against children elsewhere.

[Denis DNT]

That sucks really. I can imagine them on the run now panicking for a new hiding point.

[mesmark]

Don't you have to list that information when you apply for your visa?

[Eric]

Quote mesmark

Don't you have to list that information when you apply for your visa?

In the past, no. I don't know how it is now.

The last place I was employed at asked me for my criminal background record after I was already working. I forgot to give it to them and they never asked again.

If they need a teacher bad enough, they'll let a lot slide.

[Denis DNT]

I taught at a Korean school in Beijing and we had to fill a form, I remember there were one or two questions about one having been arrested or convicted in the past, but I don't think that was serious enough because we were already hired and several months old teaching there. In addition, like Eric said, there was no follow up after that, some teachers especially the part timers didn't even hand in their forms.

I think what is more disturbing is the ease with which such bad background records can be covered here. You know, the desperate rush for teachers, business oriented 'mushroom' schools out for money and not for education, the availability and cheapness of fake certificates, passports and visas in the black market, corrupt security, etc. So to me I think getting teachers to fill forms and undergo interrogations are very insignificant efforts to curb the inflow of criminals. And I tell you the bad guys are usually the smartest ones. You know what I am saying, You won't catch them through forms filling and interrogations. Criminals have the best documents because they know that's what is always checked. There are other areas to be touched. Business oriented 'mushroom' schools is one of those areas I think should be targeted too. They would embrace the same teachers the government is trying to put on the black list.
How about a black list for schools too?

[Eric]

Here's some news about what will be required to teach in Korea. It's quite extreme!

[Denis DNT]

Thanks for the info Eric, a friend of mine is planning to fly to Korea this December to start work next year. I will let her know. May be she should better fly back to LA and hope to start work sometime by mid next year. The school pulling her over claims to be famous in Korea and able to handle any irregularities. Well like you say let's wait and see.

[Eric]

Quote Denis DNT

The school pulling her over claims to be famous in Korea and able to handle any irregularities.

I imagine there will be a lot more under-the-table work now.

Keep us posted on her experience if you remember.