What's this rule in Korea about hiring only 'native' teachers? Surely, such rules exist in other countires, too. I have been reading the posts here for some time now and am amazed at the negative perception many recruiters, teachers and students share about 'native' teachers. One went to the extent of comparing them with peasants in China, not that there is anything wrong with peasants. Yet, S. Korea in particular, and many schools in China, Vietnam, Japan and other countries 'insist' on hiring native teachers. Is it because looks sell? Is it because education has become merely a business, perhaps, little more than a scam? Is it because the language is less important than an accent?
English is an international language, spoken and used in hundreds of countries across the globe. This widespread use of the language has served only to enrich English in many ways, making it more vibrant and beautiful.
Unfortunately, these days, there are millions chasing fake accents and designer dreams. To me, it sounds pathetic when I come across a young Asian with a heart full of aspirations launch hesitantly into an English conversation with a North American accent and then trip over the simplest words, phrases and grammar. Surely, it's not the youths' fault. The crime was committed by another but the price is paid by the unwary.
Please stop this exploitation of the young. They need to be taught and treated as students and not merely commodities, a market, a statistic.
They need to learn to communicate and use the language effectively with people from all over the world. While an 'accent' may impress a few for a while, ultimately it will make the user look silly and shallow if there isn't much else to back it up. A ticket printed on gold paper will not make the voyage sweeter or safer or more pleasant - especially not, when the boat leaks.