http://behindthewall.nbcnews.com/_news/ 2012/05/15/11720584-in-china-english-te aching-is-a-whites-only-club?lite

White, Caucasians only
Racial discrimination is a harsh reality within China’s ESL industry, where recruiters actively seek the blond-hair, blue-eyed all-American archetype (along with similarly equipped Britons, Australians and other native speakers close behind). While brown hair also is acceptable, having a white face is a near-absolute requirement.

“There’s this concept that if you send your children to English class, the parents are expecting their children to be taught by a white English teacher versus an Asian-American or … a black American,” he said.

The discrimination comes, Evans said, because Chinese parents simply do not believe a non-white person can possibly be a native speaker. Thus, this logic continues, hiring a white person is the simplest and easiest way to ensure that the teacher is truly fluent.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic .php?t=95104&postdays=0&postord er=asc&start=15
Wayne 1523 - I'm sure you are aware of the concept of 'face' - it is all pervasive in China and Taiwan - unfortunately when it comes to English 'teaching' in English centers and Buxibans students want a Western looking face, preferably young and preferably beautiful or handsome.

Experience? So what?
Teaching credentials? So what?
Do you have blue eyes and blonde hair? Do you have a square jaw or a shapely figure?

The biggest boxes to tick for a manager or school owner are:
Will you make students happy?
Will they come back with their wallets open?
Do you look like the Asian conceptualization of Western?

After all it isn't important how you teach - it isn't important what you teach - they're paying their money to be taught by somebody who looks WESTERN!!

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic .php?t=102162
Please read this email that was sent to a friend of my friend. I hope it will influence teachers not to work for this school.

Hi,
This is Sunny from talkingstreet english. We have received your CV.
I am afraid that I have to say sorry about this.
don't mean to be racist or offensive. our school doesn't hire black people. I believe that you are a good teacher.

Sorry again. thanks for calling

good examples
http://www.midwested.us/testimonials/
bad examples
http://www.parkenglish.com/seeker/t_lis t.php
http://www.wecienglish.com/content/?291 .html

actual job posting
You must be an Australian, American, British, Canadian, New Zealand or South African passport holder with a native speaker's accent. Your gender, religion and sexual orientation are irrelevant but unfortunately the students' parents demand European looking teachers.
http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/index .cgi?read=29256

I'm looking for some feedback from people 'of colour' and what their experience has been in the ESL market.
Of the "Native Countries" the US has many African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, Asian Americans, the UK has people from many Commonwealth Countries (India/Pak, Africa, W.Indies), and S.Africa has majority native black speakers and people of Indian ancestry.
Whenever I look at photo galleries from schools or recruiters I rarely see any of these faces. A lot of places I am applying do not respond (yet repost the same job) and it is not for lack of experience or qualifications. (BA, Tesol, Celta, 3 yrs exp). This includes US/UK/Can based recruiters. Nor do I have a poor resume or sloppy cover photo. I even have Dual Nationality from TWO Native Countries!
I understand this can be a 'business decision' as it may affect enrollment and student/parents perceptions.
Just wondering what peoples personal experiences have been? And yes, I know 'white people' face all kinds of discrimination as well as foreigners but at least you guys get as far as an interview while our applications are rejected based on photos
I'm specifically looking to hear from people of visibly ethnic background and what their experience has been. You can P/M me if you want.
Thanks :)