Picture request in Application?

[danrunsfast]

I just got contacted by a school in Taiwan in regards to teaching English. They request a picture be sent, and I am wondering what kind of picture is expected? A passport photo? A facial photo? A full body photo in a suit? Thanks!

[Glenski]

Don't know about Taiwan, but I suspect it's the same as in Japan.

Give them a shot much like your passport. Dress professionally, have a neutral background, and shoot from the shoulders up.

Try to crop out your best buddy's arm hanging around you if you use a party pic of yourself. j/k

[Peter Easton]

Why do you think they want ot see a photo of you?

[Kootvela]

I don't think this is right. I've read that some schools discriminate against teachers who are, for example, of African American origin or are young attractive females. Your appearance should not be of importance if you are qualified to teach. I say email them and ask for their photos, too :-)

[Peter Easton]

Why would anyone discriminate against "young attractive females"?

[Kootvela]

Why would anyone discriminate against "young attractive females"?

In Arab countries, for example, they hire women only over 30, and clearly state that in their job applications. Also, preferably the husband also comes with his wife, not to teach but do some other work. I'm not against Arabic culture but such a way of life is a bit odd.

[SMRT]

Well, it is about image. A school wants an attractive and positive one. Employing fat, ugly or dangerous looking individuals may frighten the learners away.

As for Arab culture, one has to respect it. Of course, it has a historical socio-cultural reason.

[Peter Easton]

Let's not kid ourselves here. The real reason this school in Taiwan wants a picture is to make sure he is ... white.

Many schools in Taiwan and China would rather hire a white European over a native English-speaking Asian person because to them it's all about image and perception over subtance and product.

[Kootvela]

Let's not kid ourselves here. The real reason this school in Taiwan wants a picture is to make sure he is ... white.

Many schools in Taiwan and China would rather hire a white European over a native English-speaking Asian person because to them it's all about image and perception over subtance and product.

My thoughts exactly.

Also, I've read on another forum that a teacher of African-American origin came to teach in China and he talked about what openr acism he had to go through...physical and verbal abuse included. I was horrified. Perhaps he could have been warned of the situation prior to coming if his ethnical background would have been made clear? Who knows.