[465 International's Eye] My Thoughts on Employment

   My name is Saikhanbayar Bilegjargal, and I was born and raised in Uvurhangai. After considering several countries for my studies, I ultimately chose South Korea due to its strong economy and supportive education system. South Korea has made impressive strides in education, fostering critical thinking and creativity, which are crucial in today’s job market. This motivates me to pursue a master’s degree in English linguistics, where opportunities for international students abound.

   As I begin this new chapter, I find myself deeply contemplating the challenge of employment. While I enjoy my studies, I worry about my prospects for acceptance by educational institutions or learning centers. The questions in my mind are causing me distress, notwithstanding my incomplete academic progress.

   As a foreigner in South Korea, the pressure to get a job after graduation is a burdening experience. The job market poses unique challenges for non-native speakers. Teaching English, a common opportunity for foreigners, often has strict requirements that exclude applicants from non-English- speaking countries. One of the main challenges in Korea when we try to get a job is expectations from foreigners that employers expect. Despite my knowledge in English, employers often prioritize nationality over actual skillset. It leaves a student myself, who spent years grasping the knowledge and studies, feeling undervalued and rejected. Even though teaching English is one of the most common job opportunities for foreigners, the opportunity itself is rare for non- native English-speaking foreigners. 

   Language barriers further complicate the situation. Despite my efforts to learn Korean, many companies demand high proficiency, such as passing the TOPIK exam, adding immense pressure to balance mastering both English and Korean. 

   Visa is one of the factors that employers tend not to recruit foreigners in their company. Graduating from a Korean university is not enough; finding a company willing to sponsor a visa is essential to stay and work. Many companies hesitate to sponsor foreign workers unless they see them as uniquely qualified workers, which leads to intense competition among international graduates. Without a sponsored visa, the possibility of continuing to live and work in Korea vanishes, adding another layer of stress. 

   These challenges often lead to feelings of loneliness and confusion. Being far from family, isolated by language and cultural differences, creates a feeling of being out of place and feels like you do not belong. Then the competitive job market and visa restrictions make it more difficult to process. As a glimpse of thought of “graduation” approaches, the pressure to succeed in Korea becomes even more overwhelming, leaving me in a confusion about whether to keep pushing forward or return to Mongolia.

   The uncertainty of staying in Korea, where I can pursue my hard-earned goals, contrasts with the comfort and familiarity of returning home. Despite these difficulties, there is still a sunny day ahead of us. Although the path to employment may be daunting, I encourage fellow foreigners to stay focused and seek out spaces where we are truly valued, whether in Korea or back home.