From what I’ve been reading, Korean culture is very superficial when it comes to people’s looks. I’m sure you’ve heard the stories about kids with disabilities whose parents never take them out in public. Well I had my first brush with Korean culture today…AND I’M NOT EVEN THERE YET!

When I first applied for a job with my Korean recruiter, they asked for my resume and a couple of photos. I picked out two semi-current photos of myself: the one with the R2-D2 mailbox and one head shot from the winter.

2. Get a good photo of yourself done. Because of the volume of applications that come to schools with similar looking resumes, schools and recruiters default to intangibles such as appearance and personality. – ESL job hunt advice

Then, when I sent my documents for my working visa, I had to supply them with 2 passport photos. In these photos, I shaved, removed my glasses (because they said there was a glare from the lenses), and smiled for the camera. Cheese!

Josh recently e-mailed me an ad posted on a Korean site: American Male Model willing to tutor English in his off time- like his being a male model has ANYTHING to do with his credibility as a teacher! As Josh said: “Dork.” Sadly, the guy will likely get a stampede of interest from Korean parents. – Stranger in Suwan

Today, my recruiter emailed me to confirm that the school had received my paperwork and would be processing my documents for my visa. Everything was in order, but they had one more thing.

We noticed in you passport that you shaved your head, and would greatly appreciate if you could let them grow back. Koreans care a lot about how their teachers present themselves. I hope you are cool with this small detail, and thank you for your understanding =)

Gah! I let them know that I’m going bald and I shave my head as a personal grooming preference. If I could grow a beautiful quaff of hair, I certainly would. I’m not trying for that militant or sick hospital look. I just don’t like that the top of my head looks like a clear cut forest. I think a shaved head looks very clean and aerodynamic. Maybe I should try to make up by shopping for new clothes that aren’t over 5 years old.