Today I called two agents with reference to ads I saw online looking for teachers. I was alarmed at how rude they were. The first one I called, before being properly greeted or asked anything about my experience the guy just blurted out : Are you white or black? If you're black we don't want you! I was literally speechless so I just hung up.

I waited a few minutes before calling the next agent. I was in the process of explaining where I saw the ad when she just cut me off. She asked my nationality and I told her. Apparently she had never heard of it before then proceeded to list countries where I had to be from to be considered. I was about to explain to her that the ad didn't mention any specific countries and she just lost it: "I just told you and i'm not about to argue with you about whether or not it's on the ad!" Here I am again, all shocked and wondering what I said that triggered this response, so, I just hung up.

A word of advice for all of the agents and employers out there. Many of you seen to not be very well acquainted with the various ends of the Earth. Apart from the U.S, Canada, Australia, the U.K and South Africa, there are many other countries and islands out there whose native language is English.

How can you complain about wanting a person with a neutral accent but then by pass that person and hire an Australian after which you whining that you don't understand what they are saying?

How can you bipass a foreigner who not only speaks neutral English but also speaks Chinese and have loads of experience just because they don't hold a passport from those five countries?

It's amazing how many schools say they require a teaching certificate and you present them with 250 hours worth of CELTA but then they don't want you because you are not from the U.K. Really don't get it. 

The individuals that you all make such a fuss for are the ones who get cocky and present you with a 'midnight run', causing you to loose credibility and money. They are the same ones responsible for all these new laws being enforced to keep foreigners incheck. Smart agents and employers look for experience and quality not just the country on the passport and the color of ones skin.

A young man from an island applied for a job at the same time as an American. This young man had more than three years teaching experience and spoke advanced level chinese. The American had no experience whatsoever and spoke absolutely no Chinese. He was a pizza delivery guy back home, but he got the job. Worked the first month on and off, shouted at the kids, ignored the parents attempts at conversation and eventually left after his first paycheck. By the time the school realized what had happened it was too late and as a last resort they contacted the "islander" who they so rudely ignored. Turns out this young man got a chance from a more open-minded school at which he managed to bring in over 150 students during his first recruiting session.

Employers, post your ads yourselves because many teachers turn away when they see the word agent at the end of an ad and they may be causing you to miss a chance at great teachers due to their closed minded ways and their lack of people skills. Agents, learn a bit more about the world. Not everyone from an island dances in coconut bras and picks at their English. Not everyone outside of you golden five countries has a thick horrible accent. Not every white or light colored person was made to be an awesome teacher. They come in all packages.