Zim Targets English Teacher Jobs in South Korea

The government is in negotiations with South Korea to have the East Asian country classify Zimbabwe as an English-speaking nation, a move that could open up new job opportunities for local English language teachers.

According to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Dr. Fredrick Shava, the push to have South Korea recognize Zimbabwe’s official language status is part of efforts to expand employment prospects for Zimbabweans in the prosperous Asian economy.

“English is an official language in Zimbabwe and the sole medium of instruction at all levels of education,” Dr. Shava said during a signing ceremony for an Air Services Agreement between Zimbabwe and South Korea on the sidelines of the South Korea-Africa Summit.

The minister explained that this bilateral agreement would help shape international aviation policy and foster greater cooperation between the two countries.

Alongside the air services pact, Dr. Shava requested that the South Korean government classify Zimbabwe as an English-speaking country, which would enable Zimbabwean teachers to seek employment opportunities there.

“Zimbabwe is known for training professionals that are on demand the world over,” the minister noted, highlighting the country’s reputation for producing skilled workers, particularly in the health sector.

Currently, many Zimbabwean health professionals have been taking up positions in countries like Britain, the United States and Australia through private arrangements, making it difficult for the country to fully benefit from the export of its human capital.

However, if the proposal to have South Korea recognize Zimbabwe as an English-speaking nation is successful, it could lead to more Zimbabweans being formally employed in South Korea, boosting the flow of remittances back home.

In his recent Monetary Policy Statement, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu reported a 16% increase in diaspora remittances through official channels last year, reaching $1.873 billion, up from $1.617 billion in the same period in 2022.

The government is hoping that expanding employment opportunities for Zimbabweans in South Korea will further increase these vital foreign currency inflows and provide a boost to the country’s economy.