The Canukistanis reportedly want a bit of reciprocity in Korea’s working holiday program:
Canada requested Thursday that its citizens on the working holiday program in Korea be granted the same benefits their Korean counterparts enjoy in the North American country.
[..]
“Most Canadians are here as English teachers but they can’t do it under the working holiday program,” Chatterson said.He said the Korean government had rejected the request.
“I think it is discrimination… (in that) Koreans can do almost anything in Canada under the working holiday program,” he noted.
The Canadian embassy also complained that “Korea is the only country that does not allow Canadians on working holiday visas to teach English.” Only 20 Canadians came to Korea on working holiday last year, as opposed to 4,000 Koreans who went to Canada on the same program.
{ 61 comments… read them below or add one }
I’d like to see some of the examples of Korean working holidayers teaching in Canada. I’d be very curious to see what kind of qualifications they needed for their jobs and what kinds of background checks they got.
I interviewed the ambassador leading up to Canada Day. I like his cut: http://www.busanhaps.com/article/exclusive-conversation-canadian-ambassador-david-chatterson
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I think that more Canucks would have a calming influence on you lot of louts – look what it’s done for me, and I had only two consultants helping me spell ‘colour’ correctly and know that ‘to(c)que’ is not the past tense of ‘toke’.
They can be clowns in Everland ? What’s the difference with English teachers ?
5, if that’s the case, then could they be clowns at English villages? Could I hire Canadian “edutainers” to play with Korean children?
I still really wonder what he means when he talks about Koreans working as teachers? Korean teachers? I could see Taekwondo, Judo, and music teachers but not much in the way of language teachers.
@6 “Koreans can do almost anything in Canada under the working holiday program”
This was maybe more aimed at prostitution than teaching.
The ambassador is confusing the words “teacher” and “instructor”. No Korean (or person from anywhere else) is going to a western country to teach without school board certification – exactly the way it should be.
Ha! From what I have seen, any Canadian girls here who turned to prostitution would quickly starve. But on the upside, starvation has wonderful slimming effects.
@8, there are still possibilites. For instance a Korean with an MFA could teach something like traditional drumming at a post-secondary institution. Also, lots of Koreans on student visas in postgraduate programmes probably work as TAs. Private schools in Canada are also allowed to hire people without specific education qualifications to teach things like religion or religious music. In Koreatown Toronto there are probably some hagwon-like institutions where they could work.
I would love to see some Canadians serving me kimchi at a Korean restaurant or pumping my gas! I’m gonna guess that most Koreans who go to Canada on a working holiday pass don’t get cushy office jobs at a hagwon, and then go around everywhere complaining about it.
Dude. Canada rocks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7mCmm2FKKg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e3m_T-NMOs
If any of you diss Canada I’m gonna call up my old friend Joni Mitchell and she is gonna come down here and give you all a wooppin.
In the article I read it stated Koreans get jobs as “teaching assistants.” Correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t believe you need certification for this and there is a n oversupply of math and science teachers in Korea. Any of them could easily get a job as a teaching assistant.
Easily get teaching assistant jobs? Where? Teaching what? Canada has oversupply of teachers who hang around waiting for supply teacher positions. Why would anyone hire from outside when there are plentiful supply of teachers already? Theoretically teaching positions are opened for working holiday visa’s, but I would wager the reality is different. Most of the real jobs are for minimum wage jobs like waiters, servers, farm workers, receptionists, laborers, cashiers, etc, which are all without free accommodations. And lot of those jobs are within Korea town communities.
“Easily get teaching assistant jobs? ”
Prior to about 2 years ago when the economy really tanked in the USA we had more than 20,000 Filipinos teaching in the US system. The reason being not enough people study to math and science in the US and thus we had a shortage in this area. I would be willing to bet it is not much different in Canada.
#3,
Could be worse. There could be more Americans.
#12,
Bruce Cockburn, Leonard Cohen, The Hip, 54-40, Offenbach (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egLrp24eOSQ),…
Those Filipino teachers in the US were probably brought in on J-1 exchange. Visas through the Visiting International Faculty program, which recruits foreign teachers primarily to fill positions in bilingual education and secondary math and science in rough districts where angels fear to tread. Our district once had quite a few but as their contracts ran out, they were replaced by local hires, easy enough to do with prolonged high unemployment. Prince Georges County, MD, had a slew of Filipino VIFs, not surprising since the district’s reputation is horrid. When I relocated to the DC metro area, I filled out job apps online for dozens of districts in VA and MD, giving both DCPS and PGCS a miss, even though both offer substantially higher salaries, which would largely be eaten up by the higher cost of living and commuting from a home in a safer neighborhood than the ones served by the school I would be assigned to work. Yup, teaching in some schools is a job Americans don’t want to do.
Sonagi, I frankly cannot understand how any sane person would want a teaching job in MOST American cities. SOME of the more rural districts have policies that protest the teachers; but the SEIU, NEA, and ACLU are doing their damnedest between them to destroy any chance of teacher safety or actual learning taking place in American Public Schools.
And now, with teacher salaries frozen and layoff imminent, the Dallas ISD Superintendent is hiring an assistant at $185,000 (her previous job was her highest paid at $85,000)… That’s more slimy than anything done in LA, Chicago, or DC…
Makes me more sad than anything else. If I wanted to live in some 3rd world, festering cesspool of ignorance and corruption, I would have moved to Brazzaville or Harare…
Agreed setnaffa, the American education system is an absolute disgrace and a danger to us all. Under the guise of rationalization and ‘market based solutions’, a significant percentage of schools and universities have been gutted of qualified and experienced teachers (and effective programmes or any sort of academic rigour) and turned into profit making businesses built around gimmicks and PR spin that don’t even offer the pretense of providing a well rounded, quality, education to their students. They’re basically glorified hogwans. It isn’t any wonder then that American students continue to plummet in global rankings of student achievement such as the PISA. To be honest, it’s so bad you have to wonder if it’s that way by design. I mean, would an educated populace capable of critical thinking and with high levels of literacy and general knowledge, activism, sense of social justice and community, have been so enthusiastic about policies that were either obviously disastrous or clearly serving the interests of a narrow group of elites such as the invasion of Iraq or TARP 1, TARP 2, TARP 3 …… In fact, Americans, at this point, are so dumbed down by their failed education system and brainwashed by their equally inadequate media that they will actually protest, often violently and in large numbers, policies and government initiatives that would benefit them and improve their lives (e.g. reasonable tax increases for the super rich, tax relief for the middle class and poor, some form of universal health care).
With such a god awful system it’s no wonder so many red white and blue contributors to the Hole have such disdain for education and teachers. I would feel the same way if I had to go through that horrendous system.
Remember what’s become of this discussion next time any of you Americans wants to come down on a Canadian for expressing his or her own distinct perspective on things.
Someguyinkorea,
I never met a Canadian before ever coming to Korea and honestly never thought one way or another. I have met people from alot of places since I have been in Korea. The first Canadian I worked with had a huge chip on his shoulder and I never will understand it. Americans have done a lot of evil things to people throughout the world and some of them certainly deserve to be bitter…Canadians are simply not in that group and that’s why most Americans here are going to have an inclination to view Canadians as just a bunch of whiners with a silly little chip based on some irrational emotion on their shoulder.
You can go through post after post of mine on this blog. I am American and I rarely have anything positive to say about Americans. Many Americans are spoiled, lazy and greedy. This way of life is destroying our economy and our health. Sadly many people throughout the world have went down the same path leading me to believe it is simply human nature. Contrary to the belief of some Candian English teachers, America’s scope of influence on global stupidity is just not that powerful.
You obviously don’t get irony.
“You obviously don’t get irony.”
Like I said, I am American and thus a bit simple minded. I don’t “speak in tounges” either so anytime you care to elaborate feel free. Just do me a favor and don’t include the word “said” (as in aforesaid) as I think that word has pretty much been beat to death on this blog by those trying to sound intelligent when being condescending.
#12, #17
Don’t forget this guy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GuqB1BQVr4
Hey you Canucks and Yanks, stop bickering! James T. Kirk would want us to get along.
#24,
Well, there we have it. You suffer from an inferiority complex, and so you denigrate people over the internet in order to feel better about yourself.
#25,
Tell me, what record company and music producer is responsible for unleashing that monstrosity onto the world? I will only accept partial responsibility if they are Canadian.
#26
I will take that to mean you didn’t really have a point to make and just like to use the word “irony” because you heard smart people and engrishy teachers use it all the time.
#25,
Besides, Kirk is more interested in boldly going where no man as gone before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT2sIF3Iyqk
whoops, typo. where no man HAS gone before.
#27,
Thanks for proving my point.
#30
I don’t think you have a point…that is my point. And, your lack of a point has led you to feel you have to insult me. You are starting to remind me alot of the Canadian I worked with. He would lose an argument, take it all personally and fly in to a rage…then he would get more crazy because everyone was laughing at his behavior. Eventually, he got fired for tossing a textbook at a student.
@31, that’s my experience with Canadians too.
Some of them are great folks, but there are also a lot of ‘tossers’ from that country too. Canadians are just like other people, some of them are great and others are useless.
A bunch of engrishe teachers arguing with each other…absolutely F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C
Thanks for improving my weekend, it was sorely needed
And remember you will have to work til the age of 107 for a pittance to support my spaghetti fresser ass
“And remember you will have to work til the age of 107 for a pittance to support my spaghetti fresser ass”
Something tells me your spending habits and mine are a little different. Even on my “pittance” of 35k a year I am going to be done with work and without a house payment long before anyone starts to call me Gramps. Compared to friends and family back in the states who have lost jobs and homes over the past decade this silly little teaching gig has taken decent care of me
#32,
Same with Americans. One thing, though. Quite a few are really high-strung. What’s with that?
#31,
Happy, you got a chance to bash Canadians?
Thanks for proving the point I was making at 21.
#36 Using my experience with one Canadian is bashing Canadians? I just pointed out you remind me of him…Kevin? Is this you?
#37,
Suffering from amnesia? Read what you wrote at #22.
# I think anyone on this blog will agree that alot of Canadians in Korea have a chip on their shoulder towards Americans. If you are offended that I view those people as whiners, so be it. They are. I have met many Australians, Kiwis and South Africans. They have all been nothing but agreeable and easy to get along with even if they may not entirely agree with American policy.
I spoil my child and my woman (whoever happens to be at the moment) obscenely…other than that i live like a bum, but you are right about mortgage being modern day slavery: back in the late 90′, with the money i made trading currencis in the US, i bought my apartment here, when it was still affordable.
Having a roof for free makes me sleep much safer at night
Owning your own house is good. We didn’t overextend ourselves and it’ll all be paid back very soon. Our apartment is modest, but I’d rather live in a modest place with 100% ownership than being in the position that many people who live in far grander places are in – being in huge debt, risking negative equity, risk of foreclosure.
We live well, yet modestly and always within our means. When the house is paid for 100% I’ll be buying a modest 2nd hand yacht. And yes, I’ll be doing it on a teacher’s salary.
#39,
LOL. You’re still at it?
Ever heard the expression, “Familiarity breeds contempt”?
“you are right about mortgage being modern day slavery”
Not always. It depends what kind of real estate you buy. Is it earning an income which can go towards paying off the mortgage?
“Ever heard the expression, “Familiarity breeds contempt”?”
I lived next to Canada for 3/4 of my life and managed to learn nothing about the country or its people. If Canadians feel they are over familiar with Americans they can always shut off the tv. Nobody is forcing anything on them without their consent.
We my 2 cents here:
Don’t mean to be rude but most of the expat population from the English speaking world i’ve come in contact here seem to be made invariably of d-bags and/or drifters, marginally floating above Down syndrome level of alertness, with no much difference from one naiton or the other.
Said so it is very likely the sample is biased: they’re mostly “workers” employed by the fashion industry, where being a retarded whore is not an absolute must, but it definitely helps spiffing up your resume
Sorry for the bad English, i already downed half a bottle of Absolut and and a bottle of red from Salento this morning
@46 No wonder you have a low impression of folks from the ‘English speaking world’ if it’s fashion types you hang out with. They’re without doubt the dumbest people I’ve ever spent any time with.
Many years ago I had a girlfriend who was doing an intern thing with a big clothing company. I was invited to tag along on a show and help out a little on the sound and organisation. I only only agreed because I’d never been to ‘The Hacienda’ before, would get to meet some very famous people and wouldn’t have to pay for a single drink all night, I’d also get food. To a poor student that’s a very enticing offer.
The ‘famous people’ were all ignorant wankers off their heads on cocaine, helping out the sound man involved placing two mics, helping out backstage meant getting in the way and listening to vapid models going on about their hair – it was horrendous. The hideousness of it all, being surrounded by ignorant, blowhard, fashionistas, was actually largely offset by the huge amounts of good quality champagne I had access too, the very nice canapes and the fact I saw Ryan Giggs puking up in the bathroom.
I only really went because it was rumoured that Shaun Ryder was going to be there, I’d have like to have a pint or two with the man, he’s done some pretty good tunes. Ryder was nowhere to be seen.
#44,
“I lived next to Canada for 3/4 of my life and managed to learn nothing about the country or its people. ”
That’s nothing to brag about, really.
“If Canadians feel they are over familiar with Americans they can always shut off the tv. Nobody is forcing anything on them without their consent.”
I have a better idea. Read #15 and #21.
Do you finally get it?
“That’s nothing to brag about, really.”
Whose bragging…I can’t help it you people are a bore compared to the Mexicans.
“Do you finally get it?”
WOW! SIS BOOM BAH! … (sound of drum roll) What IRONY! …
Is that what you have been waiting for?
Wow, I just got dumber reading this thread.
“Wow, I just got dumber reading this thread.”
For the win.
If you’re going to bring in Shatner, you’ve got to bring this into it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW63vnU7yPI
Keith:
that was an hilarious story and yes Shaun was great back in the day
I need 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
3, 6, 5 all the time
Tony Wilson was right: Shaun is the greatest poet since Yeats
PS
You’re right about fashion people :
They’re mostly creepy retards, even the Asians
Eyetees are the worst though: the kind of freaks who slip pills in the cocktails they forcibly feed to 16 year old models from Uzbekistan
PPS
I pity those who didn’t have the privilege of a chav teenagehood
PPPS
This thread is dumb but it’s funny
Where is this place that you can buy a house and survive for what fifty years after you’ve done with work, on the back of a pittance for a few years?
“Where is this place that you can buy a house and survive for what fifty years after you’ve done with work, on the back of a pittance for a few years?”
I guess it all depends on how you have prepared yourself and how you intend to live in the future. I have been working, saving and investing for 20 years. I could easily teach for another 20 years if I desired. My personal interests are simplicity and off the grid living. I am going to design my own home and build it in southeast Asia and build a sustainable life growing much of my own food. Savings, investments, social security and future inheritance… I think you and I probably just have very different lifestyles cause when I die I don’t forsee any reason I won’t have money left behind.
@F5Waeg – I need an mp3 of this Shatner song.
Ah, so basically the bit about not working was bullshit, you’re just gonna change your job to farming, and if your gonna do it before anyone calls you adjoshi its gonna be in the next five years.
I don’t see how the lifestyle has anything to do with it since I’ve already saved more than enough to do your plan. As to the second, then you are planning on either dying young or being lucky, since with my limited imagination I can forsee the possibility of medical bills eating away that pittance very easily.
First of all, idiots who make general comments about Canadians and Americans – I don’t get it. Same same. There are great representatives from both nations on the peninsula, and there are idiots as well. It’s mostly idiots making comments about other idiots. Shut your pie holes.
And as for Canada wanting to expand the working holiday deal – wtf for? If Canadians got a green light to come here and teach on a working holiday it would be chaos. Their is a difference between pouring coffee at Starbucks for 8 dollars an hour and charging 40-50 for conversation practice. Freelance teachers who make most of their money from the black market have EARNED that right as far as I’m concerned. They spent at least a year in the hakwon trenches before establishing privates. Allowing Canadians a holiday working visa in Korea would simply mess up the entire ESL market (for better and worse).
“Freelance teachers who make most of their money from the black market have EARNED that right as far as I’m concerned.”
No…they haven’t EARNED any right to break the law in Korea or make life worse for the rest of us by doing so. Your name fits you well… a real “dink.”
@cloud
posting torrents on the marmot’s is ok?
http://www.demonoid.me/files/details/2770064/007569108932/
To answer the question of why Canadians seem to have a chip on their shoulder toward Americans.
Answer: It’s because they are the “fake” Americans. When you can’t get an American you settle for a Canadian, because they can pass. Pretty much like settling for a bottle blonde, or a fake brand.
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