KF뉴스레터-ESL Teachers in Canada Maintain a Connection to Korea

ESL Teachers in Canada Maintain a Connection to Korea

At any time, it is estimated that some 10,000 ESL teachers from Canada are working in Korea. Upon their return to Canada, most want to retain a connection with the land of the “Morning Calm,” where they enjoyed unique experiences. As such, the Canada Korea Society, in cooperation with the Korean Embassy in Ottawa, and with support from the Korea Foundation, held a kind of reunion gathering in Ottawa.

Unique Get-together
The event was greatly enjoyed by all participants, which included some 84 ESL teachers who had taught in Korea, together with representatives of the Canadian government, Parliament, Senate, Korean Embassy, and the Canada Korea Society. Even Ottawa’s first major snowstorm of the winter did not deter people’s attendance. As President of the Canada Korea Society, I was delighted at the success of this unique evening and its lead-up preparations. A number of Canadian ESL Teachers to Korea (CETK) network members enthusiastically volunteered to plan the event, which included publicity on Facebook and design of an event poster. Following registration and a networking reception, I welcomed all participants and explained the CETK initiative. Barry Devolin then spoke briefly, applauding the initiative and noting enthusiastically his own Korean experiences as a former ESL teacher. Minister Deok-Seob Shim delivered greetings on behalf of the Korean Embassy, after which we were treated to a spirited Ottapai-Samulnori performance. This was followed by a sumptuous Korean buffet dinner, soju drinking game, “Best Korean Dress” competition, and karaoke singing contest.
Judges appointed for the two competitions included Senator Michael MacDonald, Minister Deok-Seob Shim, and Robert Lee (my husband who served as the first resident Canadian trade commissioner to Korea when the Canadian Embassy opened in 1973). Canada Korea Society co-Vice Presidents Andrew de Schulthess and Hamish Sturton looked after all elements of the program, along with ensuring that no one was left standing alone. Matthew Old, a former ESL teacher, and now public affairs advisor at the Korean Embassy, was the first co-MC. All present shared the spirit of the evening with former ESL teachers reminiscing about their unique experiences in Korea.
The second co-MC of the evening, Jeffrey Sisk of Public Safety Canada, shared his Korean story about how at one Christmas he had an urge to buy a large turkey, cook it on a Korean-style grill, and then transport it by taxi to a friend’s apartment, to share and celebrate with other Canadian teachers. This he did, but because of the time it took to cook the large bird, it was not ready until 5:00 a.m.! Undaunted, the group enjoyed their Christmas meal immensely it was either a very late dinner, or a rather early and unique breakfast! I was particularly pleased that two future CETK members, who are about to depart for Korea shortly as ESL teachers, were in attendance. Thrilled to have an opportunity to spend time with former ESL teachers, they had numerous questions in preparation for their own adventure.

CETK Alumni Network
The concept behind the establishment of the ESL Teachers to Korea initiative originated in November 2004, when the Canada Korea Society, in cooperation with Foreign Affairs Canada, International Trade Canada, and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, hosted a “Korea Information and Cultural Orientation Evening” at the Library & Archives Canada, Ottawa. Aimed at promoting cultural understanding and awareness, the evening provided practical information on Korea for those with an interest in going to Korea as ESL teachers or as participants of the Canada-Korea Working Holiday Program. A discussion panel with representatives from the Canadian government and the Korean Embassy proved to be most beneficial as it focused on such matters as work contracts, visa processes, the Working Holiday Program, Korean labor laws, tax issues, cost of living, local customs, rights as a foreigner, types of teaching jobs available, and more. Open to the public, it was very well received.
On December 12, 2007, The Canada Korea Society, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea hosted a successful Canadian ESL Teachers to Korea (CETK) Network Website Launch and Alumni Membership Building Party, at the Bulgogi Garden Restaurant in Ottawa. The then Korean Ambassador to Canada, Yim Sung-joon (current President of the Korea Foundation) was extremely supportive of this initiative. At the Korean Embassy, First Secretary Lee Seung-bum worked diligently with our group on the establishment of the CETK network.
Since that event, CETK and CKS have collaborated to enlarge the Alumni Network and to help former ESL teachers remain connected with Korea and its culture. In this regard, various events have been held, including Korean movie nights and last month’s event. To assist with promotion, a brochure and registration form have been d and a Network website is being developed (www.cetkcanada.org). To advertise last month’s event, an event poster was designed by a CETK member. It was displayed at key locations around greater Ottawa. Advertisements were also placed in local newspapers and a press release was sent to the media. My invitation letter to CETK members, explaining the CETK initiative and event, was also sent to prospective CETK members, members of the Canada Korea Society, and members of the parliament and senate for their understanding of the initiative.

Canada Korea Society
The Canada Korea Society was founded in Ottawa in 1984 for the purpose of promoting bilateral friendship, cooperation, and better understanding between Canada and Korea, as well as among Canadians and Koreans. Among the ives of the Society is an effort to help make Canadians more aware of Korea, Korean issues, and importance of the Canada-Korea relationship, including ongoing activities related to trade relations and collaboration in research and development projects.

Future ESL Teachers
Canada Korea Society and CETK events provide members with an ideal opportunity to connect with each other and to open channels of communication with Canadian government and parliamentary representatives, members of the business community, and the Korean Embassy in Ottawa. More specifically, the CETK network is an important information source to help future ESL teachers to Korea better prepare themselves for their Korean adventure, by learning about the uniqueness of Korea’s culture, history, and language, and building a network in today’s interconnected/interdependent global society. It also enables former teachers to remain in contact with each other and with Korea.

To complement CETK in Ottawa, the Canadian Embassy in Seoul has been informed of the CETK initiative and is very supportive of this endeavor as well. It is my hope that this meaningful initiative can eventually be expanded to such cities as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. On behalf of the Canada Korea Society, I would like to express its deepest appreciation to the Korea Foundation for its wonderful, continuous support and cooperative efforts.

한국국제교류재단

ESL Teachers in Canada Maintain a Connection to Korea

SEARCH

ESL Teachers in Canada Maintain a Connection to Korea

SEARCH

전체메뉴