Oh, Canada!

Before I left for Korea, I needed to pick up my work visa at the Korean Embassy in New York City. When I called to verify that my visa was ready the Embassy informed me that I would need to schedule an interview and bring my transcript. This was a potential problem because my flight was in a few days, and I hadn't seen my transcript in years. I asked why I would need an interview and was told that all teachers' credentials need to be reviewed by the issuing Embassy. When I told them I was not a teacher, I was put on hold. "Okay, just come anytime before 5 p.m."

As I was waiting in line at the Embassy, I saw a flyer offering English teaching jobs in Korea. The job seemed perfect for someone just out of college. You would live abroad, housing would be provided, and the pay was decent. I could see why most visa applications were for teaching positions.

Korea puts a serious emphasis on teaching English. There are even several English immersion schools which helps explain how so many Koreans speak nearly fluent English without having ever left Korea. As a result, there are a stunning number of English teachers here. I would estimate that 90% of the English speaking foreigners I have met are teachers (the other 10% are military).

Surprisingly to me, Canada seems to have the most English teachers though many are from Australia, England, and the States. I say surprisingly because they don't have an accent and never say, "Eh?" That is until they start to drink. Then, it is the Great White North show on Second City Television, you hoser, eh. Which reminds me, never drink with Canadians during game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Whenever there is a goal you have to do a shot.

"Why?", I ask.

"Because it is a rule."
 
The games are taped delayed here so you have to go offline in order not to know the result before watching it. Facebook is especially a killer. I went to a new bar last night near Nowon station which is in Northern Seoul. Met two Canadians who had successfully avoided knowing the result of game 7. Thursday night is poker night which meant buying in for $5 while watching the game. Unfortunately someone at the bar had heard reports of rioting in Vancouver so they thought the Canucks had won. That meant we would have to do 4 shots in a fairly short time since Boston was up 3-0 late in the game. Time to Google the score on my phone. Some rules are meant to be broken.