Canada vs UK

pkennedy1990
Junior Member



Joined: 27 May 2004
Posts: 23
Location: London

Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 4:35 am

 

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I see that mention of choice has come up and yes, we did have a choice to stay in Canada. There is technically more of a need for Math and Science teachers (in my case) in the UK than there is in Canada, although all hope is not lost when I have to return to Nova Scotia. And every large city I've been to in search of that profession has treated me like dirt when they see me (I'm First Nations, and they act like they've never seen an Indian before most of the time). I could have stayed longer in Toronto and let my luggage go on ahead of me to Heathrow, like I felt like doing on the way over here.
At least in Canada, we're not the ones with the "foreign" accents. I am sick and tired of every time I open my mouth (in English) being called an "American." And only because, as I get told, "Canada doesn't have people your colour." And yes, it's too crowded, too rude, too obnoxious, too damn racist, and too hard to get a job in spite of their massive efforts to recruit overseas teachers. Come to find out that in our case, "overseas qualified" meant Ontario licensed ones and not British Columbia or reciprocal. They should change their adverts to read "only Ontario teacher qualifications will be accepted, no other Canadian provinces' will qualify." And then go ahead and recruit in New York and San Francisco - I can't figure out what that's about.
And too much like sub-Saharan Africa or the Demilitarised Zone in terms of everyday life.

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Michelle
Senior Member



Joined: 04 Aug 2004
Posts: 97
Location: Scotland

Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 6:44 am

 

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[quote="pkennedy1990"]
At least in Canada, we're not the ones with the "foreign" accents. I am sick and tired of every time I open my mouth (in English) being called an "American." [/quote]

I don't mean to start and argument but perhaps your attitude has something to do with the negative feeling you are getting. You do live in a foreign country so yes you do sound differnt than most people here. Obviously people are going to pick up on that.

As for the being mistaken for American thing, it has happened to all Canadians over and over and over. I for one don't let it bother me at all. Obviously if the person I am talking to assumes I am something I'm not, it's their ignorance not mine so who cares! I approach it either with a correction or just ignore them. It really all depends on how it's presented. I really think for the most part people just don't know. It would be like a non-brit trying to figure out regional accents here.

As for your teaching qualifications I do have a Canadian teacher friend here who I am sure will be happy to post her own experiences but she's not from Ontario and she's doing quiet well working.
I also have an American teacher friend with 10 years experience who couldn't get a job here unless she retrained so I think it's really a case by case situation.

I just think if you go into a situation expecting the worst to always happen and thinking that everyone is always against you, they will be.
I hope do hope that life looks up for you.[/list]

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Deus
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 16 Sep 2004
Posts: 225
Location: Wrecsam

Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 7:59 am

 

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I live in Wales and theres plenty of place to play around here!
Recently went to Northern Ireland and again found that there is ample enough place there.

Generally, I feel quite comfortable aroudnd the UK and find this "lack of space" issue a bit exagerated... but that'sjust me.

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Michelle
Senior Member



Joined: 04 Aug 2004
Posts: 97
Location: Scotland

Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 12:10 pm

 

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[quote="Deus"]I live in Wales and theres plenty of place to play around here!
Recently went to Northern Ireland and again found that there is ample enough place there.

Generally, I feel quite comfortable aroudnd the UK and find this "lack of space" issue a bit exagerated... but that'sjust me.[/quote]

I would assume the talk of lack of space comes mostly from those that live in London. I am in central Scotland and don't see that as an issue myself but having been to London several times I can see what they mean, space is definitely at a premium there.

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Deus
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 16 Sep 2004
Posts: 225
Location: Wrecsam

Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 12:12 pm

 

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but really..besides London and Birmingham, England and Wales are basically countryside with the occasional city.

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Blue and White Army
Senior Member


Back to Vancouver in March!

Joined: 10 Dec 2003
Posts: 110
Location: West Sussex, UK

Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 10:50 am

 

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If they call you "American", call them "Welsh". Works wonders. Just as calling Koreans "Japanese" worked wonders over on that end of the globe.

And as for Tim Hortons and mosquitoes.... you're not from Vancouver, are you?

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Deus
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 16 Sep 2004
Posts: 225
Location: Wrecsam

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 3:56 am

 

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Because I'm a Quebecer, people often mistake my accent for an Irish one. Sometimes they ask is I'm from America to which I usually answer that, yes, in a way I am from America, America being a continent..
Because I work in primary schools and high schools (KS2 to KS4) I always get all sorts of questions, a lot based on false, preconceived ideas...and I answer the same questions over and over again, with a smile, giving every one a chance to learn about who I am, where I'm from, why French is my first, language, etc. One time, we talked about ice hockey. They asked if the teamed I played for had a fat goaltender like in the "Mighty Ducks" movie. I told them I was the goaltender.


But we had a good laugh and now, they know better.

Every time you live abroad or visit another country, you are, in a way, an ambassador for your country and your people. Just remember that next time your asked an "irritating" question.

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Burnaby
New Member



Joined: 17 Oct 2004
Posts: 4
Location: London England

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 10:20 am

 

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Coming from BC I found the London Underground very crowded compared to the Skytrain and the buses are not much better it can take over 1 hour to go just a few kms. The regular trains are better but not the North London Line.

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