Job Discussion Forums

[Chazz]

hi peoples, it's chazz again.
Jeez, it's crazy how people love to hear themselves talk...or see it, in forum form. I too am probably inclined the same way. Something liberating about the lack of accountablity and eye contact that makes people more willing to shoot off insults and be confrontational ass holes...it unleashes that which in normal conversation bubbles menacingly beneath concious expression. There should be a forum where people can exchange witty repartee, malicious character assaults and shameless self-promotion.

That being said, I love the sound of my own voice...but there are more important issues at hand.

In August, my girlfriend and I are leaving for Honduras to teach ESL and stuff. In an effort to not overly bother the English Coordinator at the school where my girlfriend and I will be working I have decided to venture this little question to the forum, SPECIFICALLY TO ANY CANADIANS in this forum:
The afformentioned Coordinator is, the poor thing, quite busy with end of school-year madness and is also under the unfortunate impression that Milady and I are Americans. We, however, are Canadian. And so the issue is this, she has instructed us a couple of times now, in her confusion, to get our Criminal Record Checks verified by the office of the Secretary of State, which Canada does not have. I do not know what the Canadian Equivalent of Secretary of state is but I had thought to maybe just get someone at the Honduran consulate (nearby to me so it's no prob) to verify it. Obviously, neither Milady or myself have criminal records.
I was just wondering if anyone has had to provide similar info to their ESL employer in central america, and, if so, whose Canadian John Hancock do I need?? I know there are probably slightly different requirements for differing countries but I was thinking of winging it on this one so any advice is welcome.

THANKS!!!

P.S.: Happy Canada Day!

[samizinha]

The fullest record check that I know of in Canada is to just go to a local police station and ask for a Canada wide check to be done in all areas by the RCMP. This is what I had to do when I was working for a school board in Ontario- they specified that it had to be the RCMP. I think they throw in your driving record in there too.
Hope this helps, Sami.

[ls650]

[moonraven]

Moreover, it is the coordinator's job.

If she doesn't know she shouldn't be in that job--and perhaps you might want to reconsider having accepted the offer at that school.

I know I sure would.

[Chazz]

thanks for the wee bit of help.
Moonraven, I love you, but you're a drama queen. Thanks for always being there.
Keep 'em coming, people...ARE THERE ANY CANADIANS OUT THERE IN THE WILD BLUE YONDER!?

[Justin Trullinger]

Not a Canadian, but you have no idea how many visa wrangles/foreign hires I've been a party to...

So here's the thing: Who actually needs the criminal background check? Is it for visa requirements, or is it an employment requirement of your school?

If it's just the school, get in touch with the "uncoordinator," and ask her if _________(document of your choice, probably from the RCMP) is okay. Mention that you're Canadian, because hey, sooner or later, she'll have to learn.

If it's a visa requirement, which strikes me as more likely, contact the consulate where you will be applying for your visa. (Presumably the Honduran consulate in Canada.) They will know specifically what documents you need. And since visa procedures are often discretionary, there's really no guarantee that the coordinator in Honduras will have up to date knowledge of what that particular consulate wants.

Third option, I guess, is if you need the background check for a visa you will be applying for once you're there. In this case, I would still look for the consulate in your country to find out about the requirements. If there isn't one, or if they aren't helpful, try to get in touch with the authorities to whom you will eventually be applying. (The coordinator may need to help you here.)

Good luck,
Justin

[moonraven]

Chazz: PLease be advised that you will receive no further advice from me. You are an ingrate.

[Chazz]

Well, now that I've pissed off The Queen of our lovely little forum I supposed that I am doomed to linger in the purgatori that is utter gringo ignorance and disorientation...Jeez, Moonraven, for such a chatty, accomplished, intelligent lady you really don't take to maturely to a lil jab, do you? I was even careful to provide positive reinforcement too...Oh well...
Thanks Justin - I have been to the Honduran Embassy now. There my girl and I met Javier - a very pleasant Honduran diplomat who assuaged many of my worries. He said that Canadians have a real easy time being in Honduras for the first three months, regardless of papers.
Our school is taking care of all of our Visa, etc., once we are there and the record check (RCMP) is merely a requirement for my job. So I will bring it with me and they can verify it themselves. We haven't a lot to worry about. My coordinator has mentioned that all of this ridiculous record checking business is due to aggreements (one old, one quite new) b/w America and Honduras. Since I am so blessedly Canadian (and not criminal) I will be free of much red tape...
THANKS ALL, even you Moonraven, just for being you.

[Aramas]

[Ben Round de Bloc]

[moonraven]

I believe the key to whom aramas was referring lies in the masculine pronoun. Many folks here believe that Chazz is another Paulie identity. I suppose I do, too.

No one has ever accused me of being other than who I am.

[Ben Round de Bloc]

[Cdaniels]

[Chazz]

WHO CARES!?!?
I would say you're spending far to much time in this forum if you are developing secret identity speculations and personal grudges. Go for a walk, drink a tea, read something...

[moonraven]

An even better idea, Chazz/Paulie and your Cast of Thousands: Do not post unless you have something to contribute.