Korean Job Discussion Forums

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

Anyone from Canada see this 'real' TV show?

Man, folks back in Canada must see this and think we're all morons.

I just caught a little of it on the tv the other night and they were following around some EFL'ers in Taiwan.

canadian_in_korea · Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Location: South Korea

I watched that show once and never watched it again... Razz

I do remember thinking....'wow, and people complain about the way they are treated when they are in another country? If they acted like that in their own country they would be treated the same'. I was very relieved when I arrived in Korea and realized that there are some normal people here... Very Happy

I haven't met a moron yet... Razz

Cthulhu · Joined: 02 Feb 2003

They just finished the season (reruns now I believe), and they definitely chose the younger, wide-eyed, almost backpacking types for the subjects. A few looked to be turning into more stable lifers but the slant was toward those kooky singles (with the odd airhead for giggles) whose unstable lives make for better television fodder. I've been there (as have many others) so a lot of it looks familiar.

As with all things TV, there is a lot that is not seen and more is left out, though I think that following a more stable, ambitious or focused bunch might have made for dull TV. I agree it does make ESLers out to be cowboys, especially with the rather laid back lessons and classroom banter that are featured. The production quality is pretty good, though.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Sorry about this, but I have to ask....

.... are they only following Canadians??

peppermint · Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 5:42 pm Post subject:

I remember hearing something about it- it's a Canadian production.

Tiberious aka Sparkles · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Why Taiwan? Basing it in the ROK would be a ratings and creative goldmine.

Sparkles*_*

peemil · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Location: Koowoompa

Probably saving it up for next season.

"You thought Taiwan is bad. Watch what these fellas do in Korea."

SarcasmKills · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

The Taiwan one I saw was airing before I first came to Korea 2 1/2 years ago.. have they been doing new ones every year or are they just replaying the same one over and over?

Cthulhu · Joined: 02 Feb 2003

I'm pretty sure they've done at least two seasons with different people--don't know whether they've done any more than that.

Sage Monkey · Joined: 01 Nov 2004

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

A lot of foreigners in Taiwan makes us foreigners in Korea look good.

Sandals, no socks, t-shirt, shorts, where's that sticky ball for the kids to throw at the whiteboard? No need to look good. Just show up and perform.

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

I believe it's on somethign called the Life Network. Never seen it, though. Lived it, yes.

Actually, checking this site www.theenglishteachers.com/news2.html , tells me that it has been re-newed for a third season. In 2003. Looks like it's off the air.

yoda · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Location: Incheon, South Korea

Lame. Lame. Lame. I saw three episodes mostly following this loser who couldn't keep anything stable in Taiwan and started busking for spare change in the Taiwan subway. The 'teachers' they followed in the episodes where poor (penniless), unwashed, dirty white trash. You know the kind of people who were ALWAYS in the midst of some personal crisis. Yay! Just what the ESL profession needs. A recruitment video aimed at trailer park trash.

They were way under dressed, under prepared, and inexperienced. The message: ESL is a convenient way to backpack around Asia for a year. Who the *beep* cares about the students?

Rant over.