Yoo Joins Languages Canada Delegation to South Korea
Hyounjeong Yoo, Coordinator of Carleton University’s Korean language program, travelled to South Korea from September 26 to October 2, 2026, as part of a Languages Canada delegation working to strengthen the Canada–Korea Working Holiday Program and open more pathways for Canadians to teach English in Korea.
The delegation brought together representatives from Canadian universities, including the University of Alberta, the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, the University of Toronto, the University of Victoria, and the University of Calgary. Over the week, the group met with government, public education, and private-sector partners to understand where demand for Canadian teachers is growing and how Canadian institutions can better prepare their graduates to meet it.
“For Carleton students who dream of working in Korea after graduation…the opportunities are real, and my goal now is to make sure our students know about them and are ready to take them.“
The visit began at the Embassy of Canada in Seoul, where delegates were briefed on the current state of the Working Holiday Program. The group then met with EPIK (English Program in Korea), the Korean government’s program that places English teachers in public schools, to discuss recruitment needs and opportunities for Canadian applicants. The itinerary also included Calvin Manitoba International School, which delivers a Manitoba curriculum in Korea, and several prestigious private-sector education organizations that expressed strong interest in hiring more Canadians.
Throughout the mission, Yoo introduced Carleton’s programs to the organizations the delegation visited and explored how Carleton students and alumni could benefit. Her conversation with EPIK was especially productive: Carleton already holds an MOU with EPIK, and the meeting opened the door to further opportunities for Carleton applicants.
“Everywhere we went, people told us the same thing: they want more Canadians,” said Yoo. “For Carleton students who dream of working in Korea after graduation, that is very good news. The opportunities are real, and my goal now is to make sure our students know about them and are ready to take them.”
