As those of you who have been paying attention will have picked up, this year is my “year abroad”, the third year of my four year degree course that should be spent in the countries whose languages I am studying.
I’ve done my time in Egypt (studying Arabic at the University of Alexandria), and for the last few months I’ve been trying to organise a placement/job in Québec, to improve my French. Just over a month ago, I was offered a job by Enzyme Testing Labs, proofreading computer games (that is, checking that the English used in the game is correct). I eagerly accepted the job and applied for my work permit, which is required to work in Canada.
Five weeks on, I’m due to start in Montreal on Monday. I was set to fly today. But I don’t have a work permit yet. The Canadian High Commission in London (bonus points to anyone who can find what they’re looking for on that website) has had my application, along with C$150, since 20 April. They suggest that most permits are issued within about three weeks, but that you can ask for an update on its progress after ten days. This I have done, using the email form on their website twice, and faxing them (who uses fax anymore?). No response. They have no direct email address, no telephone number, and don’t accept visitors in person.
So, I’m still sitting at home, frustrated, unable to travel to Canada to start this job until the High Commission sends me my work permit. When will that be? Who knows?
