Pyongyang seeks English teachers to "revive tourism"
Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The government of North Korea is looking for young English language teachers from abroad who have the desire, time and money to travel to the country and teach the language to the native guides.
This is confirmed by the Juche Travel Services (Jts) London, an agency prominently linked to the Pyongyang regime: the Juche ideology was in fact created by Kim Il-sung to give a philosophical foundation to its repressive government.
David Thompson, head of the agency, said: "We have been contacted by our colleagues at the Korea International Travel Company, which in turn assists the National Authority for North Korean tourism. They want to increase the flow of English teachers or tourism managers to the country, in order to improve the sector".
The volunteers, according to the canons of the agency, must have experience in the field or be a certified teacher of English to foreigners (Tefl). They must also be willing to pay US $ 1,072 to enter the program: the figure includes the return flight, accommodation and a few trips to the country.
Also according to Thompson, "We are obviously of the opinion that tourism has a positive impact. By building bridges and engaging with the country, you are helping to break down mistrust and preconceptions that have persisted for the past 60-odd years. That can only be a good thing".