School that helped people in Hamilton learn English for 28 years closes its doors
When Gus Andrikopoulos started teaching English at a small school in downtown Hamilton, it was to earn a steady paycheque. But he soon fell in love with the job.
"As corny as it sounds, seeing [my students] progress and learn the language" was what sealed the deal, he said. "Gratifying isn't a strong enough word."
Andrikopoulos has worked at Metropolitan College on 146 James St. S. for over 15 years.
On April 25, the school closed its doors for good, largely due to the cap the federal government imposed on the number of international students last year, he said.
"To say I'm devastated would be an understatement. For nearly two decades, Metropolitan College has been my second family and my home," he wrote on Facebook, announcing the closure.
Founded in 1997, the school has taken pride in its small class sizes, lighthearted and enthusiastic teachers and lessons that included music and field trips.
During his last day of teaching on April 23, Andrikopoulos was his usual lively self, cracking jokes and trying to "be in the moment."
He doesn't remember the lesson material that day, he said, "but very happily, I will always remember how much fun we were having."
'No drain on the system'
Student numbers began dropping at Metropolitan College in early 2024, Andrikopoulos said, and there was a big dip in August. By December, he said some days he was sitting in an empty classroom.
The federal government first announced in January 2024 it was capping the number of permits for international students, stating its goal was to target institutional "bad actors" — and amid concern about the impact international students were having on the housing market.
Andrikopoulos blames government policy for the school's lack of students, but said he doesn't hold any bitterness.
"I really wish they had done something a little bit more surgical," he said. "Everybody that came to our school was self-supported … there was no drain on the system."
Andrikopoulos had gotten more than a hundred messages from past students since the closure was announced, thanking him for all the lessons.
"[My students] expanded my world in ways I couldn't ever have dreamed of," he told CBC Hamilton.
From animator to educator
Born in Hamilton to Greek immigrants, Andrikopoulos studied in Greece for a while, which he says gave him important insight into learning a new language.
He was an animator and a small-business owner in the 2000s, renting a room out of the school's building, when his friend, the previous owner of the school, asked him if he wanted to try teaching.
It was a nerve-racking thing at first, he said. "I would teach my lesson … [then] I would find a nice quiet place and have a mini panic attack and then get out there and keep going."
He was eventually offered a full-time position and didn't look back.
Student says school was 'really lovely and human'
At Metropolitan College, Andrikopoulos taught people from all ages and walks of life, he said, from 13-year-olds to retirees, university deans, rocket scientists, hairdressers, mechanics, and more.
The majority of students were on visitor visas, while about 40 per cent were here on study permits, he said. Most just came to Canada temporarily to learn the language.
Kamila Balcova is a student from Slovakia. She said the school's intimate and friendly approach helped her improve her speaking skills.
"It's a pity [the school is closing] because it made a difference in my life already. I think my English got better," she said.
Metropolitan College's two full-time teachers often took students on outings paired with vocabulary lessons, a different way to engage students.
Balcova said every class was interesting and filled with laughter and friendliness. "When you come as an international student or when you're new to the country, it's not easy. You have to cope with many things. You may be homesick," she said.
"Here, you forgot about all the things that may be a little bit sad to you in your personal life."
Losing the school is like 'losing family'
Jihun "June" Chun, called the school a kind and warm place.
"Some colleges think that students are money, but I can't feel that here. It's really lovely and human," he said.
Chun said he worries about cuts at other Ontario colleges and the impact in his plans to build a new life in Canada.
He came to country in hopes of staying and living a "slower life," because of the stressful work environments in his home country, South Korea, but he's worried he won't be able to.
Hao Jing, another student, said she wants to get a master's degree in Canada before returning to her home in China. She arrived in Hamilton in 2023 to accompany her son.
She was accepted to Western University for their graduate program Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, a career she's passionate about. That dream is threatened now by new visa limits.
Losing the school is like "losing family," for Hao, who saw it as an outlet to meet new people and spend her time during the day.
Teachers went above and beyond, she said, organizing barbecues and costume parties for everyone to share their culture.
"We just pay the tuition fee, and it's not their duty to [help us learn] about the culture here," she said. "[The teachers] provide us more than the standard level."
Andrikopoulos said his time spent with the school was life-changing. "I was learning about all these cultures … I've got friends all over the planet."
His biggest lesson? "We have far, far more similarities than differences," he said.
He hopes the school will come back in some way in the future, but without him at the front of the class. "I'm done," he said. "But I will help the school to be Metropolitan College again."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Canada News.Net
an hour ago
- Canada News.Net
South Korea unveils USD 22 billion stimulus budget to revive Korean economy
Seoul [South Korea], June 21 (ANI): Lee Jae Myung, President of South Korea, has introduced a 30.5 trillion won (USD 22.1 billion) supplementary budget proposal aimed at revitalising Korea's flagging economy, reported the Korea Herald, a South Korean English-language daily newspaper, on June 19. The proposal includes a 10.3 trillion won downward revision of projected revenue, the first such adjustment in five years, the South Korean daily reported. 'Fiscal soundness and adherence to balanced budgeting are important, but the current downturn is too severe for the government to stand by. It is time to put public finances to use,' Lee said at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, the news platform added. According to the news platform, the president emphasised two guiding priorities in the proposal. 'First, stimulating the economy. And second, ensuring the benefits are fairly distributed -- whether universally or partially -- according to who needs them most. These are also questions of values and ideology,' he said, quoted by the platform. The plan, which features universal cash payments to all citizens, received Cabinet approval on Thursday and is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly by Monday. According to the Finance Ministry, reported by the Korean Herald, the supplementary budget includes approximately 20.2 trillion won in new expenditure. Of that amount, 15.2 trillion won is directed at spurring economic activity, while 5 trillion won is designated for supporting livelihoods. At the centre of the stimulus package is a 10.3 trillion won cash distribution program issued in the form of 'spending coupons.' Payments will range from 150,000 won to 500,000 won, scaled by income level. In the first phase, all Koreans will receive a minimum of 150,000 won, while lower-income groups receive more. The second phase will exclude the top 10 per cent of earners, with the remaining 90 per cent receiving an additional 100,000 won. Additionally, 2.7 trillion won has been allocated to support the construction sector, which has experienced four straight quarters of contraction and remains a major drag on domestic demand. About 1.2 trillion will go to support startups and next-generation industries such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy to promote long-term economic development. The 5 trillion won in livelihood support is focused on aiding small business owners and self-employed workers, many of whom are facing record-high loan defaults and business closures. Within this portion, 1.4 trillion won will help alleviate debt for persistently distressed borrowers, while 1.6 trillion won will go toward strengthening the employment safety net, including job-seeking benefits and support for delayed wages. The government has also revised down its revenue forecast by 10.3 trillion won, marking the first such correction since July 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the news platform added. As of the end of April, the integrated fiscal balance -- a key measure of Korea's fiscal health -- recorded a deficit of 46.1 trillion won, the third-largest April shortfall on record, trailing only 2024 and 2020. This gap is set to widen further when factoring in over 30 trillion won in additional spending this year. Revenue for the full year is now projected at 642.4 trillion won, down from 651.6 trillion won, while total government spending has been revised upward from 673.3 trillion won to 702 trillion won. Accordingly, the government anticipates the year-end integrated fiscal deficit will grow to 110.4 trillion won, up from 91.6 trillion won in the previous year. This would raise the deficit-to-GDP ratio to 4.2 per cent, compared to the earlier estimate of 3.3 per cent, the news platform said. The national debt, which stood at about 1,200 trillion won at the end of April, is projected to exceed 1,300 trillion won by year's end, lifting the debt-to-GDP ratio to 49 per cent. According to the South Korean daily, the government also plans to issue 19.8 trillion won in treasury bonds aimed at bridging the fiscal gap, while covering the remainder through approximately 10 trillion won in budget restructuring and the use of available reserves. Despite the expanding deficit, the Finance Ministry emphasised that Korea's fiscal condition remains sustainable by international standards, the English daily added. The government expects the additional budget to lift economic growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points, pushing Korea's growth rate into the 1 percent range. The Bank of Korea currently forecasts 0.8 percent growth for the year, while the International Monetary Fund projects a 1 percent expansion. (ANI)
Japan Forward
11 hours ago
- Japan Forward
Immigration in Japan: So, You Want to Live Here?
このページを 日本語 で読む In Chitose, Hokkaido, Taki Kensetsu Kogyo is quietly reshaping what immigration can look like in Japan. Led by Yuichi Taki, the small construction firm employs workers from over ten countries and supports them with multilingual manuals and a practical, empathetic work culture. Taki believes that if Japan needs foreign labor, it must also create an environment where people can thrive. His company shows what's possible when both sides commit. Yet such examples remain rare. As Japan struggles to attract and retain foreign residents, the question remains: what's holding it back? This is exactly the question author and expert Fusako Yanase explores in part five of her series on immigration. In this installment, she examines the practical and social barriers facing immigrants in Japan, from language and licensing to education and long-term integration. Fifth in the series. Read the series Immigration in Japan Language remains one of the most significant barriers. In Japan, it's nearly impossible to find employment without Japanese proficiency, and most certification exams require it as well. Yet even after investing time and effort into learning the language, its utility beyond Japan can be minimal. A foreign friend of mine once joked, "I married a Japanese partner and learned the language to live with their family, but outside Japan, it's useless. Talk about a poor return on investment!" For someone who works entirely in English, it's natural to want to get started quickly using English rather than learn a local language from scratch. And even for non-native English speakers, if they're already used to the alphabet, countries that use it may feel more accessible and easier to adapt to. Is this barrier inevitable just because Japanese is the dominant language? Aspiring for jobs in Japan, Vietnamese students learn Japanese ( © Sankei) Not necessarily. Language barriers exist all over the world, but creative solutions can lower them. There are two main ways to lower Japan's language barrier: Increase support for Japanese language education for incoming foreigners and their families. Expand the number of workplaces in Japan where people can work in English (or other languages). Japan lacks both options. That is why it remains a less attractive destination for foreign workers. This isn't unique to Japan, but whether someone can utilize their career or qualifications from their home country can be a critical factor. Even those with advanced professional expertise often find that Japan is not a country where it's easy to qualify for their prior careers. For example, someone who is a doctor or nurse in their home country must pass Japan's national medical or nursing exam to practice. This is a common international challenge. However, a few countries have mutual recognition agreements for medical qualifications. Japan, though, has very few such agreements. Even experienced teachers with years in the classroom must obtain a Japanese teaching license to work in schools. Former business owners face similar hurdles. Without proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Japanese, starting a business or securing financing can be a major challenge. Skilled professionals in fields like beauty or hairstyling also run into obstacles, as many national certification exams are conducted entirely in Japanese. For those who have fled their homeland to Japan, finding employment and achieving financial independence is an immediate priority. And for those planning to stay even temporarily, ensuring a supportive educational environment for their children becomes equally important. Japan provides free compulsory education. Children of refugee applicants working under a "Designated Activities – Work Permitted" visa are eligible to attend public kindergartens, nurseries, and elementary or junior high schools. In many cases, even those without legal status can enroll their children by applying directly to the educational institution. These services are funded by Japanese taxpayers. However, it's important to remember that foreign residents also contribute through taxes once they begin working. In recent years, despite problems in some areas, the idea of multicultural coexistence has gained broader acceptance. It has become increasingly rare for Japanese parents or students to view Japanese language instruction or supplemental support for foreign children as discriminatory. Many, in fact, now actively support and cooperate with these efforts. Foreign technical intern trainees have been working in caregiving in Japan. Hikone, Shiga Prefecture (©Sankei by Sarasa Shimizu) In urban daycare centers and schools, it is now entirely normal to see children from diverse backgrounds learning in Japanese, side by side with their Japanese peers. When people claim that "Japan accepts very few refugees," the focus is often limited to the small number of applicants who meet the officially recognized definition of refugee. This narrow view fuels the perception that "Japan rejects foreigners." And from there, the debate quickly turns to calls for reforming the immigration and refugee recognition system. While legal reforms are certainly worth discussing, a broader perspective reveals a deeper issue: Japan is increasingly not being chosen as a destination by refugees or by other would-be immigrants. Asking "Why isn't Japan being chosen?" prompts a closer look at the structural and social challenges that make life in Japan difficult for non-Japanese residents and those with foreign roots. What aspects of Japanese society are unwelcoming or inconvenient? What makes long-term settlement so difficult? Addressing these questions is essential — not only for supporting those who genuinely need protection, but also for helping Japan evolve into a more inclusive and multicultural society. A December 2, 2023, feature in Weekly Toyo Keizai titled "Foreign Workers Aren't Coming! Companies That Get Chosen, Companies That Are Abandoned" made the point starkly. Japan is no longer a "chosen country," and the day may soon come when foreign workers stop coming altogether. The next installment dives into this very topic. Japan was once a top destination for workers from emerging Asian nations, known for offering strong earning potential. But as of December 2023, South Korea had taken the lead, with Japan in second place and Taiwan rapidly closing in. Saddled with a weakened yen, Japan no longer held the same appeal it once did. Foreign residents serve as a mirror reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of Japanese society. Many of the challenges they face, whether in language education, skills training, or access to housing that accommodates religious and cultural needs, require more than policy tweaks. Real progress depends on sufficient government investment and broad support from the private sector. These are not issues that immigration reform alone can fix. So, how do you see it? Continues in Part Six: What Brings Refugees to a New Land? Author: Fusako Yanase In addition to being an expert on immigration, Yanase is a best-selling author and former Honorary Chair of the Certified NPO Association for Aid and Relief, Japan. このページを 日本語 で読む
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Liverpool signs Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen
Liverpool delivered a huge statement of intent after winning the Premier League title by signing Germany star Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen on Friday. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. The transfer fee could climb to 116 million pounds ($156 million), which would make the 22-year-old Wirtz the most expensive player in the history of British soccer. Liverpool, determined to not stand still after securing a record-tying 20th English top-flight title, has splashed out a club record to bring in not only one of the best players from Germany, but one of the top youngsters in the world.
