I have gained a few new insights about South Korea from Dr. Yurica. Nearly 100% of students take the bus to and from school. The military schools have free shuttles to bus their children home, but the Koreans also have to pay for their bus transportation like their education. On average, this costs $1000 for a year. It seems like the Koreans go to school year round because they only have a month off for summer vacation and about two months for winter vacation. The reason for such a long winter vacation is because of Lunar New Year. This is one of the most important holidays here which is similar to our New Year’s. It is a time to go home and visit family, so many fly to other countries to travel with their family. The most popular destination of course is America. Another interesting tidbit is that the Korean workday and school day is different. Most Americans are at work and school by 8am, but in Korea, somewhere between 9-10am is a good time to start their day!
Equity and excellence are important all around in this country. Evidence that is displayed is the technology in the country. This country is really striving to be westernized as possible. This country values Education so much that they want to be on top globally. It was mentioned not too long ago on the News that South Korea came in second in Academics. A lot of pressure is placed on children to excel. You will not find a teenager working, but you will see them studying hard as well as perfecting an instrument or talent. The only problem is that not everyone has access to education. I mentioned last time education is free until third grade. There are numerous excellent schools available, but they come with a price tag.
Accessibility is the biggest problem with equity and excellence in education here. Most of the country is farm land, so families usually move close to Seoul to send their children to school. It is looked down upon and rarely heard of students who cannot go to school. Parents are willingly to sacrifice anything including themselves for the chance to send their child to school. I had the previous conception that they went to work with the families if they could not afford education, but that was dispelled this week. There are child labor laws in place that encourage parents to send their children to school. I agree with the comments left on my last post that said that America should do the same! I think that would eliminate so many issues today if we did charge a fee for school.