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.
Stacey, Your post is so interesting. Thank you for reminding me that students pay for school after third grade. Is there a reason though that the government doesn't provide a free education past this grade? Unfortunately, I think if we did charge a fee for school, that would just increase lack of equity and availability. Some people just don't need an excuse not to do the right thing for their child.
ReplyDeleteHello Stacey, it is nice to see that you continue in contact with Dr. Yurica. It seems that you have learned a lot about the South Korean's way of life, and how they value education. I don't share the same opinion in regards to charging a fee for education, with the economy as it is adding another expense for many families world be devastating. Education, in my opinion should be available and equal for all children, eventually they will need to pay for their education once they enter college and complete their currier as many of us are doing. Education in our country is not cheep, and many professionals are in debt for many years after they finish their currier.
ReplyDeleteI do think that like in all cultures, we always have something to learn. I do believe that education is a very important piece in a humans growth and development, but when it comes to a point that it becomes a pressure more than a satisfaction, it is not good.
Thanks again for wonderful information about Korea. I admire that they place the education of their children in high priority. I wish that all American families saw education as a priority and a value to the future. After reading your post I wish America could start again and refocus education as the most important commodity and not land. But it's inspiring to know that Korea does.
ReplyDeleteChristine,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the insight from Korea. It is amazing how the families value education for their children. I am also finding that in parts of India and Malaysia children do not work. The families have maids or nannies. This is so different compared to the midwest where I live. Most middle income children have to work to help put themselves through college, and moms such as ourselves also work and go to school. The assumption would be that they are not close to their families. I found out that in India the family system is close, because families live together and help raise the children. In Malaysia I found that the families were not close, as the fathers were absent most of the time.
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI shared your blog with several coworkers this week. I think if education was not free in the US that more parents would take it serious and ensure their child was meeting expectations. Most days, for some students, I feel as if I am just a babysitter with no rights to expect anything from the student.
I am enjoying reading your blog because I did not get a response back. I love hearing about the education system in another part of the world. Does Japan offer early childhood programs? I may have missed that part of the blog, lol. Just curious.
Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer Jones
@Jennifer I have never been to Japan, but from what I have heard they are very similar to Korea since we are only about 2hrs. away : )
ReplyDeleteChristine,
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the cost to be bused to school. Can you imagine if it was like that here in the U.S.? I would probably have a handful of children in my class because they wouldn't be able to get to school. I do like the late start to their day but I wouldn't like the late ending.
I think America is clueless concerning what America needs to do to achieve academic excellence. All of our children must be educated not just a few, quality education should be free for all.
ReplyDelete