[Student Reporters] The Education System in Korea and America

Seol A Lee / Daewoon foreign Language HS

Education has been an important issue around the world. Among many countries both South Korea and the U.S. continually strive to improve their education systems. Interestingly enough each government possesses different ideas for how education should be administered.

To begin with the Korean modern education system was first established under the influence of Japanese Imperialism. On December 31 1949 after the Korean government was founded and the constitution was proclaimed the government established the 6.3.3.4 education system- 6 years in elementary school 3 years in each middle school and high school and 4 years in university or college. This system continues to be used in Korea today. When it comes to academics each Korean class is comprised of about 30-40 students. Nowadays the importance of learning English is highly emphasized because of increasing globalization. Most students attend private academies after school which is a burden for many parents because of the high cost of tuition. Some of these institutions review and supplement what is learned at school; however many institutions precede the school curriculums. In addition Korean high school students decide on their majors before attending universities. Majors are mainly separated into two categories: the department of liberal arts and the department of science and mathematics. Since each major has different requirements high school students prepare for their major studies accordingly. Moreover it is hard and rare to transfer from one major to another once admitted to a university.

In the U.S. the government authorizes states to make most decisions regarding education. As a result each state has a slightly distinctive system. However one of the main differences between the Korean and American education system is that America mainly follows a 5.3.4.4 system- 5 years in elementary school 3 years in middle school and 4 years in each high school and college. Also in addition to the academic subjects such as history math English and science are emphasized students are encouraged to participate in various extra-curricular activities such as: music art volunteer works and internships. Achievements in these extra activities are also considered in university applications.

Nowadays many Korean parents possess a strong interest in sending their kids to study abroad. A number of students in Korea are moving especially to U.S. for a better education and more opportunities. Many parents who are unsatisfied with the Korean education system are leaving and the number is steadily increasing. It is still uncertain which system is more beneficial and it might just be up to the parents and students to choose one that works for them. However both system should be developed and improved in ways that can help enthusiastic learners of the present and future.