Education

In recent times, in South Korea, even though the government has made an effort to reduce the private education craze, the private education markets are still growing day by day, not only for middle school and high school students, but also for toddlers and elementary students, who have become the main target of the private education craze.

Even in Toronto and Vancouver, where a lot of Koreans live, there are numerous academies for English, Math, Science, Sports and preparation for college entrance exams. In South Korea, high school students go straight to a private academy after school and study hard every day until midnight. This is very common practice.

Academies are essential for some students because academies teach students what they don’t understand at school. However, this craze for private education can also lead to social problems. For example, students who can’t afford private education fees will lose self-confidence because they are falling behind the others. Also, public education will become less important because students think the private academies are more important than regular school.

In order to solve the problem of excessive private education, the government should now step up to change the fundamental educational environment and purpose, as well as policies, such as changing the admission process and revising the curriculum. For example, universities should admit students based on their academic performance and school activities in high school.

If the education system improves, students will enjoy their school life and spare time after school and their parents will be less stressed about the excessive private educational expenses.