01 May
It’s no secret that South Korea boasts some of the most highly educated children in the world. Education holds immense value for both students and their families. Many students attend three to five subject-focused academies each week, in addition to their regular school hours. As someone who has taught both in the United States and South Korea, here are four key ways in which Korean students differ from students back home.
1. Behavior
Korean students understand the importance of education from a very young age. They are often encouraged by their families to attend additional academies and dedicate a significant portion of their free time to studying. Additionally, they take multiple placement tests throughout their youth. As a result, many Korean students are highly motivated and well-behaved, especially when compared to students in the United States. While there are certainly a few misbehaving students, you’ll typically find that Korean students exhibit more positive classroom behavior overall.
2. Interests
Korean students often have interests that differ significantly from their American peers. From the clothing they wear to the music they listen to, there are cultural differences that you will notice. Most older students love the “street” or “sporty” styles of clothing. Baggy jeans, track jackets, and oversized graphic tees are some of my student’s staple outfits. My younger students vary since most of their parents dress them, but something that all of my students have in common is their love for K-pop. When in doubt, just scroll through recent TikTok’s about K-pop and you will be fine!
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what’s trending in Korea before stepping into the classroom. Taking the time to ask your students about their favorite activities and interests will help you connect with them on a personal level and make the classroom environment more comfortable. This is especially important when you work with both boys and girls! Make sure that you cater to both genders in the classroom, especially when a class has many more boys or vice-versa. By incorporating their passions and interests into your lessons, you’ll be able to create a more engaging experience for them.
3. Fatigue
Despite their excellent behavior, many Korean students experience significant fatigue during class. This can stem from various factors, including long hours spent at private academies, excessive screen time, or the intense pressure to perform well academically. As a result, it’s not uncommon to see students struggling to stay awake, even when they’re sitting upright!
In these situations, it’s important to approach the student with empathy. Rather than scolding them for being tired, take a moment to understand why they might be feeling this way. By showing that you care and listening to their concerns, you’ll find that many students will make a greater effort to stay engaged in your lessons.
4. Love for their Teachers
The largest, and most special, difference that I’ve noticed in my students has been how much they love their teachers. Many of my students will write me cute notes, share their snacks with me during break, and genuinely value my input. It’s really heartwarming to know how much my presence means to them, especially since living in a foreign country can be really lonely. In comparison to America, students in Korea are MUCH more thoughtful in regards to their relationships with their teachers.
My experience teaching Korean students has been incredibly rewarding. Through them, I’ve learned so much about Korean culture, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge of English with such dedicated learners. If you’re preparing to teach English in Korea, keeping these three key differences in mind will help you create a more positive and effective classroom environment.
Gabriel White, Marketing Assistant
Gabriel (Gabe) White is an English teacher in South Korea. He is a Korean, Puerto Rican-American from the Richmond, Virginia area and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Being involved in student organizations like Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU (FACT@VCU) and VCU Globe during his college years, Gabe learned just how much he enjoys experiencing new cultures. In his free time, Gabe loves teaching local dance classes, spending quality time with his loved ones, exploring new cities, and watching nostalgic movies.