[KS] Bullying in ROK Public Schools

[Hilary V. Finchum-Sung]

Not to drag out the point either, but, in my experience thus far, bullying has not been an issue for my children who are in regular public schools (e.g. not international/private schools).  The other children have been extremely helpful, as has been the school administration.  The biggest challenge has been the language, but day by day that is improving as well.  My daughter is 10 (Korean age/8 U.S. age) and has not experienced any bullying in the 3 months she's been in school (so far so good).  In fact, she has made quite a few friends. Many of her classmates help her write down the daily schedule and information the teacher posts for parents and make sure she brings the right books home.  My sons, who are 6 (Korean age), have had no problems in their preschool beyond just the usual I-want-to-be-with-dad/mom issue.

I think the threat of bullying is a rather weak argument for the lawyers to make.  Instead, I think the shock of changing school systems is a stronger argument.  Beginning in 3rd grade, the schooling here becomes rather intense, and it only intensifies in work load and stress level up through high school.  The obsession with English education and the limitations placed on children who cannot excel in every single subject area make Korean schools rather difficult for a child used to the individualized U.S. education.  The child would likely find herself disadvantaged initially, and perhaps in the longrun, because she is at the age (10 U.S. age?) in which grades and test scores begin to matter.  

Hilary Finchum-Sung
--- Original Message ---
From : "Julie Smith"
To : koreanstudies at koreaweb.ws
Date : 2009/05/28 목요일 오후 1:23:30
Subject : Re: [KS] Bullying in ROK Public Schools



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            HI
 
Just to say something on this subject,I teach at a public elementary school in Seoul and there are 2 sisters from Mexico and a girl from Romania here (they have a parent who is working as a visiting professor at a nearby University).They have never been bullied and from what i have observed when they are in my class,the only real problem for them is the language,but other studenst try hard to help.
 
 
Julie Smith

Doable not impossible


 
Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 19:23:03 +0100
From: john.feleppa at gmail.com
To: koreanstudies at koreaweb.ws
Subject: Re: [KS] Bullying in ROK Public Schools

In my experience, it is certain that the girl will attract attention as a foreigner in her new school, but it is by no means certain that she will be bullied.  It might turn out fine!  There are more and more foreigners in Korea ---

Ask her teachers to look after her holistic integration, and if possible, advise them to move to Seoul, the most diverse city there.  Oh, and if she can go to a foreigners school (rather than an expensive international school) it will be better.

Definitely don't expect it to happen - Koreans can be very nice hosts. . . .


            2009/5/18 michael robinson robime at indiana.edu

            
            Dear List: 
 
I have a query from immigration lawyers on a case where a 10 year old daughter is being forced by the deportation of her father back to ROK.  She is US born and has never lived in Korea nor does she speak any Korean.  The case to avoid her forced deportation would be to show the difficulties she would face in a transition to Korean schooling.  The lawyers are focused on the issue of bullying in Korean schools.  I know this occurs, but before I start signing on to this I wonder what is out there in the way of information on such practices in Korean schools.  I know there is aliterature on the more studied case of Japan.  Any help from my better informed colleagues out there?
 
Best Wishes, 
 
Mike Robinson 
Indiana University 

            
            
            

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