Let's Learn about Korea on Tuesday-Lesson #31

Welcome to the final class (sniff, sniff). I thought it would be fitting to make this last lesson on school and education in South Korea.

School
Education is very competitive and valued in SK. The school system is set up similarly to the U.S. in that there is elementary, middle and high school. Elementary school is similar to here, but middle school and high school are a bit different. High schools are divided between general and vocational and you must apply to get in; it is not mandatory that you attend. Because of this, it is very important to do well in middle school. Many middle school (6th-8th grade) students work after school with a tutor and don't get home until late at night.
College is the most competitive. The day of the entrance exam for college is an event in SK. Businesses open later so parents can drive their children to the test, there are special prayer services at temples and churches, and newspapers publish the test in a special evening edition after the exam. There is such intensity because getting into the right school can make a huge difference on a person's success in life.

Congratulations!! You have graduated from "Let's Learn about Korea on Tuesdays." I have thoroughly enjoyed researching and teaching you about some aspects of Korea and Korean culture. I hope you have learned a few things and had some fun! Class dismissed...