Education beyond the Classroom: A Comparison of Private Tuition and After-School Activities in Korea and Australia
Education plays a crucial role in shaping a child's future, but how students receive academic support outside the classroom varies significantly across cultures. In Korea and Australia, private tuition and after-school activities follow distinct models, reflecting each country's educational priorities and societal expectations. This article explores the key differences between private tuition and extracurricular engagement in these 2 countries. Private Tuition: A Cultural Priority in Korea The Hagwon System In Korea, private tuition is deeply ingrained in the education system, with "hagwons" (학원) serving as specialized private academies for subjects like math, English, and science. Korean students often spend long hours at hagwons after school, driven by fierce academic competition and the pressure of university entrance exams. Parental Expectations & Investment Parents in Korea see private tuition as a necessity rather than an option. Many invest a signif...