Blog 11: In S. Korea, the best education means a sacrifice for parents

In South Korea families have to separate in order for their children to receive the best education. Choi Seo-yoon and her husband, Kim Ho will live in different towns and homes for the next eleven or twelve years. Their six year old daughter got accepted into a elite international school that is faraway from their current home. Choi Seo-yoon and her daughter will buy a house close to the international school, while Kim Ho stays in Seoul. While the child and mother move closer to the school, the husband remains at home and work. A lot of the schools in the Korean school system are crowded and the students school day is not over until 8 or 9pm. The parents understand that sending their child to a international helps them in the future. Majority of the families that separate to provide their children a better education, say they are happier living a part. The parents have freedom from one another and take time for their self. Kim Ho, said its not a sacrifice because he does get to spend much time with his daughter anyway.

I believe that what the parents are doing for their children is wonderful. The parents are altering their lifestyle for their children. The mother plays a major role in this situation because she actually moves with the child. I can understand how the parents enjoy their time a part from one another, but not for that long period of time.. It seems like spending approximately eleven or twelve years apart could hurt a marriage. The child does not really have quality or bonding time with his or her father. The situation has a lot of positive aspects, but negative ones as well. Children that attend international schools have an advantage to the children that attend regular Korean schools. It seems that the family will have financial issues because they will have more bills. The sacrifice is not only seen in the parents, but in the children as well.

6:20PM
Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/in-s-korea-the-best-education-means-a-sacrifice-for-parents/2012/11/05/6adb0564-256f-11e2-9313-3c7f59038d93_story.html