The writing is on the wall.

I have worked in South Korea for 20 years. Over this time I have seen many things come and go. Now it is time for the cram schools, private coaching institutes to shutdown. Families can no longer shoulder the burden of paying for these schools. Back in the day you could teach the same kid for six years with out interruption. Things were more stable at that time. Usually both parents were working. I would say more than half of the students had both parents earning money.

Then the recession hit, and free trade agreements. In addition to salaries staying roughly the same while commodities grew in price. The housing market put so many people into debt. Of course that is good for a system that survives on debt. However, it really placed a strain on families trying to budget money for private classes.

In the course of 3 years I have seen 3 schools fold (I know the owners). According to another friend of mine who is in the know; many others are struggling...hard, and still failing. You see right now in South Korea people are pushing for having more free time. There are academies opening that teach soccer, indoor rock climbing, even Lego academies. The main thing is you learn something and have fun while learning it. English, Math, and multi subject academies are BORING. They also require students to study as if they are at a 9-5 job. There is very little fun, or time to just be a kid.

Where I am at currently is no different. Students have loads of work to take home. Actually, these days what we see is that once students move to middle school a large number quit. This was not always this way. Usually, those students would study at later and later times. They would quit in large numbers when they went to high school. At that time a number of them would take weekend classes. I used to teach these classes. However, today these schools are under pressure from parents who are struggling to hold on to jobs to fill students time needless homework.

The end result, family fights at home as kids start to crack under the pressure. I know this because they tell me. Parents after some time realize that it is too much. So this issue is two fold. One hand people can not hold jobs for 30-40 years at time. The number of really good stable jobs is dropping. On the other hand kids are cracking under the pressure.

What is needed is a major change. How about teach a language, or subject in way that kids are actually excited to come back the next day. When they see that class is over they sigh because they were having so much fun. I have done this over the years. When you have the support of owner of the school you can do some really amazing things.

What will take down these academies? Small study rooms will. They are EVERYWHERE. I am pretty sure that perhaps in 6 months time they will be cracked down on by the education department. This will cause 2 things to happen. The study groups will go underground or new regulations will be passed, and some of these study rooms will have to get licenses and register with the department of education.

/tata

A friend has passed...

Sometimes life events can be expected but most times things come as a nasty surprise. A friend of ours passed away last Sunday Feb. 2nd. He leaves behind his wife and young child. It is so strange he was doing so well. He moved from Korea to spend some time in America. He got a new job that sounded really promising. His last post was just last week on Facebook about his new job. What is more shocking for us is that the family seems to know nothing about it. His brother got back to us and said that he doesn't know what happened. So sad. Of course this happens all over the world. For Yogi and I we feel it is more important to focus on the small things in life. You never know when your time is up on this planet. Some people are running after money, fame, a lasting legacy. I only want to leave behind good memories for those that love us. For my boys I want them to remember the advice I have given them, and remember the fun we have had.

Live your life, do not try to live another persons life. Do not judge others.

Ok time to go rest John Testa.