Parent's Review of Seoul Foreign School in Seoul, Korea

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

Seoul Foreign School

In what town or city is this school located?

Seoul

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

American

What grade levels are represented at this school?

K-12

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Bus

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Very few organized extra-curricular activities. There are no paid staff to lead sports programs, etc. A few volunteer-led programs for a few weeks duration.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

Nothing is offered inbound or outbound. The school's attitude is that you are truly blessed to be coming to the greatest school in the world. You should be honored to be in their presence. And it is truly a tragedy when you must depart.

The school has been turning over 50% of its teachers annually in recent years. Only the long time staff (mostly married to Koreans) can manage this environment.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

Nothing. The Korean parents have a tight-knit clique based on specific Korean social customs. But foreigners will not be welcome or allowed in these groups.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

You should strongly consider whether it is in the best interest of your children to take a Korean assignment. Foreigners are generally not welcome in Korea. The anti-foreigner sentiment has been getting stonger in recent years. Segregation and animosity between Koreans and Foreigners becomes much bigger in Middle and High School. Bullying, pressure, and threats are common tactics by both students and faculty. Unless you have raised very strong, independent children, they may struggle in this environment. Many foreigners leave their Korean assignment early because they cannot deal with the school situation.

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