Today, we met at the school to go for what was supposed to be a “short” walk. We started from the school and crossed the Soukonvuori Nature Reserve before reaching Niihama and the edge of a lake. In total, we walked 8.8 km, and we were very happy when we finally arrived at the bus stop!
During this walk, we mainly discussed the differences between the education systems of our countries.
In Korea, school is mandatory starting at age 6 (7 in Korean age), the same as in Germany. However, it is common for children to go to kindergarten from age 3. In France, on the other hand, school is mandatory from ages 3 to 16, allowing “universal” access to basic education. As for the rest of the education paths, France and Korea are more similar. In Korea, middle school lasts three years, from seventh to ninth grade, for students aged 12 to 15, and it is a period of mandatory education. In France, middle school lasts one year longer (from ages 11 to 15), followed by three years of high school. With Minju and Yang, we changed schools twice. However, Emese only changed schools once because in Germany, there is an early tracking system. Students are directed into a specific track at age 10, which can determine the type of academic and professional path they will follow, and they stay in this “selected” school until they complete their high school diploma.
The Korean education system stands out for its competitive nature. I have often heard that the French system is flawed and that the school days are too long, especially since in most countries, students only have classes in the morning. But after hearing Minju and Yang’s explanations, I felt fortunate because I am not sure I could have handled such pressure throughout my schooling. In France, pressure is intense during the two-year preparatory classes, but that’s all. Moreover, I also find it stressful to have to make an educational choice at age 10, as in the German system. It was already difficult for me to make a career choice when I was much older.
We then talked about different celebrations. In Korea, they celebrate Christmas, but gifts are only given within relationships, which is completely different from Germany and France, where we eagerly await presents under the tree. Emese also told me that in Germany, they cut their Christmas trees directly from the forest, which I find absolutely amazing! It’s a tradition I would really like to have in France. Furthermore, in Korea, they don’t have the tooth fairy, whereas Emese was also surprised because, in Germany, they have the same concept, but it’s the “tooth fairy” who comes to give children money and not a “mouse” like in France.
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