Abstract
An increasing number of Korean early study abroad (ESA) students are spending some of their K-12 school years in the U.S. to continue their schooling. This typical social and educational phenomenon in Korea has surged since 2000. This study aims to investigate Korean ESA adolescents’ life experiences in the U.S., focusing on motives for ESA and challenges they have experienced during their staying in the U.S. A case narrative inquiry was adopted as a research methodology to examine in-depth life experiences of four focal students. For the primary method of data collection, this study employed longitudinal observation, individual interviews, and written documents. Findings indicated that various components were entangled in complex ways for explaining the students’ decision-making such as escaping from competitive Korean educational situation, improving English language competence, following their parents’ academic journey, and getting better education. However, it might not be a path without risks. In our study, the Korean ESA adolescents have faced various challenges and even agonies. This research will provide authentic and practical information for educators and teachers to understand this emerging group of students.
Highlights
According to Korean National Statistical Office (2012), private education for elementary and secondary students in Korea has escalated, and the total expense of the education was estimated at around $18 billion in 2012
A dramatically increasing number of Korean early study abroad (ESA) students are contributing to changes of the demographic map of K-12 schools in the United States
Lee (2005) conducted in-depth interviews with Korean ESA students regarding their adjustments and aspirations in the U.S This study revealed that the major problems the students have faced were language barriers, limited social networks and support, and difficulty in adjusting to new cultural and institutional norms
Summary
According to Korean National Statistical Office (2012), private education for elementary and secondary students in Korea has escalated, and the total expense of the education was estimated at around $18 billion in 2012. English learning accounts for the priority among the various subjects the educational expenses have been invested in. It describes the social trend where people consider. Korean parents provide their children with opportunities to learn English through private institutes since they were young. A dramatically increasing number of Korean early study abroad (ESA) students are contributing to changes of the demographic map of K-12 schools in the United States. This typical social and educational phenomenon has surged since 2000 when Korea started to recover from the International
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