The international school experience can be intriguing for expat parents who believe the only option for their children is a Korean public school. For young learners in the Gyeongsangnam area, it can be especially unique to have access to a world-class group of teachers seemingly in the middle of a traditional and historic city such as Jinju. One might wonder what the educational experience is like for students who have access to such a special school. We sat down with one of the 2nd-grade students of Saint Paul Jinju Campus, to see what a typical day of learning was like for an international school student.Â
How does your day start?
I get on the big yellow school bus. To get there on time, I have to wake up at 6:30am. When I get to school, I usually see Mr. Smith and the assistant teachers waiting outside of the school.
Who’s Mr. Smith?
He’s the principal.
What classes do you usually take?
We have language arts, math, science, social studies, music, art, Chinese, Korean, P.E., library, E.S.L., and computer class.
That’s quite a lot! What’s your favorite part of the day?
Recess time. We have three every day! During morning and afternoon recess, we can eat snacks, too.
Lucky! Okay, so what’s your favorite class?
Art class because Ms. Rae is really pretty and nice to everyone. Also, we get to make a mess.
Do your teachers all speak English to you?
Yeah. Some of them also speak Spanish and Korean and something else. I forgot.
What do you usually eat for lunch?
Food from our cafeteria. There are two lines and we have to wait a little but it’s really good. The teachers eat the same food and they always talk about the food. I like it a lot.
What about after school?
On one of the days, I get extra help from a different teacher. She helps me with my homework. On a different day, I learn how to play the violin. My teacher is nice.
Who is your favorite teacher?
Last year’s teacher was Mr. Emm and I like him a lot because he speaks like people in movies do. He’s tall and funny and can speak really loud.
Do you have homework?
I usually have to read books and write about it. Also if I don’t finish my work, it’s homework. It’s not so bad.
What do you want to say about your school?
I like my uniform cause it’s pretty and no one else looks like this uniform in my apartment building. I love my teachers!
This student attends Saint Paul Jinju, one of the leading international schools in the Gyeongsangnam Region. If you’re curious about visiting an international school, visit our directory listing category for International Schools to find a school close to you.