Helping University Students

05-11-2009 17:19
By Michael Stevens, adapted by Rob Ouwehand

Over the past couple years, many Korean university students have protested increases in
tuition at many Korean universities. Added to their stress is the knowledge that many of
these students will have hard time finding work in the near future, if at all, due to the world
economic downturn. Many students and their families may default on loans, which could
lead to long-term credit problems.

Likewise, universities are also having financial difficulties, and are trying to figure out how
to improve their programs while also lowering the cost of operating. One method used in
the past was attracting businesses like McDonald's and Starbucks to their campuses.
Other schools tried to shut down unpopular departments such as sociology and some
European languages. However, both of these methods met strong resistance from their
student bodies.

It left universities with no alternative except to increase tuition for all students. The Korea
Times reported last February that, a freshman entering the medical college at Korea
University will most likely have to pay 16 million won in tuition and admission fees for their
first year ― and these costs are expected to increase again.

Regrettably, the financial burden of having university-age students may be too great for
some families. Many qualified students may be denied the opportunity to study at
prestigious universities in and around Seoul. However, it is vital for the government to
ensure that these students have the opportunity to go to these universities.

There are a number of ways the government can do this: first by giving tax breaks to all
families whose university-age children perform at least 200 hours of community service
during their summer and winter breaks, helping the poor or the elderly. Second, the
government could start summer work programs which hire university students to clean
streets and parks to help beautify Korea.

These two suggestions will not only help students pay for university but also will instill in
them a sense of civic responsibility and the strong work ethic that is desperately
needed in todayʼs youth.

The benefits of such programs for Korea are also numerous. It minimizes so-called
handouts ― and it isn't just another social welfare program that where tax payers pay out,
without getting anything in return. This might even help the Korean tourism industry, since
one of the most common negative images of Korea is that it is polluted and dirty.

While it is true that education is extremely important, it is equally vital that students do not
just get free handouts, since no one ever truly understands the value of money or an
education until they've had to work for it.

The writer is student of Biblical studies. He can be reached at eslcity@gmail.com.

http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2009/05/137_44706.html