SEOUL, KOREA — One of the hot topics being discussed in Korea now is the issue of increased college tuition. Most Korean students and their parents must take out student loans in order to cover the cost of their education. Students and parents will pay millions of won for books, cafeteria meal plans, general classes, etc. Let’s face it, college is expensive!
President Lee Myung-bak met with 160 student council representatives at the presidential office on Saturday to discuss tuition, student loans, student housing and jobs for new graduates. Officials from the ministries of education, labor and land as well as the Small and Medium Business Administration were also present.
The presidential office said the meeting was for student representatives to have a chance to speak with the president following eight regional talks between student councils and the presidential office that have been held since last December.
The students gave President Lee feedback about lowering tuition fees, the fair distribution of scholarships, and corruption at university foundations. Students also called on the government to strengthen regional universities, and create more jobs. President Lee welcomed their suggestions and stated “the government has set aside 3 trillion won, or 2.7 billion US dollars to support young people who want to start up businesses.”
Since we hear so much about the cost of college, it is easy to get intimidated when we think of the price we pay on education. Colleges come in a wide variety and, depending on the choices you make, the price of a college education can be quite reasonable — especially if you think of college as an investment in yourself and your future. In fact, college graduates can expect to earn a salary almost double that of high school graduates and helps you make the best of your own life.
