School and Teacher
Classroom in South Korea
Chris King: As I came to the United State for college, I am sometimes surprised by the cultural differences found in the classroom.
In an old Korean saying, "Do not even step on the shadow of your master (teacher) passing". It means that students should fully respect their teachers. Teachers are considered as one of the most highly respected group. If the president of Korea is called into talk by his child's teacher for his or her child's issues, even the president is expected to visit the teacher personally. No matter who you are, all parents express full respect for teachers of their children.
In contrast, the relationship between students and teachers seems to be very different in the U.S. Sometimes in the U.S, I have seen students hanging their legs on the other chairs in the classroom. Some students eat snacks, and some others have a lunch while they participate in the class. This may shock many Asian students especially Korean students because If students in Korea behave in the same way, severe penalty or even suspension would be given. You may not be a rude person, but this behavior makes you look bad. I don't know how to prevent this awkward situation. You just stink. Just kidding.
I know it sounds ridiculous, but people in the world live their entire life living under certain values and standards which have been established for centuries. The United Stated is a melting pot. Knowing cultural differences can provide benefits dealing with other nationalities. Look around and ask them. You will learn something interesting and valuable.
Queen P. : This sounds like a case of cultural intolerance. Just like American students behavior is not particularly appealing to you, the smell of kimchi and being surrounded by students speaking a language I don't understand is not particularly appealing to me either. Here is where we learn tolerance. One of those character building experiences my mother taught I'd experience me every time I'd like to complain. Chris, just like you said America is a melting pot. Your melting pot might be kimchi, and mine might be taco soup both add to the beautiful smorgasbord of American culture.
Kevin : My teachers sometimes beat students in China. I went to a boarding school in China. The teachers are the kings and queens there.