Best boarding schools in South Korea 2024

Today, South Korea occupies one of the first places in Asia along with China and Japan in terms of education. Children begin to learn to read at the age of 2-3, even at the level of the preschool system. They study math, English, and get homework assignments. Naturally, when they come to school, they are immediately actively involved in the learning process.

There are more than 40 international boarding schools in South Korea where foreign and Korean students have the right to study. The Ministry of Education requires that eligible applicants must be either the children of a foreign national or Korean citizens who have lived abroad for three or more years. International schools are required to limit the admission of Korean citizens to 30% of the total number of students.

International schools in Korea offer various study programs such as American, British, Canadian, Chinese, French, German, Japanese and International Baccalaureate.

In South Korea today, the literacy rate of the population is one of the highest on the planet. In recent decades, the government has been carefully monitoring the educational process, and this is bearing fruit. Confirmation of this is the fact that it was on the territory of this state that the leaders in the field of high technology and automotive industry such as "Samsung", "LG", "Hyundai" were born and gained worldwide fame.

South Korea's boarding schools offer a distinctive educational experience, blending rigorous academics with cultural immersion. These institutions cater to students from around the world, providing a structured environment conducive to learning and personal growth.

Academic Year and Curriculum in South Korean Boarding Schools

The academic year is divided into two semesters: March to July and late August to February, with breaks in between. Students typically begin primary education at age 6, receiving comprehensive instruction in Korean, mathematics, and other core subjects. English language education starts formally in the third grade, although foundational lessons begin earlier.

Secondary education continues the focus on academic discipline and includes a diverse curriculum encompassing:

• Mathematics

• Korean and English

• Sciences

• Social disciplines

• Music and fine arts

Classes are generally held in the same room, with specialized spaces for subjects like physics and chemistry. The school week consists of six 45-minute lessons per day, Monday through Friday, with optional additional classes as needed.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What would you say is the most important when choosing a Spanish school?

This is the quality of support and work of the management, the opportunity to study at IB, the prestige of the school and the percentage of successful completion of the diploma stage of IB, recommendations for further universities. It is worth considering the national "recruitment" of campus students, opportunities for extracurricular development and activities, the availability of medical services and consultations, opportunities for language immersion. Is education at the chosen school based on the values you share? Is the school a close-knit community? Is academic support good?

High schools in South Korea offer specialized tracks in natural sciences, languages, arts, and more. The education is intensive, and students often engage in self-study and additional classes to prepare for university entrance exams.

Top Boarding Schools in South Korea

• Branksome Hall Asia: An extension of Canada's Branksome Hall, located on Jeju Island, it offers the International Baccalaureate program. Catering to students from age three, the middle and high school programs are exclusively for girls, with a significant percentage of international students.
• Taejon Christian International School: Established in 1958 as Korea's first international IB school, TCIS in Daejeon emphasizes critical thinking and technological integration, accommodating foreign students in a family-like residential setting.

Tuition fees for international students vary based on factors such as school location, ranking, educational programs, and extracurricular activities. On average, costs range from $16,000 to $32,000 per academic year.

Prospective students must obtain an educational visa and submit translated and notarized academic records, along with copies of their birth certificate and parents' passports. Most schools accept applications throughout the academic year, either on a competitive or general basis, depending on the institution.

In summary, boarding schools in South Korea offer a unique blend of high-quality education, cultural exposure, and structured learning environments. With a variety of specialized programs and facilities, these schools are ideal for students seeking an immersive educational experience abroad.