What a pity that Koreans’ English language fluency is now effectively segregated by family income. I have been involved with ESL/EFL education for years, but rarely have I had the privilege of working with a young person of limited means. There are many thousands of English-speaking educators in Korea. I have no doubt that many would trade English lessons for Korean-language immersion or even a simple home meal.

While some private tutors charge hefty fees, there are just as many English teachers who would gladly lend their expertise to low-income children if only they were asked. Friends of mine have done their part to bridge the English divide by volunteering at a local orphanage on Saturdays. With more effort on both sides, the lack of access some families have can be eased by the generosity of Korea’s foreign educator population. 

By Luiz Bravim

Luiz Bravim is an English instructor and curriculum design specialist in Daejeon, Korea. She can be reached at luiz.bravim@gmail.com or 010-8014-1980. ― Ed.