I have been coming to Korea for six years and moved here as a resident 18 months ago. Since arriving here, I have been heartened by the warmth of the people, their willingness to assist, and the value they place on education.

Moving to Jeju to open Branksome Hall Asia was a significant shift, one I am glad I made. I am enjoying the amazing experiences at our new school, our life on the remarkable campus, the stunning scenery and the environment that is Jeju.

I am aware that Jeju Island is referred to as “Samdado,” meaning an island with “three manys” ― stone, wind and women. However, there is one aspect Jeju is becoming well known for: education. The world-famous educational zeal of Korean parents is converging on Jeju Island as the Global Education City gradually becomes a reality. The enthusiasm for education and students’ potential that I have observed over the last year has impressed me, even with my decades of experience in education.

In considering the reasons parents value our school, I recognize we have shared values. We believe the greatest gift you can give your child is the gift of an excellent education and this is something Korean parents connect with and have been endeavoring to provide for many years. This is often evidenced in the significant sacrifices many Korean parents make to assist their children in their education, which are heartwarming to witness and should never be taken for granted. For this reason we go to extra lengths to ensure parents are involved in our school and have a strong voice in their child’s education, to assist them to achieve their dreams.

When many of our Korean students first arrived at the school they had so much passion for scholastic achievement that they stayed up throughout the night studying for exams. This is by no means unique in Korea; students here tend to display an aptitude and discipline for study in order to achieve high scores on exams. Whilst I value their strong will and focus at Branksome Hall Asia, we believe our students can be better channeled to gain more than just strong exam results. In addition, I believe this is essential for widening students’ experiences and allowing them to succeed with today’s competitive university entrance requirements.

Students that we now have in Jeju have a strong desire to learn and real talent in various fields, such as math, science, social sciences, technology, languages, leadership, sports and the arts. We the faculty are impressed with our students’ talents and desire to excel in all areas, and their response to their teachers’ guidance and encouragement.

One student I spoke with recently at our school has been playing the piano for seven years, is a swimming champion, speaks three languages, is in the model United Nations and photography clubs, and volunteers in the community. She benefits from experiencing an international education on Jeju and is clearly making the most of an environment that is conducive to study, creativity, socializing and life balance.

I strongly believe that we can draw out the unlimited potential of Korean students who have outstanding talent if we provide them with an environment in which they can actively participate in their learning. For example, we are a candidate school for offering International Baccalaureate programs. The three programs provide an education that focuses on the depth of knowledge by having students discuss and present their opinions. It puts students in the driver’s seat and sets them up well with skills as independent learners to best prepare them for life today, and university and life after Branksome Hall Asia.

The programs were established for a growing mobile population of young people whose parents were part of the world of diplomacy, international and multinational organizations, and they support students in developing critical thinking and intellectual competence. The programs are currently the largest and most highly regarded educational programs in the world.

I have had many opportunities to engage with our parents who have been extremely positive and supportive of our philosophy and approaches to learning. They have shared with me that they feel the positive approach of our faculty toward students and parents allows their children to enjoy coming to school and makes them as parents feel supported and welcomed within our school community.

I believe that there is a bright future ahead for Korean students if they are offered the opportunity to study in an environment where they can develop their full potential, and I believe students will find this environment at our school.

By Glen Radojkovich

The writer is the principal of Canada’s independent girls’ school Branksome Hall Asia in Jeju Global Education city. ― Ed.