Language Barriers and Economic Disparities… Why Do Multicultural Students' Frustrations Repeat?

“I want to study, but I don’t understand what they’re saying.”
The desperate cries of multicultural youth are no longer unfamiliar. The reality of those who must live together as members of Korean society being excluded from the classroom. Where has the principle of 'inclusive public education' gone?

Giving Up School Due to Language and Cultural Adaptation Issues

There are increasing cases of children from multicultural families refusing to attend school because they cannot understand the lessons. Especially as they enter middle and high school, the difficulties in reading and writing Korean accumulate, leading to lower academic achievement. Language barriers and cultural unfamiliarity effectively prevent them from even reaching the starting line of education.

Dropout Risk Revealed by Statistics

As of 2023, the average school dropout rate for all high school students was 1.55%, whereas for multicultural high school students, it was higher at 2.05%. Furthermore, the university enrollment rate for multicultural students was 40.5%, compared to the overall average of 71.5%, clearly demonstrating the educational gap. This suggests that even if multicultural students graduate from high school, they are likely to face disadvantages in their subsequent career choices.

Identity Confusion and Psychological Isolation

Beyond language and cultural differences, discrimination and lack of communication from their surroundings deepen identity confusion and feelings of isolation among multicultural youth. Parental neglect, distance from teachers, and exclusion by peer groups prevent them from adapting to the school community, leaving them as 'outsiders.' This situation can lead to psychological problems such as depression, anger, and apathy, ultimately encouraging the worst choice of dropping out of school.

The Blind Spot of Private Education… Economic Disparities Lead to Broken Opportunities

More than half of multicultural households have a monthly income of 3 million won or less, and 10% belong to the poverty class with an income of 1 million won or less. Such low household incomes limit opportunities for private education, which in turn leads to academic underachievement. The achievement gap directly leads to a college admission gap, resulting in a vicious cycle of dropping out of school. Exclusion from educational opportunities is not just an 'educational problem' but also a 'perpetuation of poverty' problem.

Policies Exist, But On-Site Experience is Lacking

While the Ministry of Education and local governments operate various support programs for multicultural students, critics point out that their practical effectiveness is minimal. Due to issues such as insufficient budget and professional personnel, and disparities in support between schools, multicultural students still remain in a blind spot. Despite research findings that 'social capital' connecting family, teachers, friends, and the community is crucial for school adaptation, there is a severe lack of policy linkages to activate it.

Experts: "Especially Risky During Middle and High School… Structural Support is Essential"

“The period between the second year of middle school and the second year of high school is the most vulnerable. During this time, parental supervision decreases, and if the support system within the school is weak, the risk of dropping out significantly increases.”
This finding from a longitudinal study of multicultural youth emphasizes the importance of early intervention and continuous attention during this period. Experts point out the urgent need to strengthen Korean language education, expand psychological counseling support, enhance multicultural understanding education, and build community-based networks.

Accordingly, there are opinions that the following institutional improvements are urgently needed:

• Expansion of customized Korean language education linked to school classes

• Strengthening psychological counseling and emotional support

• Building an integrated network connecting home, school, and community

• Establishing an early intervention and tracking system for students at risk of dropping out

• Securing and deploying counseling teachers and multicultural specialists

The reality of multicultural youth leaving school alone can no longer be ignored.
It is time for society as a whole to share the responsibility so that they can receive 'education with equal opportunities.'