What? You didn’t think there was such a thing as classroom culture? Neither did I. Actually, I didn’t think the classrooms would be that much different from American university classrooms, but they certainly are. So, I thought I would talk a little bit about my classroom here at the Korean language school at Changwon National University. One thing I did expect was for it to be more intensive and demanding, which it thankfully is. The teachers require a lot out of the students and as a result we absorb so much information in such a short amount of time. Our classes are 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. We study a chapter a day and that’s including the workbook and whatever additional related handouts are given as homework. I’m currently in level 2, but levels 1 & 3 have an additional two hour long review class twice a week.Our class is mostly comprised of Chinese students in their early 20’s with plans to enter a degree program upon completion of their language studies. At 33 I’m the oldest person here, including most of the teachers. One interesting thing about Korean teachers is how often they hit and/or humiliate students. For example if a student shows up late the teacher will scold him in front of the class, ask the reason for his tardiness and may make him formally apologize in front of everyone. Of course the teachers yell with a hint of playfulness but it’s still pretty odd to me. So, if you plan to study at a language school in Korea, I suggest never being late! Also, don’t forget to do your homework. I commonly see my teachers, who are all female, hit male students when they don’t do their homework. It’s usually accompanied by more scolding or jokes at their expense. What is it with humiliation and Korean society? I’ve, however, never seen a teacher hit a female student before.We regularly have practice tests and based on how many questions you get wrong that determines how many times you will be writing vocabulary words or phrases repeatedly, another form of teacher-sadism.I’m not sure if this happens with all university students on campus or if it’s just the language school, but I get text messages about class notices, events and schedule changes. Which is pretty cool. Also, I’m sure I’ve mentioned this in another post, the air conditioning is controlled by some higher power that apparently like to see college students sweat. Which is not so cool. Pun intended. So basically what I have learned is that Korean teachers thrive on sadistic pleasure. That’s my take away from all this. I’m curious to know how other universities are in Korea