Education System In Japan Marketing Essay
Megastudy, founded in 2000, has enjoyed its top position in the Korean supplementary education market. Despite the company’s short history, it outcompetes many other competitors primarily due to its emphasis on recruiting and providing courses by famous lecturers. Ju-eun Sohn, the CEO of Megastudy, was once a so-called ‘star’ lecturer in the privileged area of Gangnam, Seoul. Before the launch of Megastudy, students had no choice but to take classes in expensive private institutions if they wanted to learn from ‘star’ lectures. Sohn believed that if students could take classes from these lectures via the Internet, they could save times and money (Megastudy). From this idea Megastudy was born.
Since the company tried to scout and draw in famous teachers from across the country, Megastudy it is some referred to as the 'black hole' of the Korean education market. Using this strategy to attract students has been a great success and in a short time, the company became a giant in the Korean education market. Megastudy also diversifies its business with off-line institutions (Megastudy). The presence of Megastudy is so strong that the CEO is said to have greater influence on students' education than the Ministry of Education.
However, recently affected by the Korean government's anti-private institution policies, the company is currently planning to diversify its business globally. Megastudy will launch its first international branch in Guangdong province of China next month, and is expected to advance into the Japanese market in the near future (ChosunBiz).
Education System in Japan
The Education system in Japan is very similar to that of Korea. Japanese students go through 6 years of elementary school, 3 years of middle or junior high school, 3 years of high school and finally 4 years of college education. The first 9 years of education, which are 6 years of elementary and 3 years of middle school education, is compulsory, meaning that it is supported by the government and protected by education law. Unlike most Western countries, school year starts in April and ends in March of the following year. 99.98% of all children in Japan attend the nine years of compulsory education. The number of students in the classroom is gradually decreasing, due to both lower birth rate and improvements in the education system. 70% of teachers cover all subjects, as specialists are rare in elementary level education. Teachers in Japan not only teach children academic knowledge but also take responsibility of social interaction such as manners, how to speak politely and address adults properly, and how to get along with peers.
One notable feature of Japanese education is that nearly 90% of parents send their kids to Juku, or cram schools for additional private education. The main purpose of such private institutions is in order for their children to enter higher ranked middle schools, high schools and eventually universities. Entering prestigious private schools can help guarantee a student’s path directly to an affiliated prestigious high school and often to an affiliated university. But in each of these cases an entry exam is required
Japan is an extremely competitive country and the field of education is no exception. Extreme competition in entrance exams resulted in overflowing private institutions and a social phenomenon called ‘exam war’. Japanese parents are highly interested in their children’s education and will go to great lengths for them to become ‘winners’ in the competitive society