Nuisance, Nuisance, everywhere around the globe

For the past two posts, we have scrutinized the main causes of skyrocketing tuition along with some possible solutions/ policies. It is true that people in 21st society are tend to be judged by their materialistic values, such as occupation, wealth, education and even appearance.

As accentuated numerous times, it is apparent that our society has become competitive than it has even been before. And with the experiences of living in three different countries so far, I've been comparing how each country deals with tuition problem  and its saturated market (competitive society),  The more you see dark sides around the world, the more you will appreciate your life.

Also, I have found a very interesting correlation between skyrocketing tuition and aging population.

What? an aging population and rising tuition?

Yeah! This is why countries in East Asia are facing right now that forces them to raise up their college tuition!!!

To begin with, there is a  common socioeconomic pattern that all east Asian countries possess, South Korea, Japan and China.  It is an "Aging population". An aging population is a looming economic and social burden, particularly, in Northeast Asia.

A brief explanation the correlation between these two:

As you can see from this graph, when the aged population reached 8% of total population, there is an enormous decrease in GDP/capita.


For instance, as of as of 2013, Japan's GDP/capita was $38,600 USD. However, when aging population reaches 8% of 127.3 million ( approx. 1 million), the GDP/capita will not only drop below $ , but also create astronomical amount of national debts, analogous to the United States.


Are you still wondering a correlation between them? Don't worry, it took me a while too.


So, the meaning of an aging population/society can be translated economically as "no more increase in GDP, a stagnant economy".


Why? Because, as you can see from the population pyramid of Japan, when old people retire by the age of 65, they tend to hold their wealth rather than accelerating he economy.

Therefore, fewer economic activities within a nation means increase in national debt, ultimately meaning no more investments from the government.


This is the general tendency of the States. Ever since it's debt surpasses 18 trillion USD, there has been a noticeable decrease in government funding.


For instance, due to the impact of budget cuts in California, UC colleges are accepting more international and out-of-state students in order to elude financial instability. Finally, we've come down to a conclusion that budget cuts in college education inevitably force college to raise their tuition.


Without further due, let's get right into policies and possible solutions that some countries have come up with.

In Canada, it came up with "Co-operative education programs" as a means to solve skyrocketing tuition problem. So, Co-op programs are implemented in majority of universities in Canada, such as U of Waterloo, U of Ottawa, U of Toronto, and allows students to apply concepts learned in class during paid-work terms. Basically, after four years of study, students will have not only a diploma that indicates participation in a CO-OP programs, but also 16 months of experience in their fields of study along with a network of valuable contacts. Ultimately, these factors will play significant roles when finding a job after their graduation (CO-OP benefits).


While I spent my 4 years of high school in Canada, every single kid around me was so preoccupied for finding a CO-OP program in order to make their parents feel less burdensome.

5 benefits of CO-OP programs:

Gain valuable paid work experience in your field of study

Develop professional skills and gain a better understanding of the workplace

Discover what career fits you through different job opportunities

Meet key people in the job market who will facilitate your placement after graduation

Travel and meet interesting people


Like this Canada has already cultivated a new trend on their own in order to maintain the interest among students to apply for colleges. Experiences in one's desired field can sure attract students since we all look forward to get a job related to our fields of study.


Furthermore, in South Korea, college tuition has risen astronomically since early 2000s.
When there's a $0.50 increase in inflation, there's a $50 increase in college tuition. As of moment, the annual cost of attending public colleges in Korea is second-highest in the World, led by the United States.

With the acknowledgment of that the total population of Korea is 1/6th that of the States, and its size is tantamount to that of Pennsylvania.

(4500,000 KRW = $4500 USD)




 why the tuition is so high in such a small country?

Because the Korean government covers all expenses for pre-school to high school, which means if you go stick with public schools, everything is free including lunch, and textbooks.
This education policy ultimately came back at it. Numerous college students committed suicides due to high college tuition.

In order to react to it, its government decreased interest rates on college loans. However due to high dependence on college as a means to success, colleges in Korea are reluctant to lower their tuition.

Fortunately but could be unfortunate enough, all men between 18-35 are subjected to mandatory military service. So, college students tend to take a two-year gap after their freshman year to serve in military. During this period, they can save money for upcoming tuition, and luckily, legislative branch is reviewing a  bill that guarantees extra credits for all men who have served their militant duties.