Some Cram Schools Shutting Their Doors

It seems that the economic slump is taking a toll on the private academies that students are babysat at -- I mean study at -- after school.

From the story:

'According to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, the capital has about 28,000 private education institutes for primary and secondary school students, registered with the office, this year.

However, a recent survey has found that 2,600 hagwon or 9.3 percent have closed.'

Now, all these schools won't close overnight, but they do face a tough road. Between the economic downturn and the Lee administration's dislike for the academies, it's no longer a Native English Speaker's market.

I'm fortunate to be here, and at a public school, already. By this time next year, the contracts academies will be offering will probably pay less, and may require more work. There are more people trying to get these jobs, as they are slowly slipping away.

Of course, academy owners will love knowing they have even more control over their Native English Speakers. I'm sure they're just hoping they can stay open long enough to take advantage of it.