2025 IJRSE – Volume 14 Issue 13
Available Online: 10 July 2025
Author/s:
Natalia
Tan, Cindy Vanessa
Tania, Erinna
Te, Jason Min
Usman, Andrew
Chun, Chang Sung
Santoso, Olivia Theodora
National Chengchi University, Taiwan
Abstract:
South Korea’s education system is undergoing a significant transformation driven largely by the phenomenon known as English fever. This has led to a rapid increase in the number of international schools and the adoption of global curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP). These programs prioritize bilingualism, critical thinking, and global citizenship, often delivered primarily in English. Many families see these options as essential for preparing their children to compete in a globalized world, offering pathways to prestigious universities and competitive careers both domestically and internationally. However, access to these international schools and global curricula tends to be limited to wealthier families, which deepens social inequality and reinforces existing educational divides. At the same time, both students and teachers face challenges in adapting to these new systems, including the increased pressure to perform in bilingual settings and the difficulty of balancing traditional expectations with international standards. English proficiency has thus become a crucial form of cultural capital, shaping not only academic success but also social status. Meanwhile, the rise of English-medium education raises concerns about preserving Korean cultural identity and maintaining social cohesion amid rapid internationalization. As a result, South Korea faces the complex task of expanding access to high-quality bilingual education while maintaining the preservation of its cultural heritage. This ongoing transformation is reshaping how education and success are understood in the country, opening new opportunities but also prompting critical discussions about social inequality, identity, and the future direction of the nation’s education system.
Keywords: English Fever, international school, bilingualism, global curriculum, social inequality
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25209
Cite this article:
Natalia, Tan, C. V., Tania, E., Te, J. M., Usman, A., Chun, C. S., & Santoso, O. T. (2025). English fever and international schools in South Korea: Global models reshaping local education. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(13), 93-104. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25209