The tradition of studying abroad is hardly a modern concept. Historically, European nobility sent their offspring on the 'Grand Tour' to finish off their education in manners as well as culture. The American nouveau riche were to copy this practice in the Victorian Era, and so the results of this intercontinental education was to make itself manifest in many cornerstones of English literature, From Phillip Sidney's 'An Apology for Poetry' to Henry James' The Wings of the Dove'.

Korean students, indeed students from most Far East Asian countries are famously hardworking ( at least my personal acquaintance with them has taught me to think so). They are capable of Herculean efforts of memory, acts which are only possible through their even more awe inspiring self motivation. However, while academia does often involve large amounts of straightforward mental labour, it is perhaps only through the application of the knowledge gathered that true academic brilliance can be attained. Sadly, the 'Bbali Bbali' culture prevalent in the for profit academic environment in Korea has meant that the sharpening of critical ability, the opportunity to ask questions, the nurturing of curiosity can only be neglected as they are not skills conducive to unnatural or forced growth. These skills are those that the British education system, while much beleaguerd in its own country, promotes.