Cultural description : The family is very individualistic and actively believes with hard work anyone can change their place in society. The children read/speak English at home.

Immigration status: The parents and children are first generation immigrants to Korea.

Parent expectations: The parents usually want their child to succeed at learning Korean in school but at the same time want their children to get higher education in the native tongue. While respectful of Korean culture, these parents expect their child to be creative and individualistic. The spirit is one of competition and showing off of ones skills and intelligence.

Differences: The largest difference is that American children grow up in an individualistic society where Korean children grow up in a collectivist society. The difference is a slight nuance of motivation. The US child is motivated by individual merit and honor while the Korean child is motivated by group merit and honor.

Conflicts: US children will not always accept or understand the complex system of respect \"good feelings\" behind the Neo-Confucian society of Korea. For example, a child of a rich student will get more deference and less punishment than child of a poor family. The child of one of the staff can be the worst trouble maker but will not get punished to \"save face\" for the employee.

Integrate Cultural Groups Into Korean Classrooms