Gifting Culture in Korean and American Schools: A Contrasting Experience
Creatrip Team
a year ago
In Korea, the tradition of gifting to teachers is restricted by the 'Anti-Corruption and Bribery Prohibition Act', which prohibits parents from giving gifts to teachers to prevent influencing teacher evaluations and student treatment. In contrast, the author describes how gifting to teachers is a common and accepted practice in U.S. schools. Teachers there often provide a 'My Favorite Things' list, indicating their preferred gifts, which parents use as guidance during special occasions like birthdays or Teacher’s Day. While initially surprised by this cultural difference, the author finds value in expressing gratitude through gifts, appreciating the sincerity in thanking American teachers for their dedication. This practice starkly contrasts with Korea's past "chonji" (a traditional practice in Korea where small gifts or money were given to teachers unofficially), which is now infamous for leading to significant regulation to prevent bias in education. Despite the ban in Korea, the author reflects warmly on the positive aspects of expressing gratitude in both cultures as long as the essence of the meaning isn't lost.
