Parachute Kids from Korea: Motivations, Institutional Forces, and Adaptive Experiences of K-12 Early Study Abroad Migration
Open Access
Author:
Lee, Jennifer
Area of Honors:
Education and Public Policy
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Mindy L Kornhaber, Thesis Supervisor Mindy L Kornhaber, Thesis Honors Advisor Soo Yong Byun, Faculty Reader
Keywords:
parachute kids early study abroad South Korea study abroad agency education migration
Abstract:
This study investigates the experiences of parachute kids, who are generally East Asian k-12 school age minors living overseas and attending school without the accompaniment of their parents. The study particularly focuses on expanding the understandings on why and how young adolescents from Korea arrive in the U.S. alone for educational purposes. A qualitative approach was taken in this study, particularly using the tools of face-to-face interviews and open-ended questionnaires. Ten Korean college students and graduates living in the U.S. were recruited to provide a retrospective view of their experiences as parachute kids. Findings show that students’ motivation for coming are generated by push and pull factors stemming from the social, political, and economic dynamics of Korea, and perceptions about the American dream. Participants’ experiences indicate the existence of an institutional infrastructure aiding the migration process of parachute kids. Students experienced highest stress in adjusting to host families and lower stress in adapting to schools and academics. Lastly, students’ self-motivation for coming abroad is found to influence their satisfaction and view of success in their early study abroad experience. This research suggests policy implications and future research directions for ensuring safe and healthy adjustment for parachute kids arriving to the U.S.
