{#9} Language School

It seems many adoptive parents agonize over whether to send their internationally adopted child to language and/or culture school. 

Honestly, I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer, but here are some things to think about.

1. Does your child want to?  I did about 3 years of Saturday Korean school in grade school because my best friend (also a Korean adoptee) and I wanted to.  Although I do make my kids do a lot of things they don’t particulary want to (i.e., folding laundry), I’m not sure I would fight this battle.
2. To what audience is the school geared?  The school I attended was for second generation immigrants who spoke (or at least listened to) a lot of Korean at home.  They were there to get a more formal grasp of the language.  My friend and I were constantly struggling to keep up and were at a major disadvantage since we didn’t get the constant exposure the other children did.
3. Can your whole family attend? It might be more appealing if it’s a family activity.  If you want to force the language school, I suggest you make it a family requirement.
4. Are there alternatives?  Can you get the exposure you want by meeting a friend from your child’s culture or by using a language learning software or DVD set? 
5. How early can you start?  Earlier may be better since younger children pick up language easily and they are less likely to push back against your decision.

Final thoughts…
I thoroughly enjoyed my Korean school experience even though it was frustrating at times.  All things considered, I retained enough Korean that I didn’t feel completely lost when we travelled to pick up Ty…only mostly lost 😉
I really wish I knew more Korean but I’m glad no one forced me to do it.
Remember, if you tell your child it’s her decision, let it be her decision.  No manipulating if it doesn’t go your way.  You can always ask again (in a non-manipulative way, of course) in another year.