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2017.06.28
| Won | Pyongyang | Sinuiju | Hyesan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Rate | 8,070 | 8,050 | 8,095 |
| Rice Price | 5,800 | 6,000 | 5,900 |
English and Chinese language textbooks are so expensive in North Korea that university students are forced to either borrow material or make group purchases, a source has revealed. The texts are then transcribed by hand.
In accordance with the free education system in the North, the authorities must supply university students with all required materials. However economic problems have meant that each student now has to purchase their own textbooks at the markets.
The source from South Pyongan Province contacted Daily NK on the 12th and said, “Even if they want to study a foreign language, many university students are not able to because they don’t have the proper materials. The number of available textbooks does not match the demand.”
“Students pool their money to purchase one expensive textbook and then it’s transcribed by hand. They complain that, ‘More time is spent making the material than actually studying.’ Some parents have also complained to the universities.”
According to the source, foreign language majors find it more difficult than other students to source the required material as it’s difficult to find them in the markets, and they are not available for borrowing. It also takes longer to transcribe a foreign language, and, as a result, some students are falling behind on their grades.
Some have vented their frustration, stating that, “Having to study without a textbook is no different from telling a blind person to read.”
“Currently, students have to pay whatever price is being demanded at the markets because the number of foreign language textbooks is woefully insufficient. As soon as word gets out they are available, they are sold out in an instant,” the source continued.
“The state pricing of university-level English and Chinese texts is 42 chon, but in the markets they can fetch around 6000 to 10,000 won. But recently they have been scarce, so there are instances where they go for as much as 20-30,000won, meaning a considerable number of university students cannot purchase them.”
Finally, the source explained, “As part of the Party line of promoting foreign languages, most universities focus on foreign language courses. Production of materials must also go up, but it hasn’t. In fact it’s mostly the case that past materials are being reused. The education authorities only actively promote the ‘superiority of our Party’s educational policy’ and ‘Kim Jong Eun’s love for future generations’; they have no interest in things like producing learning materials.”
In accordance with the free education system in the North, the authorities must supply university students with all required materials. However economic problems have meant that each student now has to purchase their own textbooks at the markets.
The source from South Pyongan Province contacted Daily NK on the 12th and said, “Even if they want to study a foreign language, many university students are not able to because they don’t have the proper materials. The number of available textbooks does not match the demand.”
“Students pool their money to purchase one expensive textbook and then it’s transcribed by hand. They complain that, ‘More time is spent making the material than actually studying.’ Some parents have also complained to the universities.”
According to the source, foreign language majors find it more difficult than other students to source the required material as it’s difficult to find them in the markets, and they are not available for borrowing. It also takes longer to transcribe a foreign language, and, as a result, some students are falling behind on their grades.
Some have vented their frustration, stating that, “Having to study without a textbook is no different from telling a blind person to read.”
“Currently, students have to pay whatever price is being demanded at the markets because the number of foreign language textbooks is woefully insufficient. As soon as word gets out they are available, they are sold out in an instant,” the source continued.
“The state pricing of university-level English and Chinese texts is 42 chon, but in the markets they can fetch around 6000 to 10,000 won. But recently they have been scarce, so there are instances where they go for as much as 20-30,000won, meaning a considerable number of university students cannot purchase them.”
Finally, the source explained, “As part of the Party line of promoting foreign languages, most universities focus on foreign language courses. Production of materials must also go up, but it hasn’t. In fact it’s mostly the case that past materials are being reused. The education authorities only actively promote the ‘superiority of our Party’s educational policy’ and ‘Kim Jong Eun’s love for future generations’; they have no interest in things like producing learning materials.”
