Graduation ceremonies at most high schools have either been delayed, or carried out in classrooms, instead of outdoors. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — The Class of 2024 are expecting a rather quiet school year as universities are cancelling various events intended to welcome the new students following the coronavirus outbreak.
Graduation ceremonies at most high schools have either been delayed, or carried out in classrooms, instead of outdoors.
University orientation sessions, enrollment ceremonies, and other mass lectures and events have either been cancelled or delayed.
“I was hoping to meet with seniors and classmates at the orientation to better adjust to school life. Now, I am worried,” said a soon-to-be freshman at a local university.
Many new college students are worried about being able to adjust well at school following the cancellation of various school events.
“I think it’s best that the events are cancelled considering the health risk,” said Cho Sang-hun, 20, a Seoul National University freshman.
“But I have to sign up for courses in a couple of weeks, and I have no one to ask for information.”
In response, some freshmen are grouping up to come up with plans of their own. They are trying to approach their immediate seniors to obtain as much information as possible.
Schools, while aware of the situation, seem to be left without any choice but to be spectators.
“We are at a loss too, since it is the first time since the school was first established that we have had to cancel all events intended for our incoming students,” said an external affairs staffer at a local university in Seoul.
“We are desperately looking into alternatives.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
