society
The Buxiban Life: Taiwan's After-School Obsession
This lesson explores the ubiquitous world of Taiwanese cram schools, from the neon-lit 'buxiban streets' to the intense pressure of after-school tutoring. It provides learners with the vocabulary to explain this defining childhood experience to foreign teachers who might find the concept of 'cramming' foreign. Together, you will discuss how these institutions shape Taiwanese society and whether they do more harm or good.
Lesson preview
Your After-School Memories
5 MIN- When you were a child, what time did you usually go home after school?
- Did you attend a 'buxiban' (cram school)? If yes, which subjects did you study there?
- How did you feel about going to cram schools when you were younger?
The Buxiban Generation
8 MINWhen I was a child, my school day did not end at 4:00 PM. Like most kids in Taiwan, I used to go straight to a buxiban—a cram school. I used to spend three or four hours there every evening, eating a cold lunchbox at my desk while studying math and English.
Taiwanese parents want their children to have a bright future. Because entrance exams for top high schools and universities are very competitive, after-school tutoring is a multi-billion dollar industry. Some famous teachers even use stage names and have hundreds of students in one giant classroom.
To foreigners, this high-pressure lifestyle might sound exhausting. They often ask, 'Do kids have any time to play?' It is true that we missed out on some outdoor fun. However, many Taiwanese adults look back at their buxiban days with warm feelings. It was a place where we ordered bubble tea with classmates, complained about difficult tests, and made lifelong friends. It wasn't just about memorizing facts; it was a shared childhood adventure.
How to Explain Local Terms to Foreigners
4 MIN- 補習班 → cram school · US: cram school · UK: tuition centreIn Western countries, 'cram' means to study hard right before an exam. 'Cram school' is the most common term used in Taiwan, while 'after-school tutoring center' sounds more formal.
- 南陽街 → Nanyang Street (Cram School Street)You can explain it to foreigners as: 'A famous street in Taipei known for having a high concentration of cram schools.'
- 模擬考 → mock exams / practice examsA practice exam that prepares students for the real high school or university entrance exams.
- 死記硬背 → rote learning / learning by roteA learning technique that focuses on memorization through repetition rather than understanding.
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