St. Mary’s is a very diverse community, we have students of all cultural backgrounds and nationalities. Some of our students come from countries requiring military service, such as South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Singapore.
Conscription, or mandatory military service, is widespread in countries with higher self-defense needs. Taiwan and South Korea, for example, need their citizens to be always ready due to past conflicts with neighboring countries. Most of these countries expect their citizens to serve from the age of 18, and register a few years before that. While some Titans are planning their internships or college admissions, others will be returning home to serve their countries. So, how will our students with mandatory military obligations manage this and their future education/job careers?
Well, Taiwan allows its citizens to delay enrollment if they need to travel abroad for education, but they need to be registered in the system. They are required to start serving regardless of their situation before the age of 36.
In addition to that, some countries, such as South Korea, view joining the military as a very honorable and admirable thing to do. They believe that this is how boys (and girls, in some cases) become strong and independent men and women.
One current student at St. Mary’s, who agreed to speak as long as his name was not used, will be enrolling in the Korean military soon. He explained that the military program could be a good experience, as you can practice discipline and obedience in high-pressure environments. However, he expressed his concern regarding his safety and well-being in the military. This student said that he’s heard about multiple cases where soldiers get severely injured due to the imperfect training system.
Overall, most countries with compulsory service requirements will approve delayed enrollment if the individual is planning on continuing his/her education (e.g., going to college), as long as they return before they pass the enrollment age limit. Students at St. Mary’s will surely step foot in different fields after they graduate. Some may start a business, some may pursue their careers in medicine or engineering, some may even become politicians and govern a nation, but those with military obligations, their life and career paths include a very unique chapter; A chapter that demands discipline, respect, and a deep sense of national pride.
