The Chonnam Tribune features this section to share the voices of foreign students at Chonnam National University. For this issue, we interviewed students about sports culture in their countries. This gives us the opportunity to share the voices of those who have experienced things that many of us have not. – Ed.
Are there any sports that students are required to learn in your country?
In Portugal, physical education (PE) classes are mandatory until the 12th grade, although students are not required to specialize in any particular sport. Since football is undoubtedly Portugal’s most famous sport, many students enjoy playing football. In PE class, students also learn various sports such as basketball, volleyball and badminton.
What values have you learned from sports?
I experienced many sports through school PE class. While practicing different sports, I have learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, compassion, patience, diligence and hard work. Playing sports contributes to good physical and mental health and teaches such important values.
Do you think it is important to learn and play sports in school?
Since, in Portugal, your performance in PE classes affects your grade average, it can also be discouraging. The students might feel discouraged if they struggle with a certain sport, since they know it will affect their grade. I believe a better way to move forward would be to simply focus on the enjoyment of practicing sports without it influencing students’ grades.
By Choi Daniel, Editor-in-Chief