Learning Everything from Budgeting to Communication... "Becoming an Adult" Classes Emerge at U.S. Universities [The World is Z]

'Becoming an Adult' Classes for Generation Z Gain Popularity
Programs Aim to Build Independence Skills
Financial Literacy Courses Especially in High Demand

Editor's NoteGeneration Z (those born in the late 1990s to early 2010s) is drawing attention as a generation that leads culture and trends in a rapidly changing era and sets new standards across society. In [The World is Z], we shed light on the lives and values of Generation Z around the world and examine how they are transforming society.

Universities around the world are opening "Becoming an Adult" classes for Generation Z. The goal of these courses is to teach young people the attitudes, qualities, and practical life skills needed to live as independent adults. As issues such as the deterioration of mental health among Generation Z and the rise of the "Kangaroo Tribe" have emerged as social problems, universities are actively stepping in to help graduates adapt to society by offering practical, real-life courses aimed at solving these issues.

"Living as Independent Adults"... 'Becoming an Adult' Classes Spread

Universities around the world are offering "Becoming an Adult" classes for Generation Z. Pixabay

According to Newsweek, a U.S. current affairs weekly, on June 8, Michigan State University and the University of California are operating "Becoming an Adult" classes for Generation Z. At Michigan State University, practical courses are offered such as ▲how to plan overseas travel within a budget ▲how to create a meal plan ▲how to communicate confidently. The University of California, Riverside is running a program that supports students' transition into society, focusing on three areas: ▲skills needed for daily life ▲career development ▲financial management.

A Michigan State University official explained, "The core of the program is to provide education and resources so that young people can navigate complex situations in everyday life on their own as independent adults," adding, "We focus on practical life skills that are not covered in traditional classes." The official continued, "Courses that improve financial literacy, such as credit, investment, budgeting, and banking, are the most popular," and added, "Since the program began in 2019, the number of participants per session has ranged from 50 to as many as 1,000, but participation rates have consistently remained high."

In Canada as well, there have been repeated cases of Generation Z struggling with practical life after graduating from university. Alden Garcia, a first-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University, said in an interview with Canadian media outlet CBC, "I don't know how to change a tire, and I can't sew. Other than cooking, I'm not confident in most things," adding, "I feel there are many life skills I need to learn." He also admitted to lacking understanding of basic financial matters such as interest rates, mortgage loans, and paying rent. Bella Hudson, a third-year student at the same university, also pointed out, "Many of the qualities needed to be an adult are missing from the university curriculum."

Reflecting this trend, some universities in Canada are also introducing courses to help students transition into society. Since 2023, the University of Waterloo has been providing students with online resources titled "Introduction to Adulthood." These materials are organized to help students easily find information necessary for managing daily life, including content that can be immediately applied, such as household chores, meal preparation, and grocery shopping tips.

Generation Z Mental Health and Increase in the Kangaroo Tribe as Background Factors

Pixabay

The spread of these programs is rooted in the psychological anxiety experienced by Generation Z after the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, a 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that young people experienced higher levels of stress than older generations. In fact, 50% of adults aged 18 to 34 responded that they had experienced a mental disorder.

There is also a perspective that sees the rise of the Kangaroo Tribe as a major cause. The Kangaroo Tribe refers to children who remain financially dependent on their parents even after reaching an age when they should be self-sufficient. As more young people delay independence due to the burden of high housing and living costs, the point at which they prepare for an autonomous life is being pushed back. CBC reported, "Young people are spending more time living with their parents, and when parents take on responsibilities such as cooking, laundry, and paying utility bills, young people end up doing less."

Korea is not free from these issues either. According to the report "Changes in the Life Course of Seoul Citizens and Risk of Poverty," published by the Seoul Institute in January this year, the proportion of young people living with their parents rose from 46.2% in 2000 to 55.3% in 2022. The report cited "the difficulty of independent living among young people" as the cause, stating, "As the timing of higher education and employment is delayed and independence and family formation are postponed, the proportion of young people living with their parents or alone is increasing."

American social commentator Christian Hodges pointed out, "Today's universities are teaching young people how to live dependent on the government, schools, and parents," adding, "They are encouraged to choose the convenience of delivery apps over the effort of learning basic skills."