Learn more about presenting in English trainings. Prior to higher education, American students attend primary and secondary school for a combined total of 12 years. So here are some questions I have, some are pretty basic because I haven't looked into this at all. As the length of compulsory education differs from country to country, so does the age when children begin school – though it's usually between 5 and 6 years old. Our table (below) provides a quick and simple guide to American school years compared to English (UK) stages and throws some light on that big question often asked here in England after watching an American school-based TV show …. The vocational school takes two years and high school takes three years. I'm not talking about the quality or anything, just how it functions in general. Teachers make the report with a point system. In the US, many colleges are suburban or even in remote places. Anke Jahn, one of our volunteers, recently sat down with Isabel Schueppel, a 16 year old student who has attended both American and German schools to discuss differences between the two systems. Education in Spain is free. I have been in both Italian and American high schools and from my experience I can tell you the following. At an age of eight, they regularly go to a primary school, where they stay for four years. Those specialized tracks are great in theory, however, it results in a knowledge deficit in areas outside your specialty. Read a complete overview of the cultural differences between Germany and the USA from A to Z with weekly updates and additions. The university system consists of three steps: 1. One of the largest differences between European and American schools has nothing to do with what goes on inside classrooms. Analyzing from the world university rankings compiled by the time’s organization, almost half of the best universities in the world are located in the US and Europe. Basically, there are two systems: one covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland and one covering Scotland. From aerobic, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, dancing, football, hockey, softball, swimming and track up to rugby -everything is possible. Individual states also have different types of schools. They … primary to tertiary level for the 2018/19 school and academic year. You can choose college classes like law, medicine, engineering and higher classes of the main subjects in general. Everyone of these grades has its own name : the 9th is called " Freshman", the 10th "Sophomore", the 11th "Junior" and the last - the 12th - "Senior". The after-school activities are also main part of the American school system, because there are no "outside school activities". The US system is typically divided into three levels or schools: elementary (Grades K–5), middle (Grades 6–8) and high (Grades 9–12). We will focus on the high School, which educates students from 9th grade to 12th grade. Find out about our intercultural trainings which help you navigate the cultural differences between Germany and the U.S. Whereas the US relies too heavily on general education, I’m not convinced that the European system allows for enough time on generalized education. High School prepares pupils also for college. European high schools may not have the same pop cultural cachet, but it's generally known that whatever goes on inside them, they're better in many ways than their American counterparts. Sports are the first choice of the students because it has the most diverse offer. That is why most US colleges have one central campus where academic facilities, faculty, student life, and residential life come together. Lessons end in the afternoon at about 5 o'clock normally. Between 13:00 and 13:55 o'clock there is lunch-time at school and the pupils have their meals. After this period students could decide between making a vocational training for two years or the "Bachillerato", which is a preparation for the university. In our opinion the American High School system has positive and negative aspects. Education in England may differ from the system used elsewhere in the United Kingdom . American Schools vs. the World: Expensive, Unequal, Bad at Math What the latest results of an international test tell us about the state of education in the United States Julia Ryan Between 11.30 and 11.50 o'clock there is lunch-time at school and the students have their meals. All Rights Reserved. Pass grades are A to E. See also p. 14. School education. At the end of this period, they pass an examination which is called "Brévet". At the end of the last class of high school, they pass the examination "le bac". At an age of six, they regularly go to primary school ("école primaire") where they stay five years. I love to go to assemblies because everyone freaks out, and can have fun there. Consistent among all German states is that the summer holiday is six weeks. California, USA. I’ve covered this topic before, and I’ll do my best to shift the emphasis, but the influence of education on business […], […] is also worth mentioning that your American colleague has been through a school system (or homeschooling curriculum) that puts a heavy emphasis on creativity in contrast to your […], Your email address will not be published. Last modified November 1, 2018, […] education structures and philosophies, and how these differences resonate in the workplace. Out with the Bachelor’s Degree, in with the Apprenticeship! There are different levels of difficulty for the subject matter, but everyone attends the same school. At the age of six they go for six years to a primary school. Required fields are marked *. Furthermore, while students are responsible for a significant amount of reading at European universities, there is often a larger degree of autonomy when it comes to getting it done: In fact, the final exam may … more…. I can say that I really like how the American teachers motivate the students and support the school sports. At the end of this period they pass an examination which is called "GCSE Exam", it corresponds to our "Realschulabschlußprüfung". A High School day has normally six to seven hours of class. European systems aim to be broad-based and general, giving pupils the basic knowledge and skills they'll need for the future. At an age of five, English children start to go to a play school or kindergarden. Intercultural Reflections © 2020. German students also spend more time in school overall than their U.S. peers and must join local clubs to participate in extracurricular … At the end of this period they pass an examination which is called "GCSE Exam", it corresponds to our "Realschulabschlußprüfung". After passing the "Brévet", they can either go to high school ("lycée") or to a vocational school ("lycée professionel"). From my point of view it is good that England, France and Spain have a school system where children are not selected or have to choose between three different kinds of schools too early which can influence their whole life. Learn how your comment data is processed. Number 0 is the worst mark and number 20 the best. The lessons in France begin at 9:00 o'clock and take 55 minutes in general. Students, who will reach a doctor's degree, have to make the third step for two years and have to write a thesis. Many different languages are offered : for example French, Russian, German, Greek, Spanish and Chinese. After passing the examinations, they can either go to a university as well as to an advanced technical college or they enter a profession as an apprentice. The Lebanese schools follow either the French grading system or the American grading system. 22. This is mostly due to the fact that they have a high regard for education, have access to the best research facilities and have rich intellectual culture. One factor to weigh when comparing higher education in Europe vs. the U.S. is how long it takes to get a degree. In both continents, the standards of education that are up held are different depending on the need of the countries where schools are situated. We have a mascot (a pirate) which is liked by everyone. In the European Schools system, the Complaints Board, an independent administrative court, represents the judiciary, owing to the Schools' unique intergovernmental legal basis. On the other hand, the system that we know prolongs our education by adding additional requirements. Pulling off an American -Style Road Trip in Europe. While there are many similarities, there are huge differences. Most European students spend at least 9 or 10 years in school. While there are many similarities, there are huge differences. Some districts vary this, occasionally including Grade 6 in the elementary level and offering a junior high school for Grade 7 and Grade 8, for example. School grades America compared to English (UK) years and Key Stages have similarities but distinct differences too. Time management is different between the States and foreign countries. After primary school, the children are now about twelve years old, they go to a comprehensive school for five years. On the one hand it is an advantage to have "outside school activities" brought into the everyday school life, so you do not have to pay for any sport clubs - everything is sponsored and organised by school. Children do not always have the same curriculum in every state, and textbooks may differ as well. With completely different curriculums and styles of teaching overseas, the outcomes are much different than in the States. November, 1958 AMERICAN Vs. EUROPEAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS 61 and when his curiosity can most readily be stimu lated to want to do so. I remember talking to a French guy about the price of colleges in America, and he was astounded at the fact that we had to pay for school. At an age of eight, they regularly go to a primary school, where they stay for four years. After primary school the children are now about eleven years old and go to a "college" for four years. In England the lessons begin at 9:05 o'clock and take 70 minutes in general. In the USA, everyone in that school district attends the public high school. Public schools are private elitist grammar schools for which you have to pay very much. If they have good marks and want to continue for another one year, they can pass the "A-Level Exam", whi… Whereas in Germany it is important to wear expensive cloths with a famous label to be integrated in a group. American vs European school systems. The Subjects Taught In the United States, students customize much of their education, especially at higher grade levels. Forty-three education systems are included covering 38 countries participating in the EU's Erasmus+ programme (28 Member States, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey). In Germany pupils have to decide after four school years which school-line they want to pass. American schools and German schools have many notable differences. But on the other hand the level of achievement is lower than the German level. If they have good marks and want to continue for another one year, they can pass the "A-Level Exam", which can be compared to the German school-leaving exam. I really like about American schools that they have a strong school spirit. The third alternative is to enter a profession as an apprentice. It’s such an amazing thing that the system is set in place to create these opportunities for students. The difference between US schooling and European schooling is like day and night. French pupils normally stay twelve years in school to pass the school-leaving exam ("le bac"). Traditionally the English, Welsh and Northern Irish system has emphasised depth of education whereas the Scottish system has emphasised breadth. With completely different curriculums and styles of teaching overseas, the outcomes are much different than in the States. US Education vs European Education Essay Sample. 7 % of the English children go to a public school after primary school. However, the education systems between America and Europe have major differences. The second step takes three years and is called "Licenciatura". Cultural Difference ABC’s: Formality, Focus, From Benefits to Brainstorming: Business ABC’s, Double the Fun (or Trouble): A Two-Culture Holiday Season Commences - Intercultural Reflections, Cultural Differences in Business between the USA and Germany from A to Z - Intercultural Reflections, Business ABC’s in the USA: At-Will Employment, European Schools, American Schools: 12 Key Differences, cultural differences between Germany and the USA. The two education systems have different emphases. The biggest distinction is a system that places Germans in advanced technical training, college or a trade by age 10 -- as opposed to the U.S. K-12 framework. The idea of paying back student loans for 10+ years is completely foreign to many people here. and services produced in a country in one year - School System in England and Wales: GCSE : General Certificate of Secondary Education; see p. 14 - A-level: Advanced level; an examination that students usually take at the age of 18. Archived. Posted by. It depends on the programme the school is offering: if French/Lebanese Baccalaureate the 0-20 scale is used with some exceptions (Some schools offer the Lebanese … Public European universities are much larger than the average US college, and may have higher student-faculty ratios. This means that the school system will to some extent depend on the region where you and your family are living. European education system Vs American education system Countries in America and Europe have many similarities and it may be difficult to trace their differences. I believe that there is a Fundamental difference between high schools in the USA and high schools in parts of Europe. Three (-ish) Dos and Don’ts of Greetings: You Had Me at HELLOOO! This decision is very important because it can have an impact on your future. These students have the chance to go to elitist universities in Oxford or Cambridge. This is the time when young minds should be filled to capacity with im pressions; when they should be stretched to their maximum. The difference here between American and Europe schools is that in Europe, school holidays are distributed more evenly throughout the school year. Due to the fact that units in these countries take 10-25 minutes longer than in Germany, they are able to learn more. The German school system has to be changed to become modern and competitive compared with other countries. English pupils do not repeat the class, they are always dragged along with the class. A big difference between a typical US college and a classic European university is the campus size and thus the way the campus is structured. This surely has led to the (mis)perception that we are constantly on vacation, but I digress. European universities have worked to imitate the American system, which is in many ways detrimental to the very purpose of higher education. The first takes three years and is called "Diplomatura". Your email address will not be published. Students can get lunch in the school cafeteria around 12 o' clock. After that, at an age of twelve, children can go to schools where they obtain further education for four years. You have to go ten years to school. As a result, students may find fewer opportunities for interacting with professors. You finish High School after 12th grade with a big celebration - the graduation which you can compare with the "Abitur". I also like the dances each year, it’s just so much fun, but I also like my German school because we have class related field trips that help to understand the class material. The American school system offers a lot of opportunities : you can choose different kinds of calluses and join any kinds of after-school activities. The difference between US schooling and European schooling is like day and night. A few months ago, I posted about my take on the German school system and how it differs from the U.S., with an emphasis on each system's approach to preparing students for their post-high school lives.. With this post, I wanted to highlight more specifically the differences between German high schools and U.S. high schools based on how the schools actually function day-to-day. Convince American and other English-speaking audiences through culturally appropriate persuasive presentation techniques. 2. Most schools use a 0–20 scale where the passing grade is 10 out of 20 (Minimum passing grade may be as low as 7). Perhaps the most important difference between the education system in the US, and the UK, is the The American school system consists of elementary, Junior High and High School. American vs European school systems. Office of the Secretary-General of the European Schools rue de la Science 23 B-1040 Brussels, Belgium Phone: +32 (0)2 895 26 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 230 20 85 Hier gibt es keinen Klassenverband sondern jeder Schüler wählt eigene Kurse. Almost everyone participates on our purple and gold Fridays (school colors: purple and gold) which help to strengthen our school spirit. At an age of three, French children start to go to a voluntary all-day school ("école maternelle"). 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After primary school, the children are now about twelve years old, they go to a comprehensive school for five years. American and European schools differ in many ways. You cannot say after this short period which school is suitable for you. Powered by  - Designed with the Hueman theme. 3. American schools: -More focused on instruction (teaching basic math, science, english, etc.) In America you are not allowed to leave school before the 12th grade. Because of this fact pupils often take a wrong decision. The High School goes further than just teaching the students the main subjects like English, mathematics, biology, geography, history and so on. Students have the opportunity to follow their personal interests: sports, music, theatre, writing, media and cooking. Each school system has its pros and cons and I can’t tell which school system I like the best. Every student. Students usually take 3 or 4 subjects and courses last two years. At an age of five, English children start to go to a play school or kindergarden. Parents' Associations. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We can give these statements because of our own experiences and impressions, but you can not generalize it. U.S. Can Learn From Other Countries' Education Systems A new report outlines how the U.S. education system should change to mimic other countries. Die High School ist eine Einheitsschule, das heißt es wird nicht wie hier zwischen Haupt-, Realschule und Gymnasium unterschieden sondern alle Jugendlichen besuchen eine Schule. These questions are mainly being directed at high school. Close. First children at the age of three go for two years to a nursery school. From student life to scheduling, Germany's education system is a markedly different experience than the American model. Lessons end in the afternoon at about 4 o'clock normally. In general English, French and Spanish pupils have six units a day, each takes 55-70 minutes. 3 years ago. 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French grading system or the American high school, where they stay for years... Wear expensive cloths with a big celebration - the graduation which you can generalize!, the children are now about eleven years old, they pass an examination which is in many detrimental. Weekly updates and additions and courses last two years six units a day Each! Can go to assemblies because everyone freaks out, and can have fun there lessons begin at 9:05 and... Four school years which school-line they want to pass the examination `` bac. Can go to a comprehensive school for a combined total of 12 years stretched to their maximum of. Fact pupils often take a wrong decision primary to tertiary level for the 2018/19 school and year! Very purpose of higher education in Europe and when his curiosity can most readily be stimu to. 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