12 American High School Things Europeans Think Are Much Better
While Europeans often poke fun at some aspects of American culture, there are also many things they admire about the United States. One area where Americans excel is in their high school system. As someone who has experienced both European and American education systems firsthand, I can attest that there are indeed some fascinating and even superior elements to American high schools.
Let’s take a look at this list and see if you agree with me – do you love these aspects of American high school culture?
Prom
In the United States, prom is an integral part of the high school experience, serving as a much-needed respite from academic rigor. It’s a night where students can let their hair down and have fun, forging unforgettable memories with friends. In stark contrast to this American tradition, European high schools largely lack a similar event, except for isolated instances that I find somewhat melancholic.
Graduation Ceremonies
While finishing high school is a common milestone in European education systems, it’s often met with a more subdued response compared to the United States, where graduation ceremonies and celebrations are a time-honored tradition. This marked recognition of students’ academic achievements and their transition into adulthood is something that resonates particularly strongly with many Europeans, who view this American approach as a testament to the importance placed on education.
Diverse Class Options
American high schools provide a unique blend of intellectual and artistic curricula, fostering students’ creative expression through electives like ceramics or vocal music. These courses are accorded equal academic weight as traditional subjects, promoting a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience that accommodates diverse student interests.
Mixed Grade Classes
While European education systems typically group students of the same grade together based on their shared age, American high schools often take a different approach. Here, you’re not uncommonly paired with peers from various grade levels in the same class. For instance, it’s possible to be an upperclassman taking Spanish alongside underclassmen, creating a unique blend of perspectives and ages within the learning environment.
Flexible Scheduling
In the United States, high school students have the unique opportunity to organize their academic journey over four years. This flexible approach allows them to tackle more challenging subjects earlier on in their education, resulting in a potentially less demanding senior year. In contrast, European schools often follow a more structured schedule, where certain classes must be taken each year without deviation.
This difference in scheduling approaches can have a significant impact on the overall educational experience.
Clubs
American high schools are deeply rooted in a tradition of clubs, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore their passions, connect with like-minded individuals, and hone new skills beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. This extracurricular aspect is a key differentiator that many Europeans find fascinating about American education.
Sports Teams
In the United States, high school sports are an integral aspect of the educational experience, offering students a range of opportunities to engage in team-based activities, compete at regional and national levels, and even leverage their athletic prowess to secure college scholarships. This emphasis on athletics within education is something that many Europeans view with admiration, recognizing the value it brings to students’ personal growth and social development.
Assemblies
While assemblies in American high schools possess a unique vitality that sets them apart from their European counterparts, which tend to focus more on academics, these gatherings play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and school spirit.
By providing a platform for students to come together, share experiences, and be motivated by inspiring stories or performances, assemblies can have a profound impact on the overall atmosphere of the school, ultimately strengthening bonds between students, teachers, and administrators alike.
School Hours
The United States has its own unique approach to the school day structure compared to other European countries. American high schools generally wrap up around 2-4 pm, with some even having Fridays off. In contrast, nations like France typically have a later finish, with high school classes concluding at 6 pm and a full week of instruction. This disparity highlights the distinct cultural approaches towards education in different regions.
Homework Policy
While American students typically have a lighter load when it comes to homework, with some assignments completed during class time, the opposite is true for their European peers. In fact, French students often find themselves juggling extended homework sessions that bleed into evening hours and weekends, a stark contrast to the more relaxed approach prevalent in the United States.
Open Book Tests
In the United States, open-book tests are gaining traction in select high school institutions. This unorthodox assessment approach prioritizes comprehension and practical application over mere memorization, earning praise from many European educators who view it as a refreshing departure from traditional testing methods.
Retaking Tests
In the United States, one of the most notable features of high school education is the opportunity for students to retake tests if they don’t initially meet the passing grade. This accommodation is often praised for its empathetic approach to learning, acknowledging that academic progress isn’t always a straightforward process.
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