School Around the World
Students looking at world map. Photo: ©Corbis.
So it’s that time of year again: time to wrap up the school year, attend an end-of-the-year graduation tradition, have a little party, and maybe take some time to reflect on what you have learned and experienced these last many months.
But not all students everywhere will be out of school for the summer. In fact, the United States is one of the few countries that have an extended summer break. In honor of all that you have accomplished this year, let us compare and contrast some school experiences around the world.
The School Day
Most countries hold school during daytime hours, generally somewhere between 7:30 am and 5:00 pm. However, some countries, such as China, have a longer stretch with a significantly longer lunch break. Other countries (like some parts of France) have their students come in a half day on Saturday, in exchange for Wednesdays off. School in South Korea extends into the evening.
Required Additional Learning
In addition to an academic curriculum, many countries offer coursework it hopes will enhance the lives of its students. Japan offers “morality lessons,” which includes lessons in public manners, confidence, and awareness of the environment. North Korea is concerned with keeping students protected from “bad or unplanned” influences, so its students engage in social education.
Unique Traditions
In India, many schools divide their students into four “houses” (yes, like the school of magic from THAT series). Students from those houses compete against one another all during the school year, which culminates in an end-of-the-year award. In Iran, many students live in remote areas of the country. Because of this, there are “mobile libraries” (complete with two librarians) that can carry up to 3,000 books at a time and travel the countryside.
Treacherous Journeys to School
While the library bus travels to Iranian kids in remote regions, in many countries, kids travel many miles to learn. In Indonesia they cross rivers on damaged suspensions bridges. In Columbia they cross them by zip-line. In the Himalayas they hike across huge slabs of ice and snow.
Lunch!
The school lunch menu varies from country to country, but is generally reflective of the culture. In Greece, you are likely to see stuffed grape leaves as a side dish. In Italy, students eat pasta. In the Ukraine, little sausages atop mashed potatoes is a staple. School children in France are likely to eat cheese in addition to steak and vegetables. In Kenya, the government provides lunch. Some students save part of their lunch to take home to their families.
Recess!
In Finland, they have recess for more than an hour a day. (They also have the highest global test scores in math and science…) In Great Britain, schoolchildren can buy snacks and typically use the recess time to finish homework or socialize.