A popular notion is that American school life is a lot different than school life all around the world. Although this is incorrect in many ways, it’s also partially true.
The school experience in America is very different for everyone, but the one thing it shares in common with schools all around the world is a sense of community and friendship among students.
Across the United States, most schools start at 8 a.m. and go until 2 or 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Such long hours of classes upset many students, who have to wake up early, commute to school, and spend anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour and a half in each class. Unlike countries like India, where students get to decide what they will study early on, almost all American students are required to take classes in all subjects. English, history, mathematics, science, and foreign language are required classes for most freshmen and sophomores.
For most students, the most enjoyable part of school is being around friends and spending time together. For most of us, lunchtime is one of the most exciting times during school, for it’s the one time we get to forget about learning and enjoy a meal with our friends. This experience is universal: it transcends city, state, and country and is one of the few things we all enjoy when it comes to school.
High school students eat lunch together in a cafeteria. (Andrew Rush / Today)
In the United States, homework is a large part of learning. Unlike countries like Japan and Finland, the average American high school student has hours of homework every night. For most of us, this means that a lot of our time outside of school is spent doing work. However, extracurricular activities also play a large role in American school life. Sports like football and basketball, music, singing, and volunteering are activities some students arepassionateabout. Many students have band practice every morning, sports lessons and practice after school, and club activities during the day and during the weekend.
Having to attend school, finish homework, and participate in extracurricular activities, many students are busy completing their dailyroutines during the school year.
Discussion Questions:
How is American school different from what you expected?
What is your school schedule like?
