Vietnam Education and Us Education

Since coming to Coldwater, I have learned a lot of things about the way the USA people study work and play, which makes me surprised. In particular, I found out that there are so many differences between the educational systems in my own country, Vietnam, and here in America.

The first difference is the study hours. In the USA school is from 8:00 a.m. til 2:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, but in Vietnam we attend from 6:30 a.m. til 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

After the main classes are taken at school, it is optional for you to take extra classes on the subjects you choose such as English or science after school time in the evening, or on weekends. Sometimes, we students work harder than our parents.

The classrooms in the USA are named by the teachers, and the students move from class to class. On the contrary, in Vietnam, the classrooms belong to classes. The teachers move from class to class. Thus, the classroom becomes an un-separated part in our student life and memory.

Another difference is the relationship between the teachers and the students.

Students in Vietnam should respect and obey their teachers in the same manner as their parents. The students in Vietnam always keep a certain distance from the teachers, and always show respect to them.

For example, when the teachers enter or leave the classes, we students all stand up greeting and bowing to them. What the teachers give in the lectures is always right, and sometimes it is disrespectful to oppose.

However, American students may say what they think in their minds, provide opposite opinions, or discuss equally in the class. A Vietnamese student will quietly raise his hand and will answer only if called.

Lastly, the study methods are also different. In America, the teacher usually picks a topic and lets the students talk and discuss about it. While the class is debating the topic, no one has a “wrong” opinion and every point of view is welcomed and fairly evaluated. Even...