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Educational systems of European and American types
Being exposed to educational systems of both European and American types, I would point out the following positive trends in higher education of the USA in comparison to European style:
1. Link between the needs of real life and higher education which manifests itself in existence of Career Service, Job Fairs, study plus work possibilities ( Co-op system). Good students get well-paid jobs after graduating;
2. Support system . Psychological and academical ( Student Service Center). Fraternity and Sorority Organizations. International House with Center for International Education for foreign students;
3. Small number of subjects studied during the year. It helps the student have an insight in to the subject;
4. Library, computer facilities ( e-mail, Internet), literature in the bookstore are available for everyone. There is an easy access to any information.
5. Business education is on a very good level and embraces all spheres of knowledge: English ( Technical Writing: Letters, reports, presentations, resume, academic papers etc needed for real life), Speech communication (Interviews, presentations ), Psychology in Management, International issues, cultural awareness., foreign languages. In methodology -case study: theory and real life together. The students of Business College know what they want and how to achieve that, how to present themselves ( in their terms "to sell themselves"). Both content and appearance matter.
But:
The students are overloaded with information. Team work ( derived from eastern cultures) is being introduced in performing home assignments and projects, but on the whole a student is on his own with his problems. There are no permanent groups of people visiting the same classes which contribute to networking and stronger ties between the members of the class, group, course, faculty. Individualistic approach to education as well leads to stress. According to the American statistics, 3 people out of ten suffer from depression.
The tempo of life in the USA is very intense both for students and faculty. There is no time to read fiction, poetry, enjoy art or just to relax in the company of close friends & to share the problems. Everything is planned long beforehand, deadlines are overwhelming. As a result, the average level of culture and other knowledge, which directly is not connected with the field of study, but can be beneficial in the future, is lower than in European countries. It leads to too materialistic approach in work and life ( business first, then people).
And this narrow focus in education prevents from creating new knowledge, which is pron to be born on the border of different sciences. Besides, knowledge of mathematics develops memory, arts -- creative thinking, and literature and poetry -- humanistic approach to problem solving.
In secondary education the teacher, as it appears, is without rights in front of too confident and spoilt children (who may lead the life of adult).
Foreign languages are taught only at high school. As a result, there is lack of cultural awareness, knowledge of other countries and their history and geography. Children are open to new and unknown. Then they will appreciate what they have and improve what needs improving [next page]