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“We can’t start activities until October,” the ladies at our cultural community center said.
“Why?”
“Our kids are just starting school mid-September, and then they ease into their program, going a bit longer each week. Their schedules won’t be set until October.”
I listened, trying to understand what they were saying. It sounded so foreign to me.
“Strange” is actually the word that popped into my head. I didn’t dare speak it.
“My boys started school at the end of August. Their schedules are set from day one, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.”
I realize that my boys are in a private American school in Spain. Public Spanish schools are not at all the same.
Not only do Spanish schools start later in the year, but they also have much shorter school days. Many of the schools don’t have cafeterias. There’s no need. School ends at 2 p.m., and that’s when Spanish lunchtime begins. The children go home from school, have lunch with their families, take a siesta, and have the rest of the day free to do homework and after-school activities.
That sounds nice, huh?
Our French Schooling Experience
When I first heard that, all I could think of was our children in French schools for all our years living in France. First of all, many French children begin school at the age of two. There is usually an 8 a.m. start time. Lunch hours vary, but usually last about two hours. That’s long enough to have lunch and recess or study time. Classes reconvene in the early afternoon and continue until 4 p.m. Starting in middle school, classes often continue until 6 p.m.
The days are long and exhausting. By the time our boys got home from school, it was 6:30 -7 p.m. Snacktime, soccer practice, piano lessons, and homework are followed by a late dinner at 9 or 10 p.m.
Yes, long and exhausting days. However, in France, they have a 2-week school break every six weeks. Boy, do I miss that!
Schools Around the World
Curious to hear more about schools around the world, I put on my cultural awareness glasses.
I was surprised to learn some new things about schools in other countries.
Oxford Royal Academy describes “10 Ways Schools Differ Around the World.”
I encourage you to read the whole article. It’s fascinating, but here is their list of 10 interesting cultural insights to whet your appetite.
1. Chinese education emphasizes memorisation and learning by drill.
2. Religious dress is banned in French schools.
3. Less than 3% of Irish schools are non- or multi-denominational.
4. Bangladeshi schools are sometimes on boats.
5. Japanese schools teach moral education.
6. The majority of South Africans pay for their children’s education.
7. German schools are strongly opposed to uniforms.
8. The South Korean school day is very long. (12-14 days at a desk!)
9. Dutch students all start school on their 4th birthday.
10. Norway’s high school graduation involves a three-week party.
I don’t know what school is like in your part of the world. But, whatever it’s like, just remember . . .
“It’s not good or bad, better or worse, right or wrong. It’s just different!”
—The Cultural Story-Weaver
My Gift to You—Get Your Free Ebook—”The 5-Day Journey to Cultural Awareness”!
Let’s Weave Cultures!
What is school like in your part of the world? When does the school year begin and end? What does a typical school day look like?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures”! Write about them in the comment box below.
