The School System: USA vs Italy

Ciao a tutti,

I have been at school for a little less than two weeks, so here is my comparison between the Italian school system and the schools in America.


School Hours

America
In Gli Stati Uniti (The United States) we go to school from 8:00 - 3:00, Monday - Friday. We have a 45 minute break at about 11:30 to have lunch, socialize, etc. It is possible to eat lunch at school because we have a cafeteria that serves food.

Italy
In Italia (Italy) we go to school from 8:00 - 1:00, Monday - Saturday. There is a 30 minute break at 11:00 to do, well, whatever you want. I meet up with Mats Hanson (the other boy in Siracusa originally from Minnesota) everyday and speak in the one fluent English conversation I get the entire day. Everyone else, seriously, EVERYONE goes out to the parking lot to smoke. A lot of people here roll their own cigarettes (I've been told it saves money?) and so when I see it, I think they are smoking pot. But what do I know? It's definitely a change!

Getting out at 1:00 (and sometimes earlier) is nice, but I much prefer having two days on the weekends to do what you want, rather than one. America.

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Classroom Setting

America
In America the classroom is pretty strict (compared to Italy anyway) where you get stunned if and when you speak over the teacher to your classmates, cell phone, or your imaginary friend. The teacher does the TEACHING (crazy, right?) and explains things from the book, Internet, or other interactive activities. Also in America, students switch classrooms at the end of each class period, allowing more interaction between multiple people. The teachers have their own room, desk, tables, chairs, etc. Students are equipped with their own personal computers provided generously by the school.

Italy
In Italy, the classroom setting is SO laid back (probably compared to any other country). The students talk to each other while the teacher is giving his/her lecture, they text, fan themselves (it's hot in the classroom), write on the desks, punch each other, and sleep. What really surprises me more than anything is the way the teachers, well, teach. The teacher, no lie, sits and lets a student write on the blackboard. The students could be rebellious and refuse to be the teacher, but something makes me think that wouldn't go over so well. Students stay in one class the entire day. The teachers move from class to class. Students don't have anything besides their notebook and pencil (along with their phone and fan) because the school doesn't provide a computer. There is one computer lab with (more or less) 15 computers.

While I'm sure there are statistics that show testing scores are better when ___(insert whatever information about a classroom setting you'd like)___, I like the idea of multiple interactions between students because while you need to improve your math and literature skills, you need to develop social skills too. I also think it is important for a teacher to have his/her own room to be organized and a place to store assignments. America.

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The School

America
In Madison, the school is in good shape (even when it is under renovation), bathrooms are clean, the cafeteria is nice, the gym is in a good state, and there is air conditioning.

Italy
I'm no architect, but the school in Italy seems to be in decent shape structurally speaking, but the bathrooms, walls, classrooms are dirty and not cared for. The gymnasium is pretty run-down too. Lastly, no air conditioning. I remind you all once again that I am in Sicily where it is 80  90 degrees (yes, even in October) everyday. It is extremely hot in the classroom (hence the reason everyone brings fans, as mentioned before).

No description necessary besides two words: AIR CONDITIONING. America.

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Substitute Teachers (or not)

America
In America, when a teacher is not present for that day at school, there is ALWAYS a substitute teacher. Whether a lesson is taught or not is up to the discretion  of the teacher.

Italy
In Italy, when a teacher is not present for the school day, students are free to leave. Like today, for example: I have English the last two hours of the school day but since the teacher is in England (like my trip to Paris) I am free to leave (which I take full advantage of).

Who would complain about a three hour school day? Italy.

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Extracurricular Activities

America
In the States, the number of extracurricular activities is great. Anything from band, sports, oral interpretation, debate, etc. is offered. It's a good way to meet friends and to socialize.

Italy
There are no school sponsored extracurricular activities.

This one is pretty obvious too. I think the chances to interact with people while doing something you enjoy is one of the main things the Italian school system lacks. America.

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That is my comparison for today. I'll let you form your own opinions on which you think is a better system; I think mine was fairly clear.

If you have any questions about either system for another comparison subtopic I'd be happy to answer. Just leave it in the comments.

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!

Until next time, Ciao!

AF