Schools in Spain vs USA | Diferencias Entre la Educación de Estados Unidos y España 🇺🇸🇪🇸

After working in public schools in Spain and the USA, we explore the differences in public schools in Spain vs USA. There are quite a few differences between Spanish and American schools! Hablamos sobre las diferencias entre la educación de los Estadios Unidos y España.
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We are Mike and Becca, two passionate travelers who love traveling deep and experiencing a place through its food, history, and culture.

[@miquelsoler8733]

The most important difference is that in Spanish schools there is no danger of a student shooting at other students or teachers.

[@MYTravelBF]

Absolutely! We had to practice school shooter drills once a month when working in US schools. This is way better in Spain because there is not a threat of school shootings.

[@aronsigtau9190]

@@MYTravelBF Not a real threat yet...

[@rosi3579]

@@aronsigtau9190 Aqui,, están prohibidas las armas! Solo, la policia o personas autorizadas, con permiso, escoltas, guardias de seguridad etc.

[@MauroRincon]

So we don't need to talk about the disastrous state of our public school system because of your straw man argument? So silly. Then compare to Germany or France, we're behind in everything

[@jandroniol]

I remember that when I went to school a very nice teacher told us in an ironic way that in Spain we teach like in the movie "The Karate Kid". We're supposed to learn martial arts, and we spend the day cleaning cars, painting fences, and scrubbing floors. But then, when we really have to be creative, we have that acquired ability to memorize anything that gives us a plus advantage.

[@MYTravelBF]

Thanks an interesting perspective of looking at it! I never thought about it that way. Thanks for sharing!

[@latashamorgan9088]

Thank you for this.

[@MYTravelBF]

You're welcome!

[@The0ldboy]

This is not a criticism! you yourselves were specific in indicating that it was where you teach and I mean digital teaching. In 2011, I myself was part of one of the classroom digitization projects in my autonomous community. We installed last generation wireless systems, "unbreakable" mini laptops were delivered to the students, a laptop for the teacher and a digital whiteboard system with a projector system. Fiber optics were provided where possible, and a satellite system was used in the most remote areas that could not be reached. When we deployed the project, many centers already had their own digital infrastructure. I know that more projects have been implemented (in my autonomous community) after 2011. On the one hand, it strikes me that you work in a place with so little infrastructure and, on the other hand, it does not surprise me. Here's the anecdote... Many teachers when digital systems were installed, although they had training in their use, simply did not want to adapt, so much of that equipment ended up in the school's warehouses.

[@MYTravelBF]

Working in education, we definitely know what you mean in terms of teachers not being willing to adapt to new technology in the classroom, and therefore, programs and equipment going unused. It's difficult because not one program or way of teaching works for every teacher or every student and both can have success in different ways. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!

[@thelastsurvivor11]

I'm a future international student in Spain, I'm currently studying to sit the EvAU (Spanish University Entrance Exam) and I gotta say, we didn't cover half the things Spanish kids cover in high school in the American high school system. I gotta say, their curriculum is much more comprehensive and definitely oriented towards getting you ready for college.

[@MYTravelBF]

Thanks for your opinion! The curriculum was pretty robust in Spain. It just seemed as though a lot of the exams were based on memorized and regurgitation rather than application of the knowledge. Neither system is perfect though.

[@giselef4885]

@@MYTravelBF how long is going to take you to take you to prepare for that text? Do you think it is better to do all HS in Spain if you are going to go to college or is it worthy to take the text after 12th grade in the USA? Thank you in advance . My son will be doing 10th grade in Spain. But he will consider going back to the USA i think it is better to stay in Spain ..

[@gregoryfrasca252]

this is completely interesting

[@MYTravelBF]

Thank you!

[@jeffh7285]

Can you share about the types of schools and area you work in? We may consider a move with 2 younger boys. Being from the midwest, I can relate to many topics that you shared.

[@MYTravelBF]

In Spain, we worked in public schools, which are well-respected and well-run from our experiences. Overall, they are similar to the US, except when it comes to all of the extra curricular activities. There are some, but not nearly as many as in US schools, especially in high school. In Germany, we work in an international school, which is private and has student from all over the world. The student population changes much more as some are local students or from families that are living here forever, but others are only living here for a short period of time.

[@marlexdigital3609]

Great video guys, thanks! Are there schools in Spain that teach in English?

[@MYTravelBF]

The schools in Spain that would teach all in English would be more private, international, American, or British schools. There are some public bilingual schools and concertada schools.

[@Leweline]

Catholic religion class it's offered in all public schools because of an agreement signed with the Vatican in 1979, but it's not mandatory (and many people are against it being part of the curriculum), parents choose if their kids attend this class. The grades don't count for the average if you're trying to get a scholarchip, for example. Also kids that don't attend usually have like "study time" and, sometimes, depending on the school and the region, if it's the first or last period, they can just stay/go home (this only in ESO, not primary school). For instance, my parents signed me up for religion class in primary school (at the time -90s-, most kids used to go, but things are changing), we didn't do much learning TBH. In ESO I attended religion class the first two years because it was an easy 10/10, we did literally nothing, watching movies, just talking... the teacher was there, but didn't do anything. After that I decided I'd had enough and when I went to enroll myself for the following year, I chose "Alternative to religion", where we didn't do much either, but there were some interesting discussions about why we thought people followed religions and things like that. After that, in Bachillerato, we just went home or for a coffee, and only 5 people out of all the students in my year had religion class. Philosophy is part of the curriculum, and at least in my time, it was mandatory for all during both first and second year of Bachillerato. Same with ethics, it was a subject on its own that I took in my 4th ESO year.

[@MYTravelBF]

Thanks for sharing! We know there is an alternative to religion, but the fact that it is even offered in a public school is a shock coming from the US. Although the US seems to be trending backwards in a lot of its education policies, and policies in general, with regards to 'separation of church and state.'

[@ebaquero8400]

I will believe that grades at loud are very common in Latin culture. I agree that teachers are more straightforward with their students when referring to studying more and for the student who needs to push themselves more, but I believe it is not a type of disrespect way toward the student. I think there is more respect from the student toward the teachers. Great for not having Code Red - it is stressful for the children in the U.S. Puerto Rico school system does not have Code Red either.

[@MYTravelBF]

That's really interesting to hear that it maybe it's a cultural thing across different countries. We generally did notice more respect from student to teacher in Spain too. Public education in Spain was also really respected in general, which was a changed coming from the US. As for the Code Red active shooter drills, you are really lucky! While it's "normal" for the US, we don't understand why so many Americans simply accept the trauma it puts on students.

[@MelMelMelDrMEL]

Memorizations the first step of learning anything

[@MYTravelBF]

Good point! Thanks for watching!

[@lisskron]

Hi guys! Thanks for all the information you kindly provide. I have a question. I have an 18 year old daughter who got her GED in North Carolina and now we live in Valencia Spain on a non lucrative visa. My question is if you know if an homologation of the GED is accepted in Spain or is she going to get it rejected. She wants to go to college here in Spain. Thanks!!!

[@MYTravelBF]

You're welcome, and thank you for watching! Unfortunately, we don't know whether or not Spanish universities will accept a GED or not. It would probably be best to contact them directly. Private and public universities might have different rules too.

[@timkelleher9999]

Hi guys thanks for the video. My son is here in Texas but will be going to Spain for a year to go to school this year. He has taken Spanish in school here for 2 years and passes but just like y’all said it’s not good to retain information. Would he be ok going to a public school where they area going to be speaking Spanish or should I put him in a private school? I want him to be around regular working class kids rather that more posh private school kids. Thanks in advance! Brian

[@MYTravelBF]

You’re welcome, and that’s so cool your son will be coming to Spain for a year! I think he’d be okay in a public school, especially if his focus is to learn Spanish. Obviously a lot can depend on the teachers he has, but I know not all focus on simply memorization. However, I believe they teach to the university entrance exam, which is based on more memorization than the SAT/ACT. I’d lean towards the public route, unless there may not be a good one in the area he’s living and you feel really comfortable with the private school. I hope this helps!!

[@timkelleher9999]

@@MYTravelBF This is great! Thank you so much! Now Al I need is for the restrictions to get better. He is not vaccinated nor will I get him . He’s too young and we don’t know enough. I have a recovery cert from having the virus and I am a European citizen. Anyways thank you:)

[@abcoh4440]

There are also regular working class people in "concertado" school. Some are bilingual. These are private own schools but get subsidies from the goverment.

[@MYTravelBF]

@@abcoh4440 Thanks for adding about concertado schools! I forgot about those!

[@giselef4885]

Which grade is he going to do in Spain😊

[@jalberc731]

In public schools, religious class is just an option parents can choose. This is throughout the entire educational years. May be that you refer to religions history, that every child has to study, but not only catholic nor confession related (I mean, where religious dogmas are taught and actively followed).

[@MYTravelBF]

While it's only an option, it's still was a shock to us that it was taught at all in public schools.

[@jal051]

At public schools the parents can choose if their children study religion or ethics (moral values, whatever it's called now). Religion is not mandatory. I only had religion class when Franco was still alive. In elementary I think it's better not to rely on technology, tbh.

[@MYTravelBF]

Thanks for the clarification on the religion classes not being mandatory. In my opinion being from the US, it’s still strange religion is even offered in a public school because I’m not used to seeing that. Although the US education system is far from perfect… I also agree that it’s better elementary kids do not rely on technology in school. Thanks for watching and commenting! Always appreciate it!

[@joseplazavelitti4983]

The best and most reliable information will be kindly given to you by the Ministry of Education.

[@jal051]

@@MYTravelBF I agree that it's strange, but back when the dictatorship Catholic church was virtually part of the state. They even received money from taxes. Currently the USA is a more religious country than Spain, but we're still dragging some things from the old regime because every time one of these is removed they fight back, and they own a lot of monuments in Spain. Fof example, taxes aren't used to fund the church anymore, but people can choose to donate part of their taxes to the church.

[@MYTravelBF]

@@jal051 The US is definitely much more religious than Spain nowadays in terms of it dictating politics🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏾‍♀️

[@user-hj2uk3qt9v]

Please let us know what city or area in Spain, thanks!

[@MYTravelBF]

We were living in Madrid, Spain, but Mike used to live in Logroño and Granada too.

[@ummaisidik4805]

Memorizing part will be really hard for the student

[@MYTravelBF]

It’s very hard for the students, and it’s difficult for us, since we’re not used to teaching just for memorization.

[@cristinaminton4856]

I think that you are talking about your school not about public schools in the Spain. I work in a public school in the USA and we dont have crome books

[@MYTravelBF]

Thanks! As stated, it’s based on our experiences and the schools we’ve worked in. Schools in all parts of the world vary by neighborhood, district, city, region, etc.

[@PrincipeMaquiavelo]

La musica de video es realmente molesta e impide el buen seguimiento y comprensión de lo que exponéis.

[@MYTravelBF]

Gracias por avisarnos! Estamos aprendiendo y podemos hacerlo diferente para el próximo

[@latashamorgan9088]

Is there a purpose for the grades being shared out loud??? Other than shaming them???

[@MYTravelBF]

We're not 100% sure if there's a purpose behind it. They might do it just to encourage students to do better-sort of a motivation tactic because you don't want your classmates to know if you did poorly. It might not be every single school in Spain, but it's the ones we work in. It's a little uncomfortable for us coming from the US, but it seems normal for the students.

[@latashamorgan9088]

I see. That would make me want to work with the students that are struggling... Thank you for this video. I am completing the NALCAP App process now and excited for the possibility of teaching/assisting this next school year.

[@MYTravelBF]

@@latashamorgan9088 You're welcome! It's a really great program and is an excellent way to live and work abroad. If you have any other questions for us, let us know or check out our blog!

[@rosi3579]

@@MYTravelBF Las notas, no se comparten, en España, soy profesora, eso es avergonzar al alumno, no se en que colegio das clases. No, se puede generalizar y lo de memorizar los contenidos, también, me parece muy raro, se estan cambiando, desde hace tiempo, los programas de formacion, nunca, nunca,hay que generalizar, depende de en que comunidad autónoma( Hay 17) se impartan las clases, todas tienen competencias educativas independientes. Saludos.

[@MYTravelBF]

@@rosi3579 Gracias por su opinión y perspectiva como una profesora en España.

[@MauroRincon]

España estuvo por debajo del promedio de la OCDE en las pruebas Pisa en ciencias en matemáticas. Lo hizo peor que EEUU en ciencias y mejor en matemáticas, pero las pruebas de comprensión lectora muestran un estancamiento fuerte. Una desgracia el sistema público de educación, que se la pasan reformando para peor. Mi hijo va a la concertada, la única opción a un costo razonable. Me parece que la educación que recibe es bastante sólida.

[@MYTravelBF]

Gracias por la información.

[@mehmethakan2452]

Hola! Can you mention name of the concertada school por favor

[@aronsigtau9190]

In your experience do you find that kids in the USA are more smarter then kids in Spainish?

[@MYTravelBF]

Lol that's a very vague question. It depends on the individual student and some students here struggle proving their knowledge since everything is based on more traditional exams as opposed to speeches, projects, etc.

[@Juanfernandez-sm8jl]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 What I can tell you is that here in Spain people don't ask stupid´s questions as the one you just did it, children are the same everywhere what changes is the teaching method and I can assure you that spanish children are more prepared than American children! when the fisnish their studies!! that says the statistics!!

[@MYTravelBF]

@@Juanfernandez-sm8jl Thanks for commenting and sharing your opinion! The teaching methods are different in both countries, but there are so many factors that play into a student's academic success that it's not fair to make a blanket statement that one is definitely smarter or more prepared than the other.

[@giselef4885]

Definitely Spain is much better. I did both as a teacher and as a student 😊

[@oiausdlkasuldhflaksjdhoiausydo]

España es una castaña pero EEUU también es unan castaña y los dos van a peor

[@MYTravelBF]

Encantábamos vivir en España mucho más de los EEUU pero habían cosas que echábamos mucho de menos sobre los EEUU también.

[@oiausdlkasuldhflaksjdhoiausydo]

@@MYTravelBF nunca hay un sitio perfecto. Por eso hay que quedarse con lo mejor de cada sitio! Suerte amigos

[@MYTravelBF]

@@oiausdlkasuldhflaksjdhoiausydo Muchas gracias!