Schools in Switzerland 🇨🇭 vs. America 🇺🇸 - 20 Major Differences | 197 Countries, 3 Kids

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Are you curious to know the differences between schools in America and Switzerland? Join us as we talk about 20 major ones we’ve discovered after living in both countries.
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[@Markus451]

Re children shaking teacher's hand, you could look at it in reverse too. Instead of "the kids are required/forced to shake hands", the teachers are required to do so too. They're showing respect to the students, too. Respect is a 2-way street.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

You're absolutely right.

[@me-xm6lp]

@@GrowingUpWithoutBorders do u speak swiss german? Schwiizerdüütsch?😂🤔

[@fryke]

It's also a very good way for teachers to gauge the mood of the kids in the morning. As a teacher, you'll notice right away if they are very sad or angry for some reason. (Of course you also see when they're happy.) If a kid, during the day, has a problem or is acting out, shaking hands again at the end of the school day is also a way for the teacher to take a moment and say (without saying much): "Hey, it's cool, we all have our days. Tomorrow all will be fine again." Many things and moods can be resolved this way. Of course with the current pandemic, this is now handled differently - without actually shaking hands. But most teachers still take a ritual to greet each student. For exactly the reasons mentioned above. I find this a very good system and hope it's copied everywhere.

[@sterlingmisael133]

I know Im asking the wrong place but does someone know a way to get back into an instagram account? I stupidly lost the password. I love any help you can give me

[@tatumzaiden7498]

@Sterling Misael instablaster ;)

[@kiraobolensky73]

Apprenticeships are really popular in Switzerland and you can follow a really good career.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

I think it's amazing!

[@Italo5killer]

Growing Up Without Borders the one thing that you didn't really mention was that even if you graduated an apprenticeship, you can make the Matura for one year straight, but if you can't afford to do it one year straight, you work part time and do the Matura in 2 years. After the Matura you can go to a university, so the way you can form your career endless, you just need good enough grades.

[@Ac-he6eu]

Hey I need some advice and you seem like know about swiss school system! I moved to Switzerland a few months ago but I already finished highschool in my country! What are my options because I don't have anyone here I can ask? Can I get an aprenticeship at 20 years old? Will I have to go to school 2 days a week with 14 year olds because that would be weird haha! And I can't get a job with the highschool diploma I got from the school in my country because it's not recognized here :( Thanks!!

[@Italo5killer]

@@Ac-he6eu You can get an apprenticeship with 20, but it's not easy, because a lot of companies prefer 15-17 years olds. You can get a job without an apprenticeship, but you won't get paid as much as someone with a diploma for that job. I really recommend you to go to www.berufsberatung.ch and make an appointment to see someone, they can tell you what you can do and the best way to approach it. If you find an apprenticeship, you can either go to a normal school (berufsschule) or go to a school for adults but it might cost something I'm not really sure. During the apprenticeship you will go 1-3 days in school depends on which apprenticeship and if you take additional courses.

[@Ac-he6eu]

Italo5killer Thanks for the help and advice!

[@desratlinda8639]

I think it's great that they don't let parents take their children out of school unless they have a REAL good reason, it shows how important they value school and learning...(parents should respect that)

[@TheMarkyMarx]

Americans / Canadians want individual control, they not used to strict rules imposed on their kids which is probably why expats usually home school, but they appreciate the benefits of a 'safe' secure society.

[@mariusmatei2946]

@@TheMarkyMarx well, if they intend to be/remain americans/canadians, then, maybe, they should return to United States/Canada!!

[@americaisbetterthantherest9848]

That’s the way it is in the U.S.

[@olk3]

This is why workmen in Switzerland are competent. They are trained. Lack of vocational training in the US is a huge problem. Everybody going to college in the US, struggling to pay student loans on a barista salary when they graduate, is not doing anyone a favor.

[@dribbeldiejustiz]

We also get Trained in Germany and Austria tho

[@Nineteenstarsabove]

I agree

[@0animalproductworld558]

You're on your own in America 😝

[@kevinwilli7292]

24:10 thats so true 😂 My daughter brought me a little bench which she made in school. A whole fricking bench 😂

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

That's awesome!!!

[@abdimohamed1499]

We had to make that to here in the Netherlands lol I’m 21 I made it wen I was 12 😂 we stil have it in the house can’t believe I made that

[@mahdibagali4352]

That,s talent.Hope other countries could learn from this and they could nurture talents for the upcoming generation.

[@johndonnellan8894]

Point #10) Nothing like watching a group of 7 - 10 year old children walking to school with their backpacks, reflectorized vests, holding hands and chattering like magpies. Then to see that they are alone ! It is the culture in which they live and that explains all of the differences that you talk about. Which is why I am lucky enough to spend a couple of months there each year. (I need that breath of fresh air). From California.

[@piushalg8175]

Education in Switzerland is a prerogative of the states (cantons). Therefore there are sometimes differences to the descriptions in this video. But on the whole the video is quite accurate.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Thanks!

[@piushalg8175]

You are welcome. In fact forty years ago differences between the cantons (for instance the beginning of the schoolyear was somtimes spring and ometimes autumn.) were quite big. But the the cantons harmonized a lot of things in order to make movements for families easier.

[@alechiocc5642]

What I have to say too is, that the general path is in no way worse than the high-school path. apprenticeships are on a high level and with the dual education system you can go on from there to higher schools. So the system takes the thinkers and the "doers" and gives them a fitting education.

[@smallworld6398]

Yup...everything is provide by the school. The state takes the complete responsibility for the education of the child and the system of apprenticeship is indeed amazing.

[@okaynils]

Hi, great video. What's also pretty nice, you're open in terms of career goals. I did an apprenticeship as a software engineer, after that I studied for the "Berufsmatura" which is actually a high-school certificate for people who did an apprenticeship. After I got that, I applied to ETH Zürich - so now I'm in the 2nd semester of my Physics bachelor. Nowadays companies tend to prefer people with an apprenticeship + a higher education degree (such as a bachelor degree), because people already have experience in the industry - and thats very valuable.

[@claritywellnesscoaching768]

I definitely think it is so valuable to have applied learning. Just become so meaningful for the students. Especially if they like the field they are applying it in :-) I loved physics in high school, but I didn’t love the whole levers and pulleys engineering section! Of course it was all abstract as we never actually built anything! That might have helped… well, I am totally going to check out Switzerland! I wonder if the people there drink as much as they do in Denmark or other Nordic countries? Not such a big drinker myself…

[@lucadino66]

In Switzerland students actually learn something

[@me-xm6lp]

Schwiizerdüütsch??? 😂😂😂

[@matiassolomon7198]

I don’t think so

[@lucadino66]

@@matiassolomon7198 Doch Bro

[@johngalt5166]

Oof

[@Nineteenstarsabove]

True! In America you learn shooting inside school campuses with AR-15.

[@37wilde]

I'd have to disagree on point 8. There shouldn't be any pressure and it's mostly just the parents making pressure. The apprenticeships are a good professional education and there is no shame in taking that path. After an apprenticeship you'd still have the possibility of going to university, a mechanic could study engineering, a nurse could go to med-school etc. I've noticed that mostly foreigners, who are not familiar with the system, put a lot of pressure on their kids to go to university.

[@Italo5killer]

you can even go to university after the apprenticeship, you just need the Berufsmatura, which you can make in 1-2 years

[@ilovesuisse1]

A lot of kids around the world go to Uni but they don’t come out any smarter, and a lot of them graduate and don’t find a job.

[@roseforeuropa]

Since the 1970's, the culture in the US has over-valued the university, as a must-have for social prestige. I've actually met a few people who have even lied and said they have a college degree because the social pressure and social status are so high. It is very sad but we now have a system in the US where a significant percentage of students who did not perform well academically are given an enormous amount of college debt who end up dropping out and owing a lot of money for decades. It is also true that many of these easy-to-get college loans are federally guaranteed loans, which means they can never go away and you could be refused social benefits at retirement if you still owe these types of predatory debts. Imagine an 18-year-old who is pressured into taking on a massive amount of these loans because the parents don't want to be embarrassed that their child did not make it into university.

[@PlasmaPro8]

Yes but schools, where I live, give you a lot of pressure at the age of 12 to 14 to find an apprenticeship.

[@37wilde]

@@PlasmaPro8 You're right. I was talking about the pressure of going to university at all cost. But sure, choosing a field and finding an apprenticeship is also very tough for kids at that age.

[@ursziegler]

the "dual system" (Apprenticeship vs. direct study) in Switzerland has different possibilities which are quite underestimated. Even if you had done an apprenticeship, you can studying afterwards as a professional. This was my way, so i was able to finance my studies till master level by myself, working in parallel in my profession.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

That’s amazing! It’s a great system.

[@ursziegler]

@@GrowingUpWithoutBorders That's true. Because of this system Switzerland has one of the lowest rate of unemployment specially for young people.

[@mariusmatei2946]

@@ursziegler well, that you studied in the Swiss educational system, I'm wondering (for comparison purposes), how much did it cost to do your studies (through the master's degree)?!

[@GLieb-yg9cm]

First of all children here have three opportunities to get into the gymnasium. The first is after sixth grade (the pregymnasium that you mentioned) the second is in the second year of secondary and the third chance is in the third year of secondary. It makes no difference what so ever if your kid gets in early or late because the everyone gets into the same class anyway. As someone living in Zurich for all my life I must say that apprenticeship are not at all frowned upon. In fact they are preferred over a gymnasium path. people who do the gymnasium spend their entire young life in school because they won't get a job once they're out of the gymnasium so they'll have to study something to get one. The people who end up doing an apprenticeship will do 6 years of primary, 3 years of secondary (maybe an extra "10th year" if they didn't manage to find an apprenticeship) and then start an apprenticeship (this starts at around 15-16 years of age) where they earn a salary between 500.- and 2500.- a month. This means that they work and learn a job for 3-5 years and then in the end have a proper job description and a certificate. The jobs obviously vary in difficulty a lot. You can do anything from being a hairdresser to being a proper chemist or a computer scientist. Usually people go to school, learning about their job for 2 days a week and work for 3 days a week. These apprenticeship are in no way at all a stroll in the park. I for example did the test twice to go to the gymnasium and easily passed with a 5.1 and a 5.6 (1 being the lowest, 3.76 being a pass and 6 being the highest possible) but I still chose the apprenticeship. Along with the apprenticeship you can also do the BMS. You will still go to work 3 days a week and school 2 days a week. The BMS will give you a more valuable certificate at the end of the apprenticeship with which you can do an extra test and be on the same level as someone with the gymnasium route, still have a job description and will be able to go study. All that only by having an education for one year longer than the people who did the gymnasium. On top of that they will much more likely get a job than someone the same age who took the gymnasium route incase they get into financial difficulties. The people who choose the gymnasium route are usually the kids who have rich parents and get along well with them. They will not earn a penny until after they have finished studying which is at around 25 years old. Studying and working at the same time has an extremely low success rate. On top of that; we have too many highly educated people here. The competition between people who have degrees from studying is unbearable for most.

[@atshai1]

H100786 1 thanks so much for a very detailed explanation. It really helps me a lot. Now I know what to suggest to my 10 year old daughter.

[@abalamdepaimon6891]

Some smart assertions indeed, wish i was as smart as you when i decided (did i tho, at age 12...) to go to subgymnasium just because i had good grades and thought the tests to get approved to gymnsaium were silly easy. Just to struggle along for 6 years, then drop out of gymnasium before reaching the final year, FML !, start over with a 2 year school to get at least a degree in something...Had i just went down the apprenticeship road, i would have graduated with above average degrees, learn a job, have a degree and still be younger then wasting nearly 8 years with barely anything to show in the end :/

[@atshai1]

Abalam de Paimon thanks for sharing your story. It supports my assumption that apprentinceship is a better way for most for the long run. At the end you will save time by doing this apprenticeship and find what you are good at and love at earlier pace than going to gymnasium

[@abalamdepaimon6891]

it definately is. Because it will give you job experience as well as some scholar degrees. And by the time gymnasium kids finish their school, you will have finished your apprenticeship and if you really want to, you can still get your masters degree by going to school some longer. But in the real economy, companies will always prefer someone who has actually worked already and has experience. Of course, if you want to become a doctor or some high end engineer etc, the pure scholar path might be faster, but let's be honest, you can't really know that at age 12-14....and you are a smart and eager person by nature, there's nothing stopping you from doing apprenticeship, get some more degrees later on, and be earning 6'000$+ at age 24ish

[@blinoogaming9070]

Hi army, I just want to say: Don't worry about your daughter. The Swiss school system let everybody, everything do and to the time they want. Don't believe me? Listen to my story: I did the "normal" way, 6 years school, 3 years high school, then start an apprenticeship as a seller in a little food store. Between 14 and 17 I did many mistakes (drugs and stuff). So, they kicked me out of the apprenticeship with 17 and I was jobless, without certificates and without a perspective. I would say, this is the beginning of a career as a homeless in most other countries right? Not here: The state takes me in a special program for teenagers like me, teach me how to find a new apprenticeship, gave me a little job to earn money and train me in special skills. With this help, I found a new apprenticeship as a storeman (logistic assistant). This was my second and last chance, so I take it and finished it in 3 years with a certificate. Since then and now (12 years later): I did my Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, grown up my own business with 12 employees and earn a lot of money now. The message is: Not everybody has the will, the spirit and the strength to come out of a situation like this, but Switzerland gives EVERYBODY the chance! The comment of Oliver Gröning explains the system perfectly. Make your apprenticeship, then go to a University of Applied Science (mostly you'll work 80-100% and go to school in the evening or on Saturday). After that, you can make the Bachelor of Since. After that, you can make the Master of Science. My path was longer as when I did it directly from younger age and of course more expensive, BUT: Switzerland gave me the change! A very long story and a short sense: Let your daughter made what she want. She will have the chance to make a career in every path.

[@TheCarrShow]

I appreciate your tactful approach. It's unusual to see someone point out shortcomings in America without being insulting. Great video!

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Thanks for the nice comment!

[@elenakelly9020]

Thank you very much for the video, really enjoyed and found very interesting. Thank you for putting your time to make it!

[@chenaraa3516]

thanks so much for sharing this info!

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Most welcome!

[@amaelriesterer1421]

I go to a public school in Zürich and I have to stand up each time a teacher comes in our classroom.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Yeah that's actually really nice and teaches respect.

[@A28CB]

lazy Saturnkomet2401, reminds me of my school life in Gstaad

[@DramaQueenMalena]

Really? In a public school in Zurich? What grade? As a former teacher: Refuse to do it!

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Someone else asked/commented about this. Is it common for kids to still stand up? We don't see this in Vaud.

[@tulkasastaldo4114]

I can't really recall much about primary school anymore, but I remember some of our teachers here in Zurich in Gymnasium (especially the older ones) requiring us to stand up at the beginning of class in our 7th and 8th year. However, as we got older, eventually no teachers asked for us to stand up anymore. Towards the end of gymnasium most teachers maintained a relationship with our class that was based on friendliness and respect that was mutual, rather than demanded by one side. So in conclusion I'd say it's not all that common in Gymnasium at least.

[@PetraBotekova]

Super interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikereed6274]

Hi Chantelle, this video is really so informative. Thank you for sharing all this knowledge.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Most welcome Mike.

[@alternatetabaczynski7435]

Im an exchange student from Switzerland in the US and i really miss Swiss school. I think it’s so much better and i agreed with most of your points.

[@clarestucki5151]

Swiss teachers (beyond the first few grades) are professionals within their specialty. Many U.S. teachers are basically baby sitters.

[@user-jy6vp1zm9m]

Really enjoyed your video. Thank you.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@petercaspar9581]

Hi Chantal. I enjoyed immensely watching the informative and funny Swiss documentaries from “your” perspective. I was born and grew up along the shores of Lake Zurich and emigrated to the US many years ago. The way you are describing the school and education system is exactly the way I remember it and I am glad to hear that not much seems to have changed since. I am proud of my home country but also thankful to be able to travel and having spent many happy years in the quite different yet exciting United States.

[@subtlegestures]

This was very informative and interesting! I live near Washington, DC and what you said about the US is pretty spot on.

[@rentregagnant]

... This is one of the reasons why we are *home-schooling* (22:13). You _what?_ So, this video is all about Swiss schools... in which you have *no children enrolled?* "...because we are no longer allowed to take out kids out of school..., and so we are, kinda, like, 'forced'... if we want the flexibility, we just have to home-school... which kinda makes sense, because we do take them out quite a bit." Listen, you say it yourself in your piece: The Swiss take school very seriously. They spend real money on it - no shoddy products here... no useless teachers... everything set up just so. That's what serious investment in education looks like. It comes with obligations for the children... *and their parents*. School is not a pick 'n' mix salad bar of delights; it is an educational partnership in your children's future. There are *lots of systemic problems with the Swiss system, particularly for foreign families* but _please,_ don't sound shocked when they invest heavily and expect you to follow through on your end of the deal.

[@kimfucku8074]

Exactly! That's why it is called "Schulpflicht"! Maybe not compatible with less static lifestyles.

[@rentregagnant]

Quite! There are also some parents think that education is about 'experiences', so they take their kids out again and again. At the ridiculous end of this, I once heard a rich American in Tuscany explain to a friend on a bus how he was bringing his son to Florence for the truffle season - for his education. Call me old-fashioned, if you like; I don't mind. I think it works best when your kids learn stuff in school and you support the school and the child by sending your child to school. In fairness to Chantelle, she has made a decision to make a clean break with the Swiss school system. It's at least honest - as long as you say so straight up, at the start.

[@shlock4459]

That fucking Shocked me too. Like just because you couldnt take your kids out while they are in Important lessons to go for a short Vacation or something WE HAVE AROUND 14 WEEKS OF HOLIDAYS (Based on the Canton) AND YOU DONT THINK THIS IS ENOUGH?

[@rickw7903]

@Grinder Man American outcomes in math, science and reading comprehension are superior to most European nations. You really should stop espousing fallacies and start learning facts. If you look at the international test score results of TIMSS and PIRLS you can educate yourself and then you may not sound so ignorant.

[@Juraberg]

Very interesting! Thanks. 👍

[@reubenatlantis5338]

Love your videos, all of them coming from heart, you really mean it and a most of all you enjoy it

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Thanks for the kinds words and encouragement!

[@FrancisSamo]

OMG. I'm so grateful I went to school in Switzerland! xD

[@thecuteplayer3559]

Noob

[@ironb7007]

loser

[@anjko]

Quite informative and easy to digest! You should definitely expand this comparison series to more topics. It's always such a delight watching your podcasts. Big thumbs up!

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Thanks Anja! Any specific topic you think would be interesting to know about?

[@anjko]

Generally more on Switzerland. I lived there for quite some time so I'm familiar with the majority of the things, I do feel however no one has ever thoroughly explained paying taxes in Switzerland. If I were a KZbinr, I'd definitely get that cracking, because it's something that hasn't been sufficiently covered. 1ère pillier, 2ème pillier....etc. People should know what to expect when paying taxes in CH and how that compares with the USA and Canada.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

That would probably be very interesting. I'll keep this in mind for my upcoming videos.

[@CloudMary99]

@@GrowingUpWithoutBorders h

[@sylviebolay]

Well explained!!!

[@dejavu6591]

learned a lot from your video , thank you

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Most welcome!

[@tlmart5159]

Hello from Las Vegas! Thanks for the great information. My husband and I loved seeing the differences. So in The US school dates and holidays are as follows; most schools are starting in August now. Around the 14-15-16th which is terrible. Cuts into vacation! In Nevada we get Nevada day off which is always around Halloween. Then thanksgiving break for 1 week then Xmas break which is 2 weeks. February there is Presidents’ Day with a Monday off. March is when most spring breaks happen and into first week of April. School ends around the end of may to first week of June. Love hearing about school supplies, security and the lunch breaks! That’s sounds great. We too would have to homeschool though as we would be traveling a lot! I heard you say in the video that your dad is Swiss/German and assuming you are allowed to stay longer due to that link? We’ve looked and we as us citizens couldn’t stay longer than 3 months. 6 months in Great Britain... Great video!

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Thanks so much for this info and comment. The US and Canada don’t have as many school holidays. Have you seen any videos on the Schools in Finland yet? They have it really good and have a great success rate. Yeah for living in Switzerland, I have citizenship from my dad, if not, it’s 90 days that you’d be allowed to stay. 6 months in Great Britain is good. I wonder now with all the changes there if things will change....

[@tlmart5159]

Growing Up Without Borders I haven’t seen videos on Finland, but I’ve heard about their ranking so they must be doing something right! We are going to find the searching for Superman video you mentioned. We are so disillusioned with US schools. I homeschool 2 of 3 but the 3rd one has one more year and then Will be homeschooled.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Here’s the link to the trailer. It’s actually called Waiting for Superman: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmO2i3hufqZsiKM

[@tlmart5159]

Growing Up Without Borders thank you!!!!

[@sinasupreme6905]

I’m a 12 year old living in dc. My family is moving to Switzerland soon. Thanks for the information.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Oh wow! Will you be living in the French, German or Italian part of Switzerland? Let us know if you want to ask the girls any questions at all. They did 2 years of school there and now they're homeschooled.

[@sinasupreme6905]

Thanks I’m just kind of nervous about having to leave everything behind.

[@tazlina77]

​@@sinasupreme6905 I am very curious if you have moved already. How do you like it there as a teenager and how did it go for you? Are you going to public school? We are planning to move too in about a year when my older son will be around 14 and I wonder what level education he could start then... He knows some German as he has been taking private lessons for last two years, but I am afraid it will be huge shock for him to suddenly do everything in German he doesn't know fluently. He loves DH skiing though and has been in a racing club here for years :D. Will this help in breaking ice? :D

[@amberlewis8536]

@@tazlina77 Hey how has your move been? Where do you live in Switzerland? Im a bit late but I think your son will do fine. I remember when I was in 'oberstufe' where your son probably is going to be we sudently got 2 kids, one from korea and one from poland. They integrated well. After a couple of months he will be able to understand Swiss German just fine. For the adults its mostly more difficult. But Im sure you will manage :) let me know if you have any questions. Regarding school or other things

[@RobertoLopez7]

Great and thorough job

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Thanks Roberto!

[@dctrbrass]

Your videos are awesome! So helpful.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

That’s great to hear. I’m so glad you’re finding them helpful. Enjoy!

[@tonifrischknecht7144]

true, in switzerland school givea all we need and we give it back

[@richterli]

I recognized that in America parents take they're children out of class for every little thing. Here in Switzerland it is an absolute no go. I mean I saw videos where mothers just wanna go shopping with her daughter?!! In Switzerland we have an amazing scool system, so even if we have to go to the doctor or stoff like that we do it after school. I mean we go to school for a reason.

[@TheSupeermeen]

most of the universities are paid from the canton (So actually taxpayers). You have to pay small semester fees (my unversity 800.-)

[@janicebutler51]

Very interesting!!!

[@znerolz]

+Julia's Life Very important point about the Sie and Du (formal and informal): The person with the higher social status usually establishes that it is ok to talk with them in the informal way: Boss>Employee; Elder> Younger; Adult>Child; Teacher>Student; Mentor>Apprentice; etc; Fun fact: When you turn 16 (the age when most people start an apprenticeship and thus start to work), well at least in the northern parts of Switzerland, you are 'eligible' to be talked to in the formal way.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

I always find it funny when my daughter's friends use the formal "you" to address me. I'm still not used to it. I didn't know this about "when you turn 16 you are eligible to be talked to in the formal way". Thanks for sharing this!

[@AlansWoodworking]

I remember when Helmut Kohl said to Ronald Regan "You can say You to me."

[@znerolz]

+Growing Up Without Borders As I stated in the original post: It has to do with being in the first stages of adulthood and taking on responsibility in life, here in switzerland young adults enter an apprenticeship when they turn 16, or they get into the first stages of higher education, if they chose an academic career. Taking on responsibility e.g. by learning a craft and thus starting to become an earnest, productive and honourable individual of society is a respectable thing to do, thus one becomes eligible for the formal 'you'.

[@ronaldgarrison8478]

A little confused here I am. ReAgan never spoke German AFAIK. Maybe his interpreter screwed up? Or maybe he said "thou." Kinda doubt it. And if the interpreter robotically translated it to "du," he should have been taken out and shot for his tone-deafness. An interpreter in a high place who doesn't know these things is not just useless, he's dangerous.

[@96leRoi]

Its usually the older person that offers the informal "Du". Social status might play a small role but age is more important in my experience. However most people wont be mad if you adress them the "wrong" way.

[@rschumachr]

Unless you want to become a doctor or a lawyer you can do an apprenticeship and then after that to to a university (usually for 4 years) and get a higher degree. So it doesn't really matter if you take the apprenticeship or the gymnasium approach for most things. There's even a school called BMS (professional maturity school) that you can take during an apprenticeship which will allow you to go to a higher university afterwards without having to take an entry-exam!

[@eckhardtfrost3815]

Thanks,this was a really good video.I could relate to a lot of what you said, growing up in Germany, I see similarities to Switzerland and now living in Canada where we raised our Kids . Keep up the good work.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Yeah, you would completely relate and get everything I’m saying then. Thanks for the encouraging words too!

[@alechiocc5642]

The funny thing is that, due to our federalism, school systems between communes may vary and between cantons the differences are huge. But all on a high level! I've gone through the whole system up to university and was leading the students organisation of my high school and later on a union of students organisations, so I must know! ;) great vid by the way^^

[@gotzie1]

Great video! I could relate to so much that you shared. I like how you mentioned that the kids greet their teacher with a handshake when they arrive at school. Where we live, the kids also shake hands when they leave and when they leave sports practices or dance lessons, etc. Sometimes my kids go to shake my hand too out of habit. 😂

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Swiss Expat Family That’s hilarious. My kids have never shake in my hand yet. Isn’t it so nice to see that there’s that level of respect between the students to be teachers? Sorry it took me so long to write back to your comment... I’m only seeing this now.

[@joachimindermaur9914]

Pretty accurate review. There are some minor differences from canton (similar to a state) to canton and region to region (e.g French speaking vs Italian speaking region, etc.). One statement that I would like to address is the apprenticeship. I completed my precise mechanic one and then went to college afterwards. In my personal experience it adds a lot of benefits and on-the-job knowledge that other Engineers are missing out. So don't make the mistake and think of it as a inferior education to college. It can be quite the opposite. 😁

[@jurgbangerter1023]

Actually the interesting fact is is that the French Canton of Neuchatel was much better in teaching the same curriculum as in the German canton de Berne, also the Famous Swiss German work ethic=chrampfe, actually hinders productivity as in the French work environment with a certain Légereté work was fun and easier, worse some Germans from Germany compared to Swiss workers and even my apprentices really didn't measure up.

[@chillymonin4760]

Thank you!

[@claritywellnesscoaching768]

Thanks for this great video! So interesting how different countries do things differently! I do remember teaching English to foreigners for a while, and I was always quite fascinated by my Swiss students. They explained about this apprenticeship system and about how they were put into different pathways quite early in life. But they all seemed OK with it, and it also felt like different types of jobs didn’t have so much status connected to them. It seemed like for my student who was training to become a car mechanic or for my other student who was training to become a hairdresser, all jobs were valued and respected. That is just awesome and, provided they feel it is a good fit for them, would take pressure off some kids who just don’t find lots of academic learning very fulfilling or easy. Plus, any academic learning here would be very applied, which gives it instant meaning to the students. Lots of fractions involved in cooking, for example!

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Exactly. It also allows for young adults around 20 years old to be starting their carrier path.

[@claritywellnesscoaching768]

@@GrowingUpWithoutBorders speaking of career paths, I wonder how easy it would be for other European citizens to be able to work and live in Switzerland? Asking for a friend ;-)

[@gguagliardo25]

Just a quick clarification the Documentary she refers to is called "Waiting for Superman"

[@abalamdepaimon6891]

Homework for me was never really a thing until after primary school, because we basically had time during school hours to work on some papers, and only if you didn't manage to finish it in time, you had to do so after school at home. It rewards good pupils and encourages slower ones to keep up with the rest on their own time. If you chose to not finish homework, you would just gradually fall further behind, but it's your own fault. There's plenty of help from the school if children are willing, but in the end, not everyone is the same. The older you get, and the more sofisticated eduaction route you pick, the homework will start to pile on really bad, to the point where you are learning for multiple tests for the next day in different classes, while also having a deadline on projects from other classes/teachers. This is where i prefer the US style, where students get to pick their own classes, while in switzerland this doesn't happen until University level ( 18+ age). For an annectote, i had 16 different classes at highschool level degree here in Switzerland, and various regulations on what is needed to pass on to the next school year, one where you were not allowed to drop below a certain grade in any two classes, which i never understood the logic off. Say you are a genious in biology and history, if you failed in Chemistry and Philosophy you'd drop out of school. Why do you have to be smart in 16 different fields ? why is being over average in 5 fields but abysmal in 2 others a reason to completely ruin you life ?

[@JustMe-12345]

Abalam de Paimon I think that is the Canton. I had homework in elementary school and no longer at the Kanti (Gymnasium), yes you have to study but not too much if you pay attention in class. Max 2 tests a day and 4 a week are a rule, that is sometimes a lot but managable. To pass into the next year your 5 lowest grades (the averages of a subject) need to be above 19 if addes (meaning you can have 3-4-4-4-4 and pass, 4 is the grade to pass and if you only have a 4 in 3 subjects, you can have 2.5-4-4-4-4.5 or 3-3.5-4-4-4.5, so i think that is fine, there are not too many that have to retake a year and very few (less than 1/100 actually drop out) The Kanti is made for a broad knowledge in all fields, allowing you to study everything you want and not forcing you to choose a uni-major until senior year (or you take a year off and dont have to choose during school at all) In order to fail you have to be pretty bad in quite a few subjects and then either uni is not for you anyways or you are lazy. (I graduated and am in med school, compared to this school was childs play)

[@miaholzapfel3632]

We have a Festival kind of thing at the end of every Year. It's called Jugendfest but this is something that is mainly in the Bezirk I live in and maybe some other places.

[@boby4751]

Very good video and I agree with you 10000% percent, do you happen to have the link to the full video of "waiting for superman" by any chance?

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Thanks for the comment! Let me know what you thought of the documentary.

[@danm21healy3]

Hi from the UK! Thoroughly enjoyed the video guys, we found you guys from your first '20 differences' video. This was really interesting and it seems like the Swiss system really works. I'm glad you touched upon the security aspect, no child (or parent for that matter) should fear that their child will be murdered when they go to school. There is something deeply wrong with America or the American mindset where this violence is normalised. The idea of having a police officer assigned to a school is mind boggling to me. So is Switzerland still your base? Could you ever see yourself putting your kids back into the US school system?

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Thanks for your comment. I agree 100% with you on the aspect of security. Yes, Switzerland is our home base. I don’t think we’d put our kids in school in the US unless it would be a private school.

[@claritywellnesscoaching768]

Yup. I went to high school in California in the 90s and we just had bouncers who were big, usually, Tongan guys:) pretty chilled out guys as I remember… however, it is heartbreaking to see that they have metal detectors in some schools in the states now. As the gal in the video says, it must feel like going to prison more than school! Sorry I forgot her name as it is the first video I am watching, but not the last!

[@lindalemieux4623]

It makes a big difference when 1 country has a high crime rate, is more concerned about material goods and less concerned about education vs a country, like Switzerland, that has opposite priorities.

[@ironb7007]

i prefer the usa even with all the crime

[@ironb7007]

i like it rough i don't like sissy countries like switzerland

[@riverkelly3025]

I love your videos ! great content and you seem like an awesome parent!

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Ah...thanks so much!

[@riverkelly3025]

Haha I know that may be odd for me to say that, but lots of people don't understand what's wrong with the school systems. Also my parents homeschooled me as a kid so these videos kinda remind me of childhood :P

[@riverkelly3025]

Welcome !

[@gingerz169]

Your channel makes me want to move to Switzerland!

[@timwhite6957]

Great story as always

[@aymanalfred1498]

thank you very informative i wish to study in beautiful prosperous country like Switzerland

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

It's a great place to come for school and there are so many to choose from.

[@lc5945]

We do have study loans, but they "complement" cantonal scholarships, which are based on the family's income (and vary by canton), but for schools higher than high-school. Since your kids are quite young, I can tell you that education cost for schools like ETH/EPFL is around 580.- (CHF) per semester, it's the housing that adds up if you don't live there. Selection also goes on after secondary school: you can't fail twice. At the high-school level you're simply out, at the university level you're out of that particular faculty no matter the university (unless it's economy, in that case you have a third chance in Lugano)

[@klumbdoltone2255]

Point 14 made me remember something when I was a kid. As what's app and group messaging wasn't really a thing the teacher (or the school) organised something. When there was something urgent the teacher had to communicate, he would call 3 or 4 students (on the home phone) and they were tasked to transmit the information to someone else according to a plan. So we needed to have the phone number of everyone.

[@itsokaytobeclownpilled5937]

School Holidays in the US Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, Summer break. Switzerland sounds so lovely. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Thanks for the comment. Thanksgiving seemed like such a big holiday in the US vs what it is in Canada.

[@nicknack8173]

Switzerland has shoolbuses too but theyr mostly just mercedes sprinter whit 10 seats or like that and kids can go to shool whit bikes and park wgit a tractor at an nearby parking lot but this is mostly only in small villages

[@abalamdepaimon6891]

Yeah in rural areas the minimum age to drive a Moped ( 30km/h/18mph - but of course it's easy to tune and they usually drive more like 50km/h / 35mph ) is lowered from 14 to 12 years old, i remember this one farmer's son who was so respected because of his tuned Pony haha, he was like a rockstar :P

[@gemmaluescher-verseckas1243]

Yes the beginning of the year intros are great- especially seeing parents again. Many of the kids grow up together from playgroup or mom and tot gymnastic group

[@dianarichard4418]

Glad am coming

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Cool hope you have a nice trip.

[@chasingadeline]

That’s really good video!!! Yes College is super expensive in United States. Where my wife went to college in New Zealand where she is from it is a lot cheaper and I think a lot better than here United States

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

That's interesting. There are so many other countries where the cost of education is a lot less the in America.

[@Meekseek]

And why do you think that is as it is?

[@dax9431]

in the USAmerica everything depends on profit!

[@paulboy9101]

So, the Swiss Schools are so good that you don’t send your kids to them? That is rich!

[@MFYouTube683]

She stated clear and simple, that her kids are being home schooled, because it's mandatory to make sure they show up for lessons and she needed to take them out of class more often than allowed. If you teach your kids at home, you have to prove to be able to do so. If you fail to send them to their lessons at the public school or provide proof, that you can provide them with the knowledge they need to become responsible and educated members of the community or, if they decide to study, to meet the requirements of the school they wish to enter, the authorities will take a closer look and act in case they believe you're not complying with the law. Your comment is ignorant and angry and doesn't add anything constructive.

[@maxroberts7393]

You were not paying attention!

[@hotrodpetesgarage699]

It is called Waiting for Superman. Came out a few years ago, saw it in the movie theater when it was first released, it is simply a great documentary, and heartbreaking.

[@lennonbale7960]

good video!

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Thanks!

[@jeromemckenna7102]

I'm going back to school and get their art supplies.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

😂😂😂

[@JanPBtest]

You should have mentioned teacher's salary in Switzerland :-)

[@RainbowYak]

Teachers' salaries depend quite a bit on where you live in Switzerland. (www.d-edk.ch/lohndatenerhebung) Here a brief summary: Kindergarten (preschool) level: Starting salary (3 years after taking your first job): 60,000-81,000 USD per year Maximal salary (shortly before retirement): 90,000-123,000 USD per year Elementary school level: Starting salary: 71,000-91,000 USD per year Maximal salary: 122,000-146,000 USD per year Secondary level (junior high, grades 7-9): Starting salary: 82,000-96,000 USD per year Maximal salary: 126,000-156,000 USD per year High School ("Gymnasium"): Starting salary: 93,000-118,000 USD per year Maximal Salary: 148,000-180,000 USD per year

Primary teacher (frist year) 7000 chf x 13 or 7000 US dollars per month

[@JanPBtest]

Thanks! That's the ballpark I was expecting but my last data was from 2003.

[@artischocke1599]

Internet Briefing 7000 SFr. after 10 years of experience.. i don‘t earn this 7000 SFr..

[@annabanabanana]

RainbowYak have you looked up the cost of living in Switzerland though? Some of the most expensive in the world. Way more expensive than the United States.

[@eisenjeisen6262]

Hi Chantel in NYC you get a summer brake from end of June till beginning Sept. and the education was for the birds. as i learn most everything my self as my foster parents new nothing and the two daughters learn typing and a little short hand, as in a great depression i was lucky to get a dime, but in going to markets i always found pennies, and anyway i am learning mostly German now and due time i start on French, thanks for video.

[@patriciaposton1]

Thank you for the video. My life could have been so different if I could have attended school over there. Great video. USA

[@jessicaely2521]

The US does not throw books away. We don't own our books so at the end of the year you turn it in and the school uses it for the next year. I had a textbook that was my brothers and he's 5 years older than me.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

I meant their books that they write in. Here they have little notebooks and even if it's almost all used up, they still bring it back for the following year.

[@tanjafischer1864]

and every year, we bought nice wrapping paper and wrapped all the books, so the books would stay nice and need and the parents were only allowed to help. Loved to do it and miss it now. I am a Swiss living in the US now.

[@ridgemondhigh4891]

US universities are the opposite: students must own (i.e. buy) expensive college textbooks. They can return them to the bookstore for a refund so the store can resell them --- but only for one or two semesters. Then the books become obsolete, so new students must buy newly published textbooks, which with some tweaks, is essentially the same. Moreover, the college texts are written in a long-winded, verbose, beat-around-the-bush manner that make them difficult to comprehend (but this adds lots more pages, making the text much thicker and heavier).

[@richterli]

Also the apprenticeship is what most people do in Switzerland. But it's not something bad. People who are doing them have the same grades as people who sometimes go to gymnasiums. Sometimes it litterly depends if we rather wanan go and work or if we like to stay a little bit longer in school. And also if we did an apprenticeship we also still have the possibility to go and study at an university! ( with some extra exams and like an extra year) So in Switzerland no matter witch way you choose you can alway go study ore change you're job.

[@zrusso8731]

Very good information. Probably will never live there but I still like to know things about other countries.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@jelaym.7673]

My husband’s sister-in-law is a public school teacher for 6th graders and they even go to the forest with sculpting tools and pick up random tree trunks and shape them however they want them. What’s more common is they go for a short walk and in Switzerland short walk means at least 2-3 hrs that’s how hardcore they are. I asked her what’s the point of this and her response is, they will grow old and go into real-life scenarios so it make sense to have the tools to deal with it. To add to this, i was lucky enough to be a part of a school camp to help the cook who is my brother-in-law. Eye opener for the kids and for me too. The Swiss education system is really great i wish more and more countries follow its footsteps. My husband went for an apprentice type of education. Earns so damn good i didn’t need to work. In my humble opinion, apprentice type of education in Switzerland is the best way to learn a job or even a career.

[@pattjer]

Lovely video. Thanks. My son went to school in Hawai’i ( Punahou School ) , and is was pretty much the same that Switzerland., Wonderful and amazing education. So ,there are great schools in the states too. Enjoy living abroad like I do. No country is better or worst , it is just different. The world is beautiful !!! Hugs.

[@ridgemondhigh4891]

Punahou School. Isn't that the alma mater of the 44th US president?

[@alyssia7239]

Haha I've lived in Switzerland all my life and never had an end of the year school party ^^ at least not as you describe And also a very important point you forgot to mention : we have serious sex education. I have learnt about the importance of consent since my first years (I don't even remember it but my mom told me we had this when I was like 4) and when we were in secondary school (14-15 yo), we had extern people that came to all classes and teached us about how everything worked (from condom to period and puberty and to anatomy and pleasure). It has been useful (later to me but at that time to some of my classmates)

[@PullMex]

20:00 when I was in school, I'm Swiss, this agenda with all the telephone numbers was used as a "call chain". if there are some informations which all of the parents have to get quickly (i.e. if it was planed to go skiing the next schoolday, but the weather switched in the evening and is getting to bad to go skiing, so it's going to be a normal schoolday), the teacher calls the first parents on the list, they call the next parents, and so on. the last family calls the teacher, so he can be sure every family get the informations. giving the landline phone, not mobile, numbers is:not such a big thing. they are in the telephone book/white pages anyway. :-)

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Yes I think they still do this. It's a good system!

[@andeeycv5696]

nice vids.. i see the problem when kids have to decide early what path they wana go but nowadays they have good retraining programs. Take me for instance, i was "just" average and than with 16 suddenly started to get interested in physic, math, politics ect... so i finished my apprenticeship and went for a whole year to BMS (Berufsmatura) for free. With this degree (which is one level lower than the gymnasium matura) i was able to attend a college (but not a university). With another year in the passarella, i would have been able to visit a university. Or another example, the mother of a friend. She was 42 when she wanted and started a retraining. She could attend a special class/apprenticeship for adults and still had an adequate wage (i think the canton pays the compensation). So maybe back in the days this was an issue but it isn't one anymore. I understand you when you're trying to be polite but let's speak plainly: the regular school education in the US is disastrous.. and i really don't wana offend somebody but that's the truth. On the other side expensive universities, where one teacher is responsible for 5 to 10 students, are the best ones in the world. It's just about the money, so you have to be born in the right family and this system is most like in medieval times. Most of the people never really get a chance, lot of lost potential. And that's the biggest difference, the Swiss systems are more fair and more efficient. The systems really try to help everybody and to give everybody a chance but at the same time you are requested to do your part to make this possible. It's a give and take. It's also important to understand that the political system is completely different and this makes a huge impact. Swiss people really really take care that nobody gets to much power and also the people can vote and bring their own referendum which automatically makes the system work for the people and not for politicians or a lobbies. It also makes people understand how politics, education, infrastructure ect. works because they need to decide their future every few months, therefore they engage in debates pretty early. Here two examples: when it came to decide whether to have 5 weeks payed holidays (1 week additional) or stay at 4, they choose to stay (for my German colleagues unbelievable). Or the mandatory fees for television and radio - the Swiss people decided to keep this fees and to pay it because they didn't wana privatize TV/radio for several reasons. Look at these countries where the TV is private, Göbbels is a joke in comparison. My point is, you will rarely find weakness in the Swiss system because people are contributing in the design. That's also why a comparison between Switzerland and any other country which hasn't a direc or a part direct democracy will always lag behind - it's not the same system of government, not the same instrument.

[@andeeycv5696]

P.S. i am not from Switzerland but studied there. And i am really into their system

[@dccurt]

Sadly your experience is limited by your age. Growing up in a town north of Newark, NJ was closer to your description of school in Switzerland than schools in America today. It's very hard to get a competent teacher to teach in an inner-city system. Fear being the motivating factor. Oh, yes students did run errands for teachers in the 50's. My school system was rated the second best in the state during my time. Now they can't get accredited. Worlds apart, Switzerland and what you experienced in the US. I'll end with that word again. It's Sad.

[@ltm3368]

I NEVER had an end of year party and I live in Switzerland. We also have no prom whatsoever at the end of high school. Believe me, what she says is not true everywhere in Switzerland

[@hl3299]

hend ihr ide 9ti klass ned zensur oder so en abschluss gha? wo mer üch so zügnis git undso

[@tazlina77]

and I raise kids in Alaska which is USA too ;) and we do have kind of parties/ picnics (depends on weather ) for everybody. The difference is that it is during the day and no alcohol served but kids have only fun on last day of school. if it is a nice summery weather they usually have some water fun outside.

[@user-ri7nw9lj3p]

Can you please talk about your homeschooling experience in Switzerland?

[@jyi456]

Spring break in Vancouver, BC Canada is 2 weeks now which includes the Easter holidays. There's so many more holidays/ Pro D Days than when I was in school.

[@omahaw1728]

I've noticed people getting a college degree in the US in a certain field doesn't guarantee that they'll be able to get a job in that field. It seems that people waste money getting a degree if they can't use that degree and work in that field.

[@ronaldgarrison8478]

People automatically linking degrees and jobs is part of the problem.

[@jessicaely2521]

Going to college is NEVER EVER a waste of money because ALL businesses that give a liveable wage expects you to have at least a bachelor's degree. Firefighters, paramedics, and police are even expected to have at least a 2 year degree before you start the academy (at least in Florida). I have a Bachelor's and it has absolutely NOTHING to with what I'm doing, but if I didn't have a Bachelor's I wouldn't be a hotel manager. I would be flipping burgers at McDonald's. Same with teachers. Majority of people who can't find a job in chemistry, psychology, financial advisor, whatever are teachers. If you have a Bachelor's all you have to do is take a few months worth of courses and a test than you are a teacher. If you plan on being a teacher you have to do the same exact things as the people who didn't plan on being a teacher.

[@tazlina77]

I don't see a problem at all. Many places hire only because you have BA degree but doesn't really matter what field. They'll teach you, will give you training. Good example is federal jobs. I personally work for one of the states in road construction and we do hire people with all kinds of degrees. Engineering degree is required only when you do strictly management work overseeing many different projects as an engineer/architect or road/airport design, but there are many positions in project management that engineering degree is not required. You learn a lot on the job and with the time get promoted.

[@cc2016]

from my experiences living in both country... I can say that in Switzerland the kids have better life

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Our girls were certainly happy with their schooling in Switzerland. (This is early school years. Now they’re homeschooled so not sure what their thoughts would be for high school)

[@ironb7007]

switzerland is only good when you're a kid but when you're grown you realise there's nothing to do in switzerland and success in life is limited there whereas in the usa you can become extremely wealthy very easy.

[@Blondi6731]

Here in the midwest of united states. The school year starts around the middle to end of August. They have a fall break. I believe it is in October. Then in November there is Thanksgiving which use to be a week when I was in school; now it is around 3 maybe 4 days. Next is Christmas. The kids get out for about 2 weeks which goes into the new year. I believe they go back around January 3. March is spring break and Easter. They get the Friday for good Friday and Monday off following Easter. Right around May 12-20 all schools are having their graduations. They younger students will be out by the 20th. Now is where parents will need to really find daycare which is tough. Most kids are home alone during the day especially in the bigger cities from what I have heard. I live in a small town. Parent's will usually send kids to day or week camps, help on the farm if Parent's are farmers, summer school if child needs help with certain areas in school, and there is daycare. Daycare usually goes to the age of 9 I think. That's our schedule for school and when we are out of school.

[@danighostflower2959]

many areas in Canada have security checks at the door like a prison as well same as the states ,some schools have almost airport level checks now

[@bjornsantens9030]

Who knew...less guns is appearently safer

[@jonasspinnler8605]

In Switzerland there are actually a lot of people with guns and stuff...

[@camper1749]

Yep there's actually a lot of guns in switzerland. also you can't really compare switzerland with the US when it comes to crime, as the crime/gang culture basically doesn't exist in switzerland.

[@alyssia7239]

Actually there are a lot of guns because every man that has done the military service (which is mandatory here) has to keep his gun. BUT they are not allowed to have ammunitions. :)

[@camper1749]

Alyssia Oh I thought they had to keep 90 rounds inside of a separate safe than the one where the gun is kept. Good to know how it actually works, thanks for the info!

[@alyssia7239]

@@camper1749 I'm not exactly sure but what my friends that went there told me is that it is the army that keeps everything and they will give them when needed (which is probably (hopefully) never except in training ^^)

[@Detomidine]

School is children's work and no trip is more important. There are enough holidays for those. School is the most important thing in childrens lives outside their families and no parent can ever replace an university educated teacher. I would never ever take the responsibility of any child's education because I'm not qualified for it. Much as I wouldn't try to be a doctor to my family members even if I do have a uni degree (not MD). Home schooling is practically unheard of in Finland (except possibly for some disabled children?), although it is not exactly illegal. It's just that no parent here ever thinks it necessary or beneficial for their child. A home schooled child would be considered an outcast here, an oddity that everyone would wonder about. I'm rather shocked that people in other countries do that, that's why I have such an emotional reaction to this, I apologize for that.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

I was surprised when we lived in FL, almost 50% of the ladies I met homeschooled their kids. This was actually a shock for me so I understand your reaction. I realized that these kids were educated, socialized and even went into universities after high shcool. They were literally homeschooled up until their final year of high school if you can imagine. If you look up stats on homeschooled kids, you'll be surprised at how well they do. It's definitely different then the traditional school system but for us, everything we do is different. We don't really fit into the norm.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Thank you for this! I’m curious how your English speaking kids did transitioning into Swiss school?

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

They did just fine. They learned the language in no time and had really good teachers to help them integrate.

[@Oliver0909]

Thumbs up! Great content! Can you please share some info how you kids handle the german language at school?Do you have any advice for english speaking families who would like to move to Switzerland?

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

They have great introductory classes for kids who are just learning the language. Best way to learn is always full immersion but of course you can always pre-learn with duolingo and watching TV in German, French, Italian depending on where you want to go. For us we watch many shows in Spanish to learn. 👍☺️😎

[@hipocampelofantocame]

I love your videos. My dad was a Canadian (Nova Scotia) for 47 years in the U.S. before he became naturalized. I was first in Germany in 1955-56 and again in 1963-66. Both of my wives have been and are German. I've loved Germany for years, and still keep a pied a terre there. I have two teenage grandchildren in Frankfurt (fM), and two here in Sacramento. German education is far ahead of anything here. My fifteen year old German grand daughter speaks perfect English and German. My American granddaughters speak Californian. My sage advice (I'm eighty four) to you is to stay in Europe and enjoy your life. My wife goes back and forth, but I stay home and keep our dog happy. Over the years, both the U.S. and Europe have changed, but America more so. I am a retired general pediatrician for Northern Kaiser Permanente medical group here in Sacramento. I admire your thrust to explore new outlooks. That is the true fun in life.

[@gregghanson6095]

So....Americans who have apoplexy over "SOCIALSM" need to understand what it actually is!!!

[@ImMrTea]

I feel is a whole bag that works here(there), it's hard to take one aspect w/out the other. Imagine the US just shut down at dusk, no one ANYWHERE worked Sundays, didn't have signs pointing out everywhere you might get hurt (or hurt someones feelings), let along having someone else decide if your kid can go to college or not. The US is a consumer (and wasteful) nation, and there's no way to just make the change happen. Size is obviously tough, with Switzerland is only a smidge bigger (and more populous) than Maryland, that's a tough roll-out. Love the video, and like others have said it's really easy to take in.

[@gregghanson6095]

Bryan, of course I realize what you have said here. thx

[@davidtodd5686]

I like that about hand-shaking at the beginning and end of class!

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Yeah it’s really nice. Gives a sense of acknowledgement from the start and respect for the teachers.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Ya me too! ~Chloe

[@cidaliasoares-chan2350]

Loved your video. I went to school in Europe and it was different in a positive way. I viewed your comments as being fair. I like how the apprenticeship path is an opportunity for different learners and they get the respect they deserve. We need trained workers, period. Every person is valuable and there is value in each job!

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

I agree 100%. This is a fantastic way to have all young kids in the workforce in already at 19/20 vs. kids not knowing what to do with their lives. They could always change and go back to learning again if they choose.

[@HladniSjeverniVjetar]

multicultural? I think you mean multi ethnic.. i think in Switzerland they are enforcing mostly Swiss culture.

[@RobinCernyMitSuffix]

Sure, thats because Switzerland in it self is multicultural ;)

[@thebattousi1]

Point 15. You used the word multicultural to define the diversity in the classrooms. This is not the correct meaning of multicultural. You are describing a multi-nation situation. All of these people are conforming to the Swedish culture. One culture many nationalities.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

+thebattousi1 Well actually they very much keep their culture so I do mean multicultural. It’s also Switzerland not Sweden.

[@MrFirderis]

Not again a mix of switzerland and sweden pls! That joke is getting far too old :D

[@soniabernaquez2856]

Bonjour! Thank you so much for the video! We plan to move to Canton de Vaud next year, and I was overwhelmed with the school system in Switzerland, but your video helped me understand it better. We are French Canadians, living in Arizona for the past 8 years, and we don't feel safe sending our son to high school next year. This year, his school (a small International private school serving lower and middle schoolers) hired a fully harmed security guard! Sadly, it is the new normal here! Thanks again! -Sonia

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Glad it was helpful! This armed security is just mad and very sad. I hope you enjoy your time in CH. You will feel a million times safer there I'm sure.

[@americaisbetterthantherest9848]

• Top 10 Countries in the World with the Best Education System 2023 Top 10 Countries in the World with the Best Education System 2023: Which country in the world has the best education system in 2023? Which country should you consider studying in as an international scholar? If these are your questions, stay on this post as we provide answers for them and much more. The quality of education obtainable in different countries depend hugely on the educational system of the country. Undoubtedly, education is an indispensable ingredient for the development of individuals and the society at large. Most countries in the world have recognized this truth and have made huge investments in this sector, allocating a huge sum in their annual budget for a viable education system. As noted earlier, education is the driver of modern society. The educational system in different countries is clear and distinct. Whereas some countries have a well developed education system for the betterment of the society, education system of some other countries is in a complete shamble. These are two contrasting extremes! t will be an amazing experience to study in a country with the best educational system in the world. Such countries are marked by research, development of digital literacy, standard academic facilities, and ability to think critically and creatively. Studying in such countries is already a step further in the actualization of your dreams. If you are an international student considering which country to enroll in, this post is for you. Here, we’ll tell you about the top 10 countries in the world with the best education system in 2023. Ride with us as we also tell you the education index of these countries! Top 10 countries in the world with the best education system in 2023 1. United States 2. United Kingdom 3. Germany 4. Canada 5. France 6. Australia 7. Switzerland 8. Japan 9. Sweden 10. Netherlands 1. United States The US has the best education system globally. The American education system offers a rich field of choices for international students. There is such an array of schools, programs and locations that the choices may overwhelm students. The education index of America is 0.900 and it is the highest in the world. The USA provides quality education for the teeming number of students that enroll each year. The country also has a flexible and versatile education system that may not require the physical presence of students. There is efficiency in their ICT and network technologies that facilitate online learning with little or no obstruction. Every year, US plays host to millions of students from all over the world trooping into country to have a taste of quality education. Some of the most popular courses among international students include Computer Science, Engineering, Business Management, Law, and Arts. In addition, US educational system places greater emphasis on research and development. This makes it the most preferred destination for international students. US is home to Harvard University, University of Oxford, Yale University, US Columbian University, Michigan State University, Johns Hopkings University, and MIT, etc. Source: mikscholars The U.S. has the best education system in the world.

[@americaisbetterthantherest9848]

• Most Educated Countries 2023 Country % Tertiary % Upper Secondary % Below Upper Secondary 2023 Population Canada 60% 32.5% 7.6% 38,781,291 Russia 56.7% 38.5% 4.8% 144,444,359 Japan 52.7% no data no data 123,294,513 Luxembourg 51.3% 22.8% 25.8% 654,768 South Korea 50.7% 38.6% 10.6% 51,784,059 United States 50.1% 41.7% 8.3% 339,996,563 Israel 50.1% 37.9% 12% 9,174,520 Ireland 49.9% 35.5% 14.5% 5,056,935 United Kingdom 49.4% 32.3% 18.3% 67,736,802 Australia 49.3% 34.4% 16.2% 26,439,111 Source: worldpopulationreview The U.S. is more educated than Switzerland and North Americans are the most educated.

[@americaisbetterthantherest9848]

• Here's a closer look at the 10 most expensive schools in the world By Dhivana Rajgopaul | Published Feb 25, 2023 The top 10 most expensive schools in the worlds Name of school Cost per year 1. Institut auf dem Rosenberg, St. Gallen, Switzerland $142,340 2. Institut Le Rosey, Rolle, Switzerland $134,240 3. Aiglon College, Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland $132,200 4. Collège Alpin Beau Soleil, Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland $117,980 5. St. Georges International School, Montreux, Switzerland $111,850 6. Leysin American School, Leysin, Switzerland $105,800 7. Collège du Léman International School, Geneva, Switzerland $99,000 8. THINK Global School $94,000 9. TASIS, Ticino, Switzerland $92,800 10. Brillantmont International School, Lausanne, Switzerland $87,600 Source: iol Switzerland has the most expensive education system.

[@abalamdepaimon6891]

The commute to the school with your fellows is a huge advantage imo, it forges social bonds, teaches children some personal responsability and the greatest thing is that we're all involved in it. When school starts after summer, and young children go to school for the first time, there's signs everywhere to make car drivers alert. Around school areas there's special markings on roads, everyone takes extra care, stops at crossroads and signals the kids to walk over, and often there's older kids from the same school on official crossroad duty, where they have their little STOP sign and help the younger kids cross roads. Some kids use their bicycles to get to school, or their kickboards ( skateboards in my days) or just plain walk. It's the cutest thing to see a group of 8 year olds with their reflective signal vest (handed out for free by all schools, that orange triangle shape thing they all wear) and just having fun fooling around and heading to or from school.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

+Abalam de Paimon It’s just amazing isn’t it? In the morning the streets are filled with kids everywhere walking to school. Everything you said is absolutely true. The cutest thing I saw was a little girl about 6 years old who was trying to get out of her building and she just couldn’t open the heavy door. Then, this old man came and helped her. For me it was beautiful to see how it takes a community to raise a child. ❤️❤️❤️