L'education: The grass isn't greener on the other side, its just a different type of grass

There exists in America, particularly among those academics in European foreign language departments, that education in Europe far exceeds that in America in excellence.  Of course, the term"excellence" is always subjective, but on the whole, it is said that European schools are more intense and promote independent thought through argument than schools in the US.  Competition is brutal and success hinges on a survival of the fittest approach to learning.  French students are expected to be the best, whereas American students are mostly encouraged to do their best.  I am speaking in general terms, obviously, with no intention to discredit those institutions or students in the US who do indeed strive  excessively to succeed in every aspect of their education--specifically friends of mine at the Theatre and Music Conservatories of Depaul who have spent the last 4 years killing themselves to be #1 in every class and to prove their worth to the artistic world.  To those people, I say this: live "Carpe Diem," but realize that while you may be exceptional and the exception in America,  you are not the exception in the eyes of the world and will thus be met with the full force of those who know nothing but extreme competition and success.  

Competition is crucial for more avidly pursuing knowledge, and thus with extremely comprehensive knowledge comes a ora of power or perhaps superiority.  I feel that this is how Europe is viewed in the eyes of many Americans--as a pretentious but all together intimidating force of knowledge and intellectual critique.  While not untrue,  it is important to note about the education system that while the grass may appear greener on the other side, it might just be because it is a different kind of grass, not necessarily better grass.   

I was shocked to learn that in France, where all is intellectual, debatable, and freely accessible (funded by the state), that students either sink or swim.  I suppose that this observation should not be so surprising, and it seems a little naive even as I type it, but I guess I just always thought that the french education system embodied all the good traits of US schools and was free--thus making it perfect in my mind.  Au contraire, the grass is simply an altogether different species.  It is really a bit of a trade off, and goes like this (university level):

US

privatized and expensive  

Many options for financial aid and scholarships

smaller classes 

more individual attention to each student

many/most students work to pay for school, many subsidized by parents

--distraction from school work

decisive majors later on, if not until graduate school (try many things so that you are certain of your life path and goals)

Practical experience is crucial and the best programs are judged on the resources in place to get students working in their fields before leaving school-- make connections

Through practicum, learning whether or not one likes the field of interest and what elements in particular one wants to pursue or not

Success after graduation: the view is classically american--the little train that could--anyone can succeed if they try hard enough (Land of Opportunity)

FRANCE

Funded by the state

Scholarships only awarded to the very poorest of poor (nothing for middle class students)

Large class size

Little to no individual attention to each student

most students DO NOT work while attending school and are subsidized by parents 

--no distraction from school work, unless the student's family is too poor to fully support them, in which case they must work, putting them below their comrades (less time to study)

decisive majors early on: choose a field, stay with it, and become an expert (there is no other choice)

Mostly, if not solely theoretical education and experience.  No connections other than professors and family/friend connections made during school

No practicum, so once entering the real world, one might realize they do not actually like the field they are in

Success after graduation: if you have been privileged enough to make it through a Grande Ecole, and not just a Université, you are among France's elite society---most minorities and students from immigrant families do not make it this far and remain at their same social niveau

All in all, for those that believe education MUST be free for all, the thought is a noble one rooted in good intentions, but FAITES ATTENTION! Not all that shimmers is gold and the grass is really just a different species.  Think hard before you criticize what is in place in America and realize that nothing is perfect.  The land of No Exceptions is no exception.