As opposed to our misconception, several countries beyond Australia, US, and UK have been applauded for their brilliant education system. With 72% of students willing to study abroad, you need a clear roadmap to make the right decision.
Now, what you must understand is that the quality of education offered is what sets a country apart from others. So, you need to delve deeper into understanding the education system of a country.
This blog will take you through a few countries that have garnered accolades for their educational regimes.
Let’s get digging into the education systems of these 6 countries:
Research shows that Finland is on the way to surpass the United States in terms of education. The country has implemented some novel and simple changes to revolutionise the education system completely.
Let’s take a look at the key elements of the Finnish education system to study abroad:
One of the unique things about the Finnish education system is that there are no standardised tests. The students at Finland are graded individually on basis of the system set by their teachers.
Students are apprehensive about pursuing education in a European country, citing the massive tuition fees. But if you have considered Finland, you can go ahead with the process. Further, the Finnish government offers a lot of grants and scholarships to international students. These can cover the necessary tuition fees and help you with your stay in the country.
You will get the best education from some of the best minds in the industry. The country offers all kinds of courses, and students have the chance to be ahead in the race with the best education. The teachers have the right knowledge and experience to help you overcome the odds and grab the right opportunities in the future.
A major advantage of studying in Finland is that the teachers assign minimal homework to students. You can enjoy your stay in the country and work on the tasks accordingly. It is impossible to concentrate on your studies when you have to work on a minimum amount of tasks. It is one of the perks of pursuing higher education in the country.
You will come across various success stories and case studies when you browse through the various aspects of Finland's education system. The case studies will help you learn all about the education system and prepare yourself well to get admission to one of the Finnish universities.
Despite the success stories, the Finnish education system has struggled to solve a lot of problems. Research shows that the country has fallen behind other countries since 2000. The experts criticised the education system, citing late start times, lack of homework, absence of test assessments, and a culture celebrating the teaching profession.
One of the biggest challenges, as per the experts, is meeting the needs of students with special needs. Further, the country is struggling to keep up with the rapid development of technology.
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Singapore, one of the four Asian tigers, has made it to the list of countries known for its education system. The mission of the Ministry of Education, Singapore, is to 'help students discover and make the best of their own talents, to help them realise their full potential, and develop a passion for lifelong learning.’
As the education system focuses on bringing the best out of every child, it can be said that the institutions follow a rigorous curriculum. The students are taught all the skills to cope with the changing demands and be well-equipped to handle the various problems in the professional world in the 21st century. The education system aims to look into the various strengths and interests of each student.
Math and science are two core subjects in the country. The country pays special attention to both these subjects and makes it mandatory for students to study math and science as long as they are in school. Even if they choose humanities after the tenth standard, they must choose at least one science subject. The country's teaching method is different, and they help students learn both these subjects to enhance problem problem-solving abilities and have all the necessary skills to cope with the changing times.
The Singapore ministry considers both academic background and commitment towards the profession when it comes to recruiting teachers. The teachers go through training for three years and receive 60% of their salary as a stipend during this time. The country ensures that the passion for teaching is seeded using teaching internships, and there's also a system of mid-career entry.
Singapore has paved its way to be a modern industrial economy in one generation, and that in itself is a success story. The country has been close to the top-ranked countries when it comes to the education system. In fact, students from Singapore held top ranks in the World International Math and Science Study (timSS) in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007.
The Singapore education system has all the qualities to be at the top of the list. But there are a few things that do not go well with all. Parents and some experts have complained that the education system is too rigid, and the emphasis is more on rote learning and do not put emphasis on creative thinking. The education system is too stressful for students, and it harms their mental well-being.
The country needs to work on the challenges and find alternatives to ease the mental stress of students. Singapore's education system has often been criticised for its overemphasis on grades and for making students fight against each other to race to the top.
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The best teaching staff and outstanding parental control make Japan one of the top-ranked countries for education. The country focuses on educating children with the best qualities to help them cope with the changing environment. Students pursuing their education in the country are rewarded with good incentives if they take challenging courses and put significant effort into the classroom.
There are a lot of things that make Japan one of the best countries to study in. Let’s get an insight into the key components of the Japanese education system:
The country is very particular about its culture. Students get to learn omoiyari (to notice and think of others) from a very young age. Further, they need to pass difficult entrance exams to move forward with their education. The process helps them learn the two elements ganbaru (effort) and gaman (enduring). If you visit Japan, you will see everyone following some aspects of their culture everywhere.
If you are planning to go to Japan for your higher studies, you must have the necessary work ethic and discipline to cope with the culture. Their punctuality and commitment to work are two of the major reasons that make the country among the best in the world.
A 99.9% literacy rate proves the supremacy of the Japanese education system. The country is developed in terms of technology, and a major reason is that the country starts educating students with technology, such as coding, robotics, etc., from the early age of six. The education system’s supremacy can also be felt when you look at their unemployment rate. The country has only a 2.29% unemployment rate. You can look at various case studies on the topic online to understand various things and know more about the Japanese education system.
While Japan is one of the best countries in terms of education, there are a few things that the country needs to mend. The country has a very strict system, and students are always on their toes to learn all the lessons well. As a consequence, the education system restricts students from developing creativity, enjoying some free time and maintaining a clear future vision. Further, the country rejects individual differences. So, a meritorious student has to follow the curriculum and the strict education system.
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Germany is the only country where ALL schools are run by the state, and they do not charge anything for your children to attend. Moreover, the country makes it mandatory for children to attend school once they are six years old, and overall school attendance is compulsory as well. When it comes to higher education, the country is known for its engineering excellence and the use of technology.
Let's get an insight into the characteristics of the German education system to study in Germany:
The dual vocational training system is popular globally as it is one of the most effective systems to prepare students and the workforce. The country focuses on a combination of classroom learning with on-the-job training, thus allowing students to gain real-life experience while they pursue a formal education. Many students opt for vocational training after they complete their secondary education, which lasts for two to three years.
Students can apply for apprenticeship programmes after they complete their secondary education. The country has around 330 occupations, and the job market is huge. You need to have the necessary skills and knowledge to grab the right opportunities. The concept of dual studies makes Germany one of the best places for students to study and learn things well for a bright future ahead.
Germany is known for making education accessible to all. Students coming from foreign countries will not have to worry about the language the lessons are taught. The country uses both German and English to teach the lessons to students. Moreover, the cost of living is also affordable since most universities are funded by the state. This attracts more students towards the country.
Germany took ten years to improve test scores and reduce inequality, thus acting as a major case study for all. Germany was ranked low by the Programme of International Assessment in the year 2000. However, after a span of around twelve years, the country proved itself to be the best among many. It was one of the three countries that were able to reduce inequality and offer the best education. It is probably one of the biggest success stories the world has ever seen.
The country still suffers from teacher shortages and professional development. Further, the integration of migrant and refugee students is a major struggle for students. Adding on, the country lags in terms of digital and technology adaptation. Educational institutions need to train teachers with new technologies and help them adapt to the same. Germany also needs to work on its funding. The country suffers from inadequate funding and resource allocation.
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South Korea focuses on its education as it accounts for the country’s economy. The land of morning calm is mainly preferred for its affordable cost of living and studying. One of the major aspects that attract students from all across the world is that the country teaches most of its courses in English, making things easier for students. The country has a lot of high-achieving students and a very demanding education system.
Let’s understand their approach to education:
Students in South Korea understand the need to learn the lessons well for succeeding in the future. Hence, they dedicate a lot of time in studying their lessons. The students even get a lot of support from study academies due to their efforts. Even personal tutors help students with their lessons after their school hours. These clearly suggest that the education system is highly competitive, and it is crucial to dedicate many hours to succeed. The students are trained to study hard from a very young age to prepare well for the future.
One of the exciting features of education in South Korea is hagwons or after-school academies. These help students learn a lot beyond their school hours. Students from middle and high school focus on academics in hagwons, while primary school students are free to choose from academics, art, or sports subjects. As far as academics are concerned, the hagwons concentrate mainly on mathematics and Korean and English languages. Students can also learn about physical and social sciences in hagwons.
South Korea has been ahead of other countries in terms of technology. In fact, research shows that 98% of Korean households use the internet every day. The country has implemented technology in their education curriculum for a long time. The focus on middle and high school students can have a massive impact on societal progress. The country is known for its fastest internet speed and widest access to the internet. These are the main reasons the country has surpassed other nations in terms of technology integration.
South Korea has done everything to make a comeback and found the best ways to improve education. The country has extended its class size and schooling hours to live up to the increasing demand for better education. The primary and secondary enrolments have been the same over the years. However, there has been a surge in primary and secondary education for a certain period of time.
South Korea’s education system has seen a lot of development in the recent past. However, there are a few things that are bothering the nation. Being one of the key elements for the country's economy, the education system is not able to meet the demands of the labour market. As a consequence, this has contributed to worsening mental health among the youth. If you dig deep into the education system, you will see how students are more inclined towards having a seat in one of the glamourous colleges and ignoring the essence of real-world skills.
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The education system in countries like Sweden and Denmark is referred to as the Nordic Model. The nations are popular across the globe for their high living standards and low income disparity. The fact that these nations have been able to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor has attracted many across the world. While there are many Nordic countries, here we will take a deep dive into the education system of Sweden and Denmark.
The Swedish education system is one of the best in the world, thanks to its subsidised form of education. Higher education is mostly financed by tax revenue, and students from Sweden or from European Union nations can avail these benefits. International students from other countries have to pay tuition fees. However, the country offers scholarships to students coming from abroad. You can look for the same and prepare well to get a scholarship and fund your education in Sweden.
The country allows students to choose a subject that they are comfortable with. The student-based education is one of the most exciting features of the Swedish education system. Students in Sweden also have the option to choose whether to pursue secondary education or not after they complete their primary education. While all students choose to continue with their education, the choice makes the entire education system unique and one of the best in the world.
The Danish education system has won a lot of accolades from students across the globe. Education in Denmark begins as early as when a child is 9 months old. By the age of 3, 98% of children attend public kindergartens. The country emphasises inclusive education and ensures that inclusion is there in both primary and lower education. The country's support and teaching resources help the country fulfil the criteria,
Adding on, the country offers the best work-life balance. Denmark is probably the only country where there are only 37 working hours in a week. The country is the best across the globe, and students are attracted towards the country because of its work-life balance. The country offers the best job opportunities and a better lifestyle.
The Nordic education system has earned a lot of accolades thanks to its free and publicly funded education and because of no tuition fees in higher education. The focus on basic academic concepts makes both these countries better than others. Further, Denmark’s avoidance of class rankings and formal tests and Swedish schools' focus on individualised learning tell a lot about their education system.
While both these countries are regularly applauded for their education systems, there are a few things that must be taken into consideration. The informal nature of the Danish education system is not well accepted by all. The Swedish education system has gone through a lot of changes, and experts feel that the system is somehow getting lost in transition. You will find a lot of case studies on both countries' education systems. Go through them to gain a proper understanding of the same.
Cultural values play a major role in a child's education. How one thinks or adapts to things depends on their social background, their values and what their parents teach them. The three major elements influencing education are race, class, and gender. Further, the education system is influenced by the society. In fact, if you refer to case studies on the subject, you can understand how culture is influencing education.
There has always been a debate over the adaption and replication of culture and its influence on education. The importance of balancing cultural factors with global trends has always been important, and education systems across the globe are facing major challenges doing the same.
There are many countries offering quality education. But how do you determine the best among them? A significant thing that defines an education system and sets it apart from others is its definition of students’ expectations and their future in measurable terms. However, the need for contextual evaluation cannot be denied. It will help all to understand how a country is doing and if it lives up to the expectations.
Students willing to step outside their homeland must take PISA rankings into consideration while shortlisting a country. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) aims to do a proper evaluation of education systems and tests the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds in participating countries/economies.
As technology takes centre stage, the future of education systems depends on how well the integration is done. The future of education depends on how well teachers are involved and the use of AI in education. Students and teachers are expected to prepare themselves well to cope with the changing trends and adapt to technological advancements.
Endnote:
There are quite a few countries doing well with education. Students have trusted some of the countries other than the ones known to all. The blog has shared insights into some of the best education systems in the world and will help students make informed decisions. You need to understand that education systems are not the same everywhere. The diversity of the education system can be felt if you go through all the points above. Further, there's no end to improvement, and each of the countries listed above is working on improving themselves every time.
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