Americans have often asked me why I came from Taiwan to study in the United States. They expect me to say something like "to learn English." However, to me, coming here to study involves more than just learning English. It involves an opportunity to experience a completely different educational system. Because I have studied in both countries, I have seen several areas in which education in Taiwan and education in the United States are different.
             First of all, students' expectations in the classroom in Taiwan are different from those in the United States. Generally speaking, Taiwanese students are quieter and participate less in class. They are not encouraged to express their ideas unless asked. They are taught that asking teachers a question is seen as a challenge to the teacher's authority. There is little emphasis on developing student creativity and thinking skills. Students are expected to memorize everything they are assigned. However, in the United States, the curriculum emphasizes individual thinking, group discussion, and self-expression. Unlike the Taiwanese who can not allow these things. American students are encouraged to ask questions, express their own opinion, and think for themselves.
             In addition, there is a great disparity in the educational goals of Taiwanese and American schools. After twelve years of compulsory education. Taiwanese students have to pass an entrance exam in order to get into a university. The higher the students score on this test, the better the university they can enter. Taiwanese culture puts a strong emphasis on university admission because getting into the right university can guarantee future success. As a result, schools often "teach to the test" instead of providing more social and physical education. In contrast, the goals of the American educational system include teaching students how to learn. The education program in the United States gives its students at least six times to take ...