Canadian education/ American education vs. German education?

Ariel Arons: Gymnasium schools start from grade 5.After grade 10, it all becomes a bit more difficult bc. the weakest pupils leave Gymnasium at grade 10.However, they also give you certain options, bc in grades 11/12/13 you can actually choose what subjects you're taking.For example, I opted out of chemistry at grade 11.However, in grade 11 your possibilities ares till very limited.The exact circumstances depend on the state, anyway.See this site for an idea ot the math curriculum in grade 11 at bavarian Gymnasien.(Its an awful Google translation, but it should be understandable)http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fupl......Show more

Galen Gowers: Get placed in the lower grade... sorry but it's true that Germany's education is WAY harder, if you "passed" with a C+, expect to nearly fail... besides which, can you even speak or understand German? You'll be in the equivalent of ESL (learning German) so you'll be pulled from some classes anyway. Schools in Ge! rmany are "tracked" in the high school... so if you are going to a university you'll take certain classes, and if you won't, you take different classes.... I know that the sciences and maths are taught at what we (Americans) would classify as Freshman/Sophomore level college classes in the last two years of high school. Chemistry and Physics are in grade 10 or 11... though, I think that the school may test you for placement.~ don't drink too much. and study hard....Show more

Miguel Densley: You should def go with grade 10. Since 12th and 13th grade in a German "Gymnasium" are meant to prepare you for University they teach college courses. So when you go to 11th they basically prepare you for those 2 years meaning it is pretty hard. Also you have to consider that unlike in America German students don't get to choose their curriculum until 12th grade, meaning if you go to 11th grade you will have all subjects which would be German, Englisch, Math, Physics, Chemistry,! Theology (yes, that's actually a subject in Germany), History! , Social Studies...of course you will have all that in 10th grade as well but it isn't as hard as it is (as you said) the end of middle school....Show more

Shon Almquist: I would consider a different route all together. Go to school where you are now in the USA/Canada until you get your High School diploma. TAKE GERMAN classes for those last two remaining years. After you get your high school diploma, then go to Germany for a year and study. There may be FOLK schools that offer German language courses and literature and culture, etc. This is for general interest and not for a diploma. That way your study progression is not affected and your stay in Germany will be a lot less stressful. C+ is actually not that good of an average. Germany has a very high educational standard compared with the USA. You would be better off with a more fun type of schooling. The most important thing is that you learn GERMAN good enough so you can write on job applications that you are flue! nt or good in spoken and written German....Show more

Ardelia Liptow: I think americans are more educated