Comparison Between Costa Rica and the United States in Regard to Their Students at University.

After 22 days in the United States it results difficult to me to compare it with Costa Rica in regard to their educational system and student’s behavior because at first glance it seems that there are only differences between them. 

I would like to clarify that I do not want to discredit the educational system of my country but, there are many aspects that can be improved in many ways.  First of all, many policies are very different in Costa Rica, for instance the first day of classes is not required to attend. In the United States if you do not attend to the first class it means that probably you dropped the course. 

Besides, the relation with the professor in the United States is very formal, you have to address them by their academic degree and their last name. In Costa Rica, we address professors by the first name and without using their academic degree, or just as professor. 

Also, in Costa Rica many people are not punctual; even some professors arrive late to the classroom. It is very common to hear students excusing themselves saying “I missed the bus”. Some professors allow this students to take the quizzes in spite they are late for class. To me this is bawdry and instead of representing a benefit for the students it impairs them. 

In addition, at the end of the class the professor tell the students which is the homework for next week. Back home I never had to check my syllabus because if the professor does not say anything at the end of the class it means that you do not have homework. Here, it works completely different. You are responsible for checking your syllabus, D2L and bring your homework by the beginning of the class because that is your responsibility, not of your professors. 

Although there are many differences, also there is one main similarity which is that there are many students who really care about their future and try to be successful in everything they do. To me is really significant to have the opportunity to study in the United States because that help me to improve en many ways, not only in my English skills but, also to be more confident and appreciate the value of education.