Education: the point of view of developed and developing countries.

Some of the differences between developed and developing countries go beyond the economic or social aspects. One of the most important and discussed topics is education and its impact on society.

On one hand, in developed countries such as the US, students are constantly trying their best to succeed. This happens because as of young ages they are educated to be constantly thinking about their future. In order to get into a prestigious college, a student needs very high marks in high school and outstanding achievements that make the applicant different from the rest of the students, so it is normal for them to spend this period working very hard. The most important universities are private and really expensive. This only gives the opportunity of a college degree to people who can afford the universities and to a few that can get scholarships, making them another reason to be the best among their classmates. A consequence of this is the competitive environment that is created among peers that makes high school less enjoyable because the goal of people is not to make friends, but to learn in order to reach their goals.

In Argentina the situation is completely different: universities are mostly public and it is really easy to be admitted. Sometimes students have to sit for an exam in order to get in, but most of the time the only requirement is just a high school diploma. As a result, most of the students’ concern is just to pass their exam with a mediocre result as outstanding marks are not necessary. In the end a six and a ten make no big difference - on a scale from one to ten (one being the lowest mark, ten the highest and six the minimum required to pass). It is harder to get a a high mark in Argentina than in the US, where there are only five grades: A, B, C, D and F (A would be the highest mark, like a ten, C would be equivalent to a six). This lack of interest has negative consequences on the future of society: there is no hard work to be the best at what they are. Also there is no interest in being recognized and there is no competition at all among peers, which leads to no progress.

Of course, not all the consequences are negative: the fact that the best universities are free and it is easy to be admitted makes the system more democratic. By studying, you can climb the social ladder and reach a very high position regardless of your past situation. This makes high school a place for social activities and a friendly environment where marks are not that important, as long as you pass your exams, and there is spare time normally used to spend with friends or on activities that have nothing to do with school.

Both systems have negative aspects in their structures; the differences between them can change the values of both societies entirely. In order to be better, perhaps it would be necessary that they combine the best of each to create a more appropriate condition for students to try their best but still enjoy this period of their lives.