What is the difference schools abroad and studying in them from Ukrainian schools? This question often arises among parents who are thinking about something for their children. We should start by saying that secondary education in Europe, Canada and the USA differs from ours in its duration and structure. Without going into details, let's say that secondary education abroad children receive for 12 - 13 years. It is precisely because of the differences in the secondary education system that our certificates are not recognized by most European countries and require nostrification. However, the distinctive features school education abroad are not just about formalities. There are a number of differences in essence. They are the ones who force many parents to choose for their children studying at school abroad.
Studying abroad. Benefits of Secondary Education
- Personal development. This is precisely what the main emphasis is placed on in the European education system. In European schools, as well as in American schools and Canadian schools, it is not customary to stuff children with encyclopedic knowledge, to force them to cram what they do not yet understand. Here children learn to think, formulate their thoughts, lead a discussion, and argue their opinions.
- Understanding processes in practice. In Western European schools educational process designed so that the child finds it interesting and understandable. Everything that you can try to do in practice, see with your own eyes, touch and feel, children will see, try and do. They will grow plants, cook food, and conduct various experiments. Studying abroad is really interesting!
- Interesting electives. Often in European schools, children are offered one or more compulsory electives to choose from. The same can be said about schools in Canada and the USA. That is, a school abroad makes sure that your child’s leisure time is filled with interesting and educational activities.
- Language training. It is obvious that by studying in one of the schools in Western Europe, the USA or Canada, your child will master at least English language. He will speak it without an accent, which is extremely important for integration into the country of possible future residence. In addition, the child will additionally study one or two more foreign languages. Add to this your existing knowledge of Russian and Ukrainian languages. As a result, we get a future specialist who is quite competitive in the labor market.
- Integration and adaptation. We often hear the phrases “our mentality” or “European mentality”. We explain their success and our inability to accept European values and reach European standards of living by their mentality. So, to become a European, you need to live, grow, mature, and therefore study in Europe. And the sooner your child starts living in European society, the greater the chance that your child’s mentality will be European.
- European Certificate of Secondary Education. A certificate obtained in one of the schools in Europe, as well as in schools in Canada and the USA, is recognized throughout the world. With this certificate, your child can enter any university. And this does not require additional comments.
Secondary education abroad is free. Is it possible to?
Yes, in most cases public schools abroad your child can study for free. It would seem that everything is simple. And this is true if you have the opportunity and reason to travel with your child for his studying at school abroad and live there permanently. Most parents don't have this option. Therefore, speaking about secondary education abroad, as a rule, we mean boarding schools abroad, where the child can live and eat, where there are adults who are responsible for him. Many have heard about private schools in England. But this is a rather expensive option. At the same time, there are more available options schools in Germany, Holland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Cyprus, where boarding is also organized for children, but the cost is not as high as in English schools.
What free study abroad options are there?
- Public schools abroad given that permanent residence in the same country of one of the parents or legal guardians.
- State boarding schools. Education here will be free, but you will have to pay for boarding. Accommodation and food for a child will cost, on average, 500 Euros per month. For example, one option is public boarding schools in Germany. Such schools, as a rule, accept children from the age of 14.
- State lyceums and technical schools for admission after 9th grade. For example, your child can enter one of the lyceums and technical schools in Poland after 9th grade. Training will be free, and accommodation and meals in the hostel will cost 100 - 120 Euros per month.
Private schools abroad. What are the advantages?
Private school abroad has a number of additional options.
Firstly, you can choose the language of instruction. Often people choose English school abroad, but not in England. Such private English schools there are in Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Holland and other European countries. Training here will be based on the principle boarding schools in England, but the cost will not be so high.
Secondly. Safety in private schools abroad organized at the highest level. This is, as a rule, a closed area, the presence of numerous curators and educators, CCTV cameras, and security.
Third. Small classes. IN private school abroad classes consist of small quantity children. This has a number of obvious advantages.
Fourthly. Availability of an expanded list of electives. In addition to standard additional classes, private boarding schools children can choose such less common electives as, for example, horse riding, tennis, golf, etc.
Fifthly. Teaching Staff. Teachers' salaries in private schools abroad are higher than in public schools. Schools value their reputation, compete for places in rankings, and are proud of their successful graduates. Therefore, the teaching staff in private schools is often more qualified than in public schools.
Take care of your children's successful future today. Choose secondary education abroad.
On the territory of the entire post-Soviet space, Poland stands out thanks to modern methods and teaching methods. citizens receive it without fail, and can choose the system that is most suitable for them or their children. In our article we will try to reveal in more detail the entire path that students go through from kindergarten to obtaining a future profession.
in Poland
Children can start attending kindergarten at the age of three. The state took as a basis the system adopted in most European countries: up to the age of six, parents can take their children to a preschool institution or stay with them at home, but from six to seven years the child is required to attend kindergarten to get ready for school. In the last year, children are taught counting, reading, music and dancing. Not only Poles, but also children of refugees who are under the protection of the state are required to attend kindergarten at this age. Preschoolers can receive education in Poland in the following institutions:
Primary School
Secondary education in Poland is compulsory, and the right to it is enshrined in the country's constitution. Not only children of citizens of the country, but also children of foreigners should study at school. The education system in Poland has a number of features:
- At seven years old, children go to first grade and until third grade they are immersed in conditions that mean that classes are not divided into separate subjects (with the exception of physical education and music). All lessons, with the exception of those mentioned above, are taught by one teacher. At the request of parents, children can attend ethics classes and study religion.
- The next stage is studying from fourth to sixth grade. During this period, subject teachers work with children, and at the end of the sixth grade, children take screening tests. It must be said that the results of this exam do not affect the final grades or admission to the gymnasium. However, they are taken into account if the child is transferred to another school, especially if it has increased requirements.
Gymnasium
From 13 to 16 years of age, Polish students attend a gymnasium where they study the humanities, two foreign languages, mathematics subjects and social studies. At the end of this period, boys and girls take an exam, based on the results of which they are enrolled in the next educational institution. Secondary education in Poland can be continued either at a lyceum (this will take three years of study) or at vocational school. At the end educational institutions young people receive a matriculation certificate and choose their future path. So, they can go to university, post-secondary school, technical school, or go to work.
Higher education in Poland
Like many universities in European countries, Polish universities overwhelmingly accept students without exams. However, some educational institutions reserve the right to introduce additional tests - tests in certain subjects or an interview. The most prestigious universities set limits on the admission of foreign students. You can also get an education in Poland at one of the private universities, and the quality of education in these educational institutions is in no way inferior to state ones. Another additional advantage of paid training is the opportunity to undergo an internship at an enterprise in your field. An appropriate mark in the diploma gives the graduate a competitive advantage over other young specialists.
Higher education in Poland for foreigners is always paid, but students can offset the costs by working part-time. In big cities, there are many part-time (part-time) jobs with decent salaries. It should be noted that for Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians it is possible to work without official permission during the summer months. The rest of the time, they are required to fill out an Employment Declaration and undergo official registration at the local employment center. In senior years, education in Poland can be combined with an internship at a specialized enterprise. Such work is usually well paid and provides an opportunity to improve your knowledge and skills.
Post-graduate training
Many young professionals who have completed their studies in Russia seek to continue their studies abroad. Postgraduate education in Poland is an excellent opportunity for graduates with a bachelor's, specialist's or master's diploma to improve their knowledge in their field or get an education in a new industry. If desired, the student can choose correspondence form training for a period of one year. There are the following types of postgraduate education:
Medical faculties
More and more foreign students are coming to the country to enroll in the Faculty of Medicine. This fact can be explained by the fact that the quality of education is at a fairly high level, and its cost is significantly lower than in other European countries. Medical education in Poland can be obtained by:
Universities in Warsaw
Studying at a university in the capital has always been prestigious. If you decide to get an education in Poland, then pay attention to the following educational institutions:
Universities in Krakow
State private educational institutions operate in one of the most beautiful cities in the country. We will talk about some of them:
- Economic University of Krakow- the largest in Poland in its direction. It is chosen not only by citizens of the country, but also by students from more than 40 countries. The fact is that the university provides the opportunity to obtain a double diploma with countries such as France, Germany, Spain and some others.
- Music Academy in Krakow- quite popular among people of creative professions. Has its own recording studio.
- Academy of Social Sciences in Krakow- a private educational institution that offers students a choice of 22 specialties. The cost of training here is low, it is possible to get a parallel one (thanks to cooperation with the American university Clark University).
Conclusion
As you can see, the education system in Poland is quite progressive and accessible. That is why not only citizens of the country, but also foreigners choose to study in this country. Low tuition fees, the opportunity to earn extra money and get a job after a diploma, an uncomplicated enrollment system - these are just a few of the factors that attract students from many countries around the world.
Every child has the right to secondary education in Poland
Information about secondary education in Poland
Children of foreigners have the right to education in Poland
Every child has the right tosecondary education in Poland - Wikipedia.This right is provided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as the Constitution of the Republic of Poland (Article 70).
Polish legislation distinguishes the right to education (compulsory for all persons under 18 years of age) and allows for continued education if the age of 18 is reached earlier before graduating from high school. In accordance with the Constitution, education in Poland is compulsory for everyone, including foreign children.
The right to education has children with refugee status, as well as children who are protected: refugee status or “permit to stay” on the territory of Poland, all this complies with the rules of Poland, the law on the education system (Article 94).
According to the Polish law on the education system:
- refugee children have the right to receive free education at all levels of education in Poland, as well as in art schools;
- children residing in Poland and applying for refugee status have the right to receive free education at the basic level, study at a gymnasium and complete secondary education;
- children of foreigners with another legal status- have the right to education in public educational institutions in Poland on a commercial basis, however, school administrations have the right to exempt them from fees.
Polish rules require the inclusion of children in the state education system as soon as possible and give children and youth protection in Poland or children claiming this protection the following rights:
Right to study Polish language
Children of parents applying for refugee status are entitled to free Polish language lessons, which will allow them to benefit from state system education (EU directive on minimum standards for the reception of persons applying for refugee status (2003/9/EC of 27 January 2003, Poland, law on the protection of foreigners, art. 61)
Children of parents applying for refugee status, refugee children and children covered by other forms of protection also have the right to free learning of the Polish language in school (Article 94-a. Law on the Education System). The school is obliged to organize additional classes for a group of children (at least 2 hours per week) if there are more than 15 students, or to allow children to participate in classes organized outside the school when the group becomes smaller.
Right to education at preschool level
Article 14 of the law on the education system states that parents are obliged to give before school education for all children. Children under protection in Poland and children applying for refugee status have the right to pre-school education under the same conditions as Polish children.
The right to study at native language and cultural preservation
The school is obliged to support foreign students in preserving their national identity, ethnicity, religious affiliation, as well as preserving their language (Article 13 of the Education Law). The school is obliged to organize lessons in the language of the country of origin of foreign children and has obligations to share premises when a cultural association or embassy of the country of origin of the children initiates teaching. The Constitution of the Republic of Poland also gives all parents in Poland the right to raise children in the spirit of their religion and culture (Article 48).
Religion lessons during secondary education in Poland
Religious education in a Polish school is carried out with the consent of the parents; religion lessons in Poland are compulsory for everyone. Therefore, foreign children should take part in religion lessons. The school is obliged to provide alternative classes for children who do not participate in religious lessons (Article 12 of the Law on the Education System). The religion of religious associations officially registered in Poland can be taught at school.
The right to receive secondary education in Poland
Articles 43.1 and 43.2 of the Law on the Higher Education System give refugees the right to free use of education at a higher level, for scientific research and postgraduate education (under the same conditions as Polish citizens). People with temporary residence and foreigners with a different legal status can receive higher education in Poland for a fee.
The right to vocational secondary education in Poland for children
The European “single cabin” directive gives young refugee claimants the right to take advantage of vocational courses, even when refugee claimants do not have the right to work. The Polish Law on the Education System (Article 94 a (2)) gives the right to vocational education to all children with refugee status or temporarily under state protection under the same conditions as Polish citizens.
How to get to a Polish school for a student
The Polish Law on Education obliges local authorities to organize free public transport to school: for children in first, second, third and fourth grade when they live within a radius of three kilometers from the school; for children from fifth and sixth grade - when this distance is more than four kilometers. Local authorities may also cover the cost of transporting the child and guardian to school if travel by public transport is possible (Article 14 of the Education Act).
Social protection of children receiving secondary education in Poland
Children applying for refugee status have the right to social assistance necessary to receive complete education at the primary school and gymnasium level, in particular, the purchase of textbooks (Article 61 of the Law on the Protection of Foreigners on the Territory of the REPUBLIC of Poland). Refugee children and children under state protection have the right to use all forms of social protection offered to children in difficult life situation, including social scholarships and scientific scholarships (Article 90 of the Law on the Education System).
Refugee students have the right to social assistance available to Polish students, including the possibility of using a hostel or receiving a scholarship (Article 173 of the Law on Higher Education Institutions).
Issues related to support for persons applying for refugee status (also in the field of education) are regulated by the order of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of August 14, 2003 (No. 146, item 1528 and No. 157, item 1322).
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Despite the fact that there is a dime a dozen information for parents about raising a child and preparing him for an adult, independent life, many parents are very late in choosing a profession for their child. But you need to think when the child is lying across the bed (folk wisdom). In the good old Soviet times, the school was responsible for the education of children and the choice of profession for them. Parents only corrected the teachers’ suggestions. True, there was no particular choice in obtaining either secondary or higher education. As a rule, all children were educated at home in the Soviet Union. Only very gifted children and children of the elite, as an exception, could receive secondary education abroad. Today it’s a completely different matter and it needs to be appreciated and used. I meansecondary education abroad
. But there is no particular revival in the foreign education market. Parents are somehow wary of their child receiving secondary education abroad. Oh, in vain. Having receivedsecondary education abroad,
the child gains access to receivehigher education abroad for free in prestigious European universities. To make my arguments more convincing, I quote from an interview with the director of the educational company Albion, Natalya Shchukina.based on materials from the November 2009 issue of the British Style magazine.
… “- Natalya Yuryevna, how do parents today feel about the idea of receiving secondary education abroad and sending their child to study abroad?
Even in pre-revolutionary times in Russia, children from noble families went to study abroad or received home education from foreign teachers. In the early 90s, wealthy families began to send their children to study abroad again, but at that time such studies were considered rather an element of prestige. Today, parents approach this step more carefully. They pay more attention to what their child will have to face. They now have much more information at their disposal regarding educational programs than 10-15 years ago. Parents consider a lot of options and choose exactly the one that is most preferable for their child to receive higher education Abroad.
-What is important to pay attention to when choosing a school for secondary education abroad?
An important factor when choosing a school or university is its rating. There are general rankings of both private schools and universities, which are published in popular newspapers - The Times, The Daily Telegraph and others. Traditionally, first and second places in university rankings are shared between Cambridge and Oxford universities. Third place may be taken by another worthy university, for example, the London School of Economics. In total, school rankings usually include the top 500 private schools out of more than 2,500. And university rankings include all universities. When choosing a university, you should familiarize yourself not only with the overall rating, but also with the ratings of universities by specialty, and also find out the effectiveness of the graduate employment department.”…
I would like to note that today other European universities are approaching the popularity of English universities, such as universities in Poland, where you can get a full-fledged European education for free. More information about studying in Poland can be found on the website“Higher education abroad is free” . I continue to publish a quote from an interview with the director of the educational company "Albion" Natalya Shchukina.
“- Are there any similarities between Russian and British educational systems? - There are more differences between Russian and British education than similarities. And although in Great Britain, as in Russia, state day schools make up the majority, there are quite a lot - about 7% - of private schools, including boarding schools. By origin, these are the educational institutions where the elite were educated British Empire. Centuries-old traditions of strict British education begin here. Classes in such boarding houses last from approximately 9 am to 6-7 pm, including not only classical school subjects, but also sports sections, art and theater studios, walks and games. fresh air. Similareducation system in a boarding house allows you to competently plan your children's time. Whereas in our country such educational institutions are rather the exception, and parents who want to study full development child, you have to spend many hours traveling in order to attend various language courses, art and dance schools or sports clubs.
-Is it possible to get it later?higher education abroad for free and how does one get admitted to universities?
The transition to higher education in the UK is also taking place differently. Already at the age of 16, in continuation of the program high school children are offered a two-year national pre-university course, the so-called A-Level. Thus, young British people, much earlier than our children, should think about the future and choose their university, and therefore their future profession. But one way or another, should the child be given Russian education or foreign, it is the parents who decide. And this decision depends on many factors: on life circumstances, on the moral readiness of the family and, of course, the child. Therefore, this decision must be approached with great responsibility.”…
Neighboring Poland is extremely popular among Ukrainians. IN last years All larger number young people strive to obtain higher education in this country. Why are they so attracted to a diploma from a Polish university?
The explanation for all this is very simple: higher education in a neighboring country is available to almost everyone, and its cost is not much higher than in Ukrainian universities, while a European-style diploma gives you a chance to find a job both in Poland and in other EU countries.
In Poland, the number of foreign students is about 50 thousand and almost half of them are citizens of Ukraine. Why are Ukrainian students happily welcomed in Poland? For several years now, the Polish Ministry of Education and Science has been faced with the fact that the youth of their country are seeking to receive higher education not in their homeland, but in Western European countries, and as a result, Polish universities are experiencing an acute shortage of applicants. And this niche is successfully filled by Ukrainian students, the number of whom is increasing every year.
The main advantages of studying in Poland
Studying in a neighboring European country is the best prospect that Ukrainian youth choose for their future life. But why do they choose Poland, and what advantages do they see in studying here?
- Ukrainian applicants can enter Polish universities immediately after receiving a certificate of secondary education in their homeland, while in other countries of the European Union our students can study only after completing two courses at Ukrainian universities.
- To study in Poland, you do not need a certificate of external independent testing (EIT), without which it is impossible to enroll in Ukrainian universities. Here, only the certificate score and the interview result are taken into account.
- The cost of studying and living in Poland is much cheaper for the family of a student from Ukraine than in other European countries.
- In Poland, students have the right to work part-time during their free time, and this helps them pay for their studies and living expenses.
- Many Polish universities have close ties with best universities Great Britain, Germany and France. All students, including those who came to study from Ukraine, can take part in exchange programs.
- Students studying in this country can undergo internships not only in large Polish companies, but also outside the country.
- To study in Poland, students from Ukraine receive a Schengen visa, which gives them the opportunity to travel throughout the European Union.
- The territories of Poland and Ukraine are located next door, which means that Ukrainian students can easily travel home not only on vacation, but also on weekends and holidays, since the cost of travel is low.
- After receiving a Polish diploma of higher education, Ukrainian graduates can get a job without a special work visa, which previously had to be issued in Ukraine. With a European diploma, they have the opportunity to get a good job not only in Poland, but also in other EU countries.
All these benefits apply to students of all educational institutions in Poland, regardless of which city they study in and which country they come from.
Higher education system in Poland
Ukrainian youth can receive higher education in 457 Polish educational institutions. Of these, 131 universities are public, and all the rest are private educational institutions, but the prestige of the diploma and the quality of education do not depend on the form of ownership.
Among educational institutions of the highest level of accreditation we can distinguish: academies, classical, technical and specialized universities, polytechnics, higher schools and collegiums where training takes place according to the Bologna system, which Poland adopted back in 1999. Obtaining higher education is divided into 2 stages: Stage I is a bachelor’s degree, where students study for 3-4 years, stage II is a master’s degree, the duration of study in which is 1.5-2 years. After graduation, graduates receive the title of bachelor (licentiate) and master. But in some universities there is a “specialty”, that is, studies are not divided into bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but take place continuously for 5-6 years with the award of a qualification level - master. “Specialties” are practiced in training in such specialties as medicine, psychology, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, law, and art.
You can start studying at Polish universities either from October 1 or March 1, which is very convenient for applicants. Academic year lasts for 30 weeks and is divided into 2 semesters of 15 weeks respectively. From October 1 to February 15 is the winter semester, and from February 16 to September 30 is the summer semester. Ukrainian students can study full-time, part-time or evening, as well as externally. When choosing a form of study, be sure to take into account your financial capabilities, the availability of a scholarship, or the need to work. Studying as a full-time student will provide not only deeper knowledge, but also the opportunity to obtain a temporary residence permit in Poland. A full-time student can qualify for a scholarship and various discounts when paying for studies. Correspondence education makes it possible to find a job in your specialty even before graduation, and it is also fundamentally different from Ukrainian: classes for correspondence students are held on weekends, 2 times a month, so there is no need to take a vacation for the session.
The nuances of studying Ukrainians in Polish universities
Citizens of Ukraine study in Poland for a fee, regardless of whether it is a state university or a private one. Ukrainians who have Polish roots in their ancestry and have managed to document this can obtain a Pole Card. This will give them the right, on an equal basis with Polish citizens, to claim free education in state universities, but only if they pass a certificate competition and a language test, and some universities also provide interviews and even exams in specialized subjects. Ukrainian students with a Pole Card can count on special or social scholarship in state universities, as well as on a scholarship from the rector or minister. Unlike public schools, private educational institutions accept almost all applicants. It should be remembered that tuition fees in public universities are slightly higher than in private ones. Upon graduation from educational institutions of any form of ownership, graduates are issued one diploma - a state standard.
Some educational institutions have special budget places for foreigners, including Ukrainians, but their number is certainly limited. Therefore, this kind of information must be obtained in advance directly from Polish universities or on their official websites.
Ukrainians can also count on grants and scholarships from the Polish government and international organizations.
To study at universities in Poland, you need to know Polish or English, but it is worth noting that studying in English is always more expensive. If an applicant chooses to study in Polish, then he needs at least a basic level of knowledge of this language, especially since some educational institutions require a certificate of knowledge of this language. To study in English, it is mandatory to confirm your level. This must be an English language proficiency test certificate at Intermediate level. If applicants are unsure of the level of their language skills, then they can study at preparatory courses, the duration of which is from 2 months to one year.
Cost of studying and living in Poland
An important argument in favor of studying Ukrainians at higher educational institutions in Poland is the reasonable cost of study and living. The price of one year of study ranges from 1000 to 4000 euros, and depends on the prestige of the educational institution and the specialty that the applicant seeks to acquire. But the cost of living will depend on the city where the training will take place. Of course, the capital and large cities will require significantly greater expenses than Bialystok or Bydgoszcz.
For example, for studying at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow you will have to pay from 2000 to 4000 euros, but the Marie Curie-Skłodowska University of Lublin will cost from 1250 to 2000 euros per year.
A month of living in a student dormitory in Poland will cost from 100 to 150 euros, and it will depend on the number of people living in the room.
If a student wants to rent an apartment, it will cost a little more – from 250 to 400 euros.
You will have to pay at least 150 euros per month for food. Well, what about a student without entertainment and new things - this will also cost at least 100-150 euros per month. To travel around the city, a student can purchase a single pass, which can be used in any type of public transport, and it costs only 8 euros.
Therefore, in addition to paying for tuition, a student must have at least 400 euros per month to live in Poland.
The best educational institutions in Poland
The top three Polish universities in 2016 included: Warsaw and Jagiellonian universities, as well as Poznan Adam Mickiewicz University.
The best technical educational institutions were: Warsaw and Wroclaw Polytechnics. The University of Mining and Metallurgy from Krakow did not lag behind them.
Among private educational institutions, for several years now the leading positions have belonged to: Kozminsky Academy, Polish-Japanese Academy information technologies and Lazarski University.
Studying at these Polish universities is certainly prestigious, but getting into them is also much more difficult. Therefore, when deciding on an educational institution, an applicant must realistically assess his knowledge and financial prospects. If they are not exactly brilliant, and the family is not very wealthy, then it may be better to choose a less prestigious university, and not necessarily in Warsaw or Krakow. But you should remember that all Polish universities guarantee quality education and a uniform state diploma.
If you are not satisfied with the education system and your wallet allows it, you can take your children to study abroad! But is it always good where we are not? ..Poland. The child missed classes - the parents are fined!
Over the past decade, the secondary education system in Poland has undergone significant changes and now consists of three levels:- primary school - compulsory, education lasts 6 years;
- gymnasium - children under 15 years old must undergo compulsory education for 3 years;
- lyceum, college or technical school - specialized training, lasts 3 years.
Studying abroad in primary school begins at the age of 5-6 years. This does not mean that schoolchildren begin to master science so early. The first year (grade zero) is intended only to prepare children for basic education. Schoolchildren learn to communicate with each other, learn simple mathematical operations and the basics of natural sciences. The results of learning in primary school are checked by tests that are for reference purposes and do not affect the final results of school education.
Studying at a Polish gymnasium
Education at a Polish gymnasium lasts three years. After graduation, high school students take exams in language, history, natural science, as well as physics, mathematics and chemistry. The results of final exams in gymnasium, in contrast to tests in primary school, influence future fate The number of points a child receives determines whether she will be accepted into college/lyceum or not. If not, you will have to continue your studies at a vocational school. After graduating from a college or lyceum, an exam is taken in two stages: to school teachers and to an independent commission. Graduates of vocational schools take exams only by the interdepartmental commission. After these exams, children can apply to higher education institutions. The advantage of colleges and lyceums over vocational schools is that based on the results of final exams, you can enter a university without exams or by passing minor tests.
After 1989, many non-state primary and secondary schools opened in Poland, partly financed by financial donations. Several private higher education institutions have also opened.
Children of foreigners have the right to study free of charge in primary schools and gymnasiums in Poland. The task of parents is to ensure regular attendance for the child and create conditions for full learning at home. If a child misses 50% of school classes in a month without a good reason, parents are fined.
According to the language of teaching. As in any civilized country, without knowledge state language you will not be able to fully exist on its territory. If your child does not speak Polish, she is entitled to free Additional session from Polish (at least 2:00 per week for one academic year).
Unlike general education schools, education in lyceums, art institutions and clubs for foreign children is paid.
Tuition fees in private educational institutions in Poland:
- gymnasium - from 1200 euros
- Lyceum - from 1500 euros
- music or art school - from 3000 euros
- ballet school - from 4500 euros.
Through the mouth of parents
Olga, mother of 9-year-old Kostya
I was offered a good job abroad in Warsaw, and after a while our whole family moved to Poland. My son goes to the 4th grade of the group of schools named after. Eugeniusz Lokajskiego. When choosing a school, we were guided by proximity to home. In addition, this school was recommended to us as the best for foreigners. Our school is public. We cannot financially afford a private one. In public schools in Poland you can study for free, but in private schools tuition costs 2-3 thousand Euros per month. My son enjoys eating at school. It costs 150 zlotys per month.
The child is at school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. I like everything about our school. We can always change it if we wish.
Study abroad: Germany
In Germany, 9 years of schooling are compulsory and free. German children go to school at 6 years old. Primary school education lasts 4 years (in some federal states, for example, in Berlin - 6). In elementary school, children are not given grades, but are assessed using animated stickers, so as not to overload the child’s psyche right away, since later children will face a serious load. This is a subject of criticism: the abrupt transition from a “relaxed” primary school to a “serious” secondary school can be traumatic for a child. The next stage of education is called orientation (Orientierungsstufe): children and their parents must choose the path of further education. Their choices are:
- 5-6 year high school (Hauptschule)
- 6-year real school (Realschule)
- 9-year gymnasium (Gymnasium)
- 10-year general school (Gesamtschule)
Most schools include 12-16 subjects in their programs; high school students study only 4-6 disciplines.
Hauptschule was conceived as a school with practical approach and fewer complex subjects. Its goal is to prepare children for craft professions. The level of teaching there is quite low. Today, the Hauptschule has become a collection of weak schoolchildren, mainly from migrant families. With a Hauptschule certificate it is almost impossible to find a good job, and often after Hauptschule graduates immediately fall into a vicious circle of unemployment.
Realschule is more valued, but has more teaching subjects and heavier preparation. Completing the Realschule gives a so-called certificate of completed secondary general education. The prospects for finding a job with a Realschule certificate are significantly better; In addition, after graduation, students can go to the last grades of the gymnasium.
Gymnasium is the most prestigious institution of secondary education. Only after graduating from high school (which consists of middle school - grades 5-7 and high school - grades 9-12) can you enter higher education institutions.
Passing exams at the gymnasium - severe stress for students. Volume of material in graduating classes extremely large. The level of teaching in gymnasiums is generally very high, it can be compared with the first years of university. This is due to the fact that there are no university entrance exams. In turn, the better you pass the exams at the gymnasium, the more chances you have of getting into a prestigious faculty. Recruitment is carried out according to the grades in the certificate.
The education system in Germany is regulated by the state (at the federal level) only in the most important matters. The Land Administrations have great powers in the development and regulation of education. This leads to disagreements and differences in education systems in the 16 states.
The German grading scale differs significantly from the Ukrainian one: the lower the grade, the better it is. That is, the highest is 1 point, and the lowest is “6”. In this case, intermediate estimates such as: 1.1; 2.5; 4.3 t. In the first grades, grades are not given, and how to evaluate children in grades 3-4 is decided by parents at a meeting.
Up to grade 4, according to German law, homework should take a child no more than 10 minutes a day.
Although formally German public schools accept foreigners from the age of 14, Ukrainians who live here claim that they are ready to see children even earlier.
Children from other countries are accepted into at different ages: If you don’t understand anything in the language, you stay for a second year. That’s all!,” says Vladimir Sergienko, a writer and public figure living in Berlin.
Today in Germany there are more than 2,200 private schools, the pedagogical concepts of which differ markedly from each other. 6% of German schoolchildren attend comprehensive private schools. They are designed for the wealthy part of the population and have an elitist character. Recently, private schools have begun to show increasing interest in accepting children from abroad.
Foreigners can study at a private school for any number of years, up to receiving a matriculation certificate, but they can also come for a year or two. Obtaining a matriculation certificate from a German private school there is beneficial for those who have their sights set on continuing their education at a German university.
Typically, private schools accept children from the age of 11-12, and they are required to have minimal knowledge German language. The documents needed are: the child’s birth certificate and data on success in school for the last two years.
The cost of studying in a private school with full board is from 10 thousand Euros per year.
Through the mouth of parents
Vladimir Sergienko, writer, public figure, father of 20-year-old Lisa and 8-year-old Daniil (Berlin, Germany)
Our family moved abroad to Berlin after the breakup Soviet Union. Lisa studied at a public school, and Danya studies at a state gymnasium with in-depth study Slavic languages. My daughter’s school offered bilingual teaching: German and Russian. This was the main factor for choosing a school, but it did not live up to our expectations: after 4 years of study, the child did not speak sufficiently either Russian or German. For Data, the school was chosen based on a different principle: proximity to home.
My children study for free. And private schools have different prices: from 200 to 1200 euros per month. Selection for such schools is carried out on a competitive basis: they look at the ability of parents to pay. We didn’t get into this school through a competition, but we don’t regret it. Friends say that they spend a lot of money, but such schools do not provide any special privileges (better safety for children, contacts with higher educational institutions) or special knowledge.
At a regular school we pay 34 euros for meals and 18 euros for milk. However, we refused milk: Data did not like chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry milk. If the parents are unemployed, they can apply for a state subsidy for these expenses, but this procedure is very humiliating and most simply refuse.
We don't have school uniforms. In German schools, it can only exist at the request of the parents.
In addition to school, children attend various clubs. Their prices are different:
- music school (once a week) - 84 euros per month,
- judo - 20 euros per month,
- chess - 20 euros per month,
- in the lyceum (drawing, reading, general knowledge of music and conversation club) - 25 euros per month,
- Children's Museum Academy (1 lesson per week) - 150 euros per six months,
- swimming (once a week) - 150 euros for six months.
I am not very happy with the German education system: the family spends a lot of money on investing additional education, the training schedule is not very convenient ( syllabus adjusted to the “convenience” of teachers, and the child must get up at 5 am so as not to be late for school).
For me, school is not only an education system, but also a moment psychological attitude to the individual. As for me, general education stronger in Ukraine. But psychologically the child is more comfortable in Germany.
Irina, mother of 11-year-old Daniil (Dortmund, Germany)
My family and I moved to Germany in 2000. Son Danya was born in 2001. At home I speak Ukrainian with Danya, but I couldn’t find a Ukrainian-language kindergarten or school. For the first years I lived on government support, but now I have a job that allows me to live normally. After primary school, Danya passed the exams and was recommended to the gymnasium - this is the best level of schools in Germany. Now he is in 6th grade. To be successful in the gymnasium, Danya studied hard at home and was tired. Our gymnasium is located in another city. Danya gets to her by train. In addition, my son goes to additional classes: basketball and swimming. The state helps pay for these mugs. We don't have uniforms at school. We do not collect money for repairs or gifts. All stationery for a child costs about 100 euros a year.
Study in the UK, study in England
Education in the UK has long been considered one of the best in the world and attracts thousands of students from abroad every year.Pre-school education in the UK is not compulsory. Government agencies(so-called nurseryschools or nurseryclasses) accept children from 3 years of age. These are kindergartens or special groups at secondary schools, classes in which usually take place 5 days a week for 2.5-3 hours. Children are taught to read, write, sing, recite poetry, and dance. The program also includes exercises to develop fine motor skills and games to develop abstract thinking. Children are taught to be polite and help each other. Special attention is paid to the development of the child’s personality, his independence and self-confidence.
State nurseries in the UK are often overcrowded. To ensure that everyone can receive preschool education, many alternative preschool educational institutions have been created. These include private kindergartens, groups based in private schools, various children’s and family centers at departments social work, as well as volunteer children's centers based in colleges, universities and even enterprises.
Regardless of whether the child attended preschool or not, at the age of 5 she goes to school. At the same time, there is no need to wait for September 1, as in Ukraine: a first-grader enters school in the academic quarter following his birthday.
You can get an education in a public or private school, or at home. Approximately 94% of all UK pupils attend state schools. Private schools are not a cheap pleasure; the cost of a year of education in them ranges from 2.5 thousand to 30 thousand pounds sterling. However, many private schools are “single-sex”, and traditional schools such as Radley, Winchester, Eton and Harrow only accept 13-year-old boys.
Compulsory education in the UK is divided into 4 key stages:
- 1 and 2 years of study (students aged 5-7 years)
- 3-6 years of study (students aged 7-11 years)
- 7-9 years of study (students aged 11-14 years)
- 10-11 years of study (students aged 14-16 years).
In Scotland, the curriculum is determined not at the national level, but at the local level. Private schools can independently choose the list of subjects to study.
At the end of each key stage, pupils are tested. In the 10th grade, they choose 5-10 subjects, in which they purposefully prepare for exams over the course of two years. At age 16, students take exams to obtain a General Certificate of Secondary Education. This completes compulsory secondary education.
Students who decide to enroll in university remain in school and study in university preparation programs (A-levels or International Baccalaureate) for the next two years. Based on the results of final exams, students are admitted to UK universities. There are no entrance exams required.
Through the mouth of parents
Sergey, father of 12-year-old Olesya and 11-year-old Leonid
My children started school in Glasgow (UK) at age 4. This is the best private school in Scotland. Children eat at school, but I cannot say exactly how much it costs: children simply have the opportunity to choose food and the price depends on this. We have a school uniform, and it is in almost all schools. We don't buy books, and school preparation costs anywhere from £200 to £400. Of course, if you have the means, you can get your children into the best school.
My children also studied in Kyiv in a private school with English as the language of instruction. I can’t say which country’s education system appeals to me more. It seems to me that in Britain everything is aimed at preparing children for adult life. There is no familiarity or nepotism here, no bribes.
