Q: What are the differences between the educational system in China and Canada?
A: There is a huge difference between the secondary education system in Canada and China. An advantage of the Chinese educational system is its focus on methodical teaching of fundamental skills. Students from China are usually equipped with a strong base in the fields of math and science. Chinese students are typically well prepared in writing tests and exams. As a result, this intense pressure often leads to students focusing only on exam preparation, leaving other areas of academic development neglected. On the other hand, the Canadian secondary education system encourages flexibility and practicality. Focus is placed on the overall development of the student. Canada uses a credit accumulation system, in which each course earns one credit, and when 30 credits are accumulated, the student is eligible to graduate. Within these 30 credits, 16 credits are for mandatory courses and the rest of 14 credits are free electives which students can select based on their interests.
Q: What are some difficulties that children of new immigrants face when adapting to the Canadian educational system?
A: The main reason why many Chinese families choose to immigrate to Canada is for their children. Intense pressures under the Chinese educational system often negatively impact students’ abilities to achieve overall development. They are willing to give up their lifestyle in China and move to Canada to provide their children with a better education.
Regardless of the difficulties associated with a new living environment, immigrant children flourish in a more flexible learning environment, particularly when they become comfortable with the English language.
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