The China education system often grabs global attention for producing high-achieving students. But did you know that behind its success, there are some surprising facts that might shock you?
From extremely long study hours to life-changing exams, here are 8 surprising facts about the China education system that you might not know. Keep reading to find out more!
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1. Study Hours Can Be Up to 12 Hours a Day
Students in China typically start school at 7:30 AM and finish around 6:00 PM. But the story doesn’t end there. Many of them still attend extra classes or tutoring sessions until 9:00 PM! Imagine, 12 hours a day spent on studying. This is much longer than the average school hours in Indonesia, which are only around 6-8 hours.
This habit emerged due to the intense academic competition in China. Parents and students believe that the more time spent studying, the greater the chances of success in the future. However, the government began limiting tutoring hours in 2021 to reduce pressure on children. Despite this, the “study until late” culture still remains a part of student life in China.
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2. Gaokao: The Exam That Determines Their Future
In Indonesia, there are the National Exam (UN) or SBMPTN, while in China, there is the Gaokao, a dramatic university entrance exam. Held once a year, Gaokao is considered a life-defining test. The exam score not only determines which university a student can enter but can also affect their future career and social status.
Preparation for Gaokao starts years in advance. High school students often study late into the night, and some even forgo weekend breaks. It’s so crucial that parents even rent accommodation near the exam venue to ensure their children don’t arrive late. The pressure is immense, to the point where some students experience severe stress due to dissatisfaction with their results. Impressive, but also a bit chilling, right?
3. Morning Warm-Up Before Classes Begin
Interestingly, before classes begin, students in China are required to participate in physical warm-up exercises with the gym teacher. Imagine hundreds of children lining up on the field, moving together like a morning exercise routine. This activity usually takes place at 7:00 AM and sometimes is repeated around 2:00 PM.
The goal is simple: to keep students healthy and energized for the day ahead. With a packed study schedule, these warm-ups are a way to refresh both the mind and body. In some schools, the exercises are even broadcasted over the school’s radio, so all students join in together. Cool, right? That’s how they keep their stamina up!
4. Intense Competition Among Students
In China, student rankings are often posted on school bulletin boards, where everyone can see who is at the top and who is at the bottom. This makes competition among students incredibly intense. For them, being the best is not just a source of pride but a necessity.
Parents also play a significant role. Many register their children for private tutoring to ensure they don’t fall behind. As a result, students feel pressured to always outperform others. While this leads to exceptional achievements on the global stage, this intense pressure is also a common criticism of the China education system. Could you handle such competition?
5. 9-Year Free Compulsory Education
The Chinese government mandates 9 years of compulsory education, from elementary school (6 years) to middle school (3 years), all of which is free! This starts at the age of 6, focusing on building a strong foundation in subjects like mathematics, Mandarin, and science. This policy has helped China achieve a literacy rate of 98%.
Although free, the quality of education is top-notch. Teachers are rigorously trained, and the curriculum is designed to prepare students to compete at the next level. Unlike in Indonesia, the emphasis on free education in China is seriously prioritized, though school fees apply after middle school. Kudos to their commitment!
6. Top Universities Are Here
China is home to world-class universities, such as Tsinghua University and Peking University, which are frequently ranked globally. They focus on science, technology, and research, making them highly sought after by international students, including those from Indonesia.
Many programs are offered in English, so you don’t have to be fluent in Mandarin to study there. Plus, tuition fees are more affordable compared to Western countries, and there are plenty of scholarships available. It’s no wonder that China is a popular study destination, with around 500,000 international students every year.
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7. Children Are Taught Discipline Early On
From elementary school, Chinese students are trained to be disciplined. They are responsible for maintaining classroom cleanliness, participating in chores, and even learning about morality and politics. These are all part of the strong character education embedded in their system.
For example, children are taught to respect their teachers and peers. If anyone misbehaves, they are usually reprimanded immediately. As a result, Chinese students are known for their strong work ethic and rarely waste time. This might be one of the reasons they often excel in international competitions.
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8. Technology Is the Backbone of Education
China doesn’t just rely on traditional learning methods. Technology has become a major part of their education system. Many schools and universities use advanced tools, such as state-of-the-art research laboratories and interactive online classes.
At top universities, students have access to the latest technology for research, such as in fields like AI or medicine. Even during the pandemic, they adapted quickly to online learning. This proves that China is serious about integrating education with the advancement of technology.
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