Pingli Chen
(Lily)

Educational Systems in
Jamaica and Canada

When I arrived in Canada, for the first time as an international student from Jamaica, I was and I’m still amazed by the big differences between these two countries and their educational systems. First, I want to introduce Jamaica. It is a very beautiful, small Caribbean country; however, it suffers from many economic difficulties. Several troubles include high inflation and being largely dependent on imported goods. Next, I would like to tell you about Canada. It is a large, well-developed country. Because of advanced technology and high productivity, the economy is very stable.

Table illustrating comparison criteria of Jamaican and Canadian schools:

Criteria

Jamaican School

Canadian School

Challenge

Simple

Complicated

Cost

Cheap

Expensive

Hours of study

Short (4 Hours)

Long (7 Hours)

Teachers

Helpful, Strict

Friendly, Helpful

Students

Friendly and Funny

Friendly and admirable

Now, I will give you information about the Jamaican educational system. Jamaica’s educational system is pretty simple; there are no big challenges and competitions for students. The school fees are relatively cheap in Jamaica. For instance, all students regardless of where they are from pay the same school fees as local students. The daily study hours are very short. A typical student spends only four hours a day at school. Also the assignments are very easy and don’t help to improve practical skills. The Jamaican teachers are very helpful; however they are very strict. Therefore, the communication between teachers and students is not effective. There are only few international teachers and students in Jamaica. If you go to a Jamaican school, you will study with Africans only. I think Jamaican students are very friendly and funny; they always work together and help each other in their work. The reputation of Jamaican schools is not well recognized because of the simple, unchallenging educational system.

Next, I’m going to describe the Canadian educational system. The Educational system in Canada is very valuable. It is very expensive; one term for international students at BCIT can cost almost Canadian $5000. On the other hand, the subjects that offered are very challenging. The students have to spend at least seven hours at school. In addition to that, there are many projects and assignments that must be completed. It is very competitive for all international students. The Canadian teachers are very talented and helpful. They are also very friendly to their students; therefore there is a close relationship between teachers and students. Moreover, I think the relationship between students is very close in a friendly atmosphere, which is admirable. The Canadian schools are full with international students. This gives the students an opportunity to meet new friends and know more about other cultures. This is why the Canadian schools have a good reputation.

When I compare Jamaica’s education system with the Canada’s, I see a big difference between them. Even though the Jamaican schools are much cheaper than the Canadian ones, the quality of education in Jamaica is poor. Shorter school hours, less course material and unchallenging work don’t offer much education to the students. While Canadian schools are expensive, the teaching material is much more challenging and competitive than in Jamaica. At the same, more writing, speaking and reading skills are being learned. Also the communication and relationship between the Jamaican teachers and students is not very good in contrast to Canada. However, Jamaican students are very friendly similar to Canadians. Unlike Jamaica, Canada has many international students. For all of these reasons, the Canadian schools have a better reputation and are widely recognized.

December 2002