Different Places, Different Accents

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thing that surprised me was being a college student in the U.S was a piece of cake compared to the Hong Kong students. “Success is dependent on your effort.” it seems not to apply in Hong Kong’s education system. This phenomenon attributed by the spoon-fed education that overlooked by Hong Kong government and students are suffering because of this educational system. In order to When I was a student in Hong Kong, I felt nervous and anxious every time in examination, and I spent many hours on tutoring classes which from Monday to Saturday 4 p.m to 6 p.m so as to advance my academic level. Students in Hong Kong are dedicated to the examination, as holding a bachelor’s degree certificate, wearing the square graduation cap and gown is theirs’ and their parents’ dream. The Hong Kong local university admission examination- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Examination (DSE), which is an annual examination, is a nightmare to every pre-college student in Hong Kong. It is because there are eight universities in Hong Kong only, the grades on the piece of paper have determined our destiny. Meanwhile, "To ride or die?" has become a common idiom to candidates in the DSE, since it was like a war in the examination, any mistakes you made would be a step towards the dead. It is required to examine your educational level every company in Hong Kong, even McDonald’s need to look at your resume, so you have to make an effort in your grades no matter you are a college student or not.

In contrast, American students are free, they never have to concern about the limitation of universities and suffered by spoon-fed education. It is a sigh of relief for me to study under the U.S educational system, and it ensures everyone gets the educational opportunity to learn. Now, I am studying at Community College, which is a bridge through the door of the university. This educational system in the U.S has enlarged the educational opportunity for me to study without boundaries and my effort has determined the grades that I can get.

As a newcomer to the U.S, there must be something that will surprise you, no matter it is with a positive or negative connotation, we should accept and embrace it but not to be afraid when we encounter a new culture unexpectedly. People who live in the U.S from foreign countries should be grateful, as in the America, you can meet the people from all walks of life, interacting with other races, enjoying a great educational system that you don’t have to be under pressured. Some of the people want to go to America for a better education or life, but lacking money or chances, so bear in mind that you are already lucky. If you want to give up, then ask yourself what you live in the U.S?

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