AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY YOU WILL COME TO LOVE
Destinations
Spending time in the United States can be a unique experience full of contrasts. Life varies enormously depending on the state and city: from vibrant metropolises such as New York and Los Angeles, with their cosmopolitan cultures, to the quiet landscapes of the Midwest countryside or the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the South.
American society is extremely diverse, with a strong emphasis on individualism and innovation. There is a sense of freedom and possibility, but also a certain competitiveness. It is easy to be struck by the conveniences of daily life, the efficiency of some services and the sheer scale of the country, which offers everything from beaches to deserts, mountains to skyscrapers.
Meeting people from different cultures and the opportunities for personal growth make the experience an unforgettable adventure.
In the United States high school generally lasts four years, from 14 to 18:
Freshman year (9th grade): the first year.
Sophomore year (10th grade): the second year.
Junior year (11th grade): the third year.
Senior year (12th grade): the final year.
Education is compulsory until the age of 16-18 depending on the state, and the main goal of high school is to prepare students for university, college or work.
American students must take a number of core subjects to earn the diploma, but they also enjoy considerable freedom in choosing electives:
Compulsory subjects:
English (literature, writing, composition).
Mathematics (algebra, geometry, calculus).
Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics).
Social studies (US history, world history, economics, government).
Physical education.
Electives: art, music, computer science, drama, foreign languages, psychology and many more.
Many students also take Advanced Placement (AP) courses or dual enrollment university courses in their final two years to earn credits valid for college.
The American school year usually begins between late August and early September and ends in May or June, with some variation by state or school district. It is divided into two semesters or four quarters. The main breaks are:
Autumn break (Thanksgiving, late November).
Winter break (Christmas and New Year, two weeks).
Spring Break (March/April).
Summer holidays (June-August).
Academic performance is assessed with letter grades:
A (excellent): 90-100%.
B (good): 80-89%.
C (satisfactory): 70-79%.
D (below standard): 60-69%.
F (fail): under 60%.
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is decisive for college admission. Students receive the High School Diploma at the end of 12th grade, which is required for university entry.
American student life is lively and often revolves around extracurricular activities: school sports, clubs and student organisations. Schools also host many events, from prom, the classic end-of-year dance, to homecoming, held around October to celebrate the start of the school year.
These activities help students develop social skills and leadership, and build a strong sense of school community.
American schools offer a wide range of student services: they pay close attention to cultural and gender diversity and to disability, and provide programmes for students with special needs (Individualized Education Program, IEP).
School counselors help with personal and academic issues as well as university guidance. For international students there are integration programmes through English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
American high school lasts four years compared with five in Italy. Schools in the United States are more flexible and pay particular attention to each student's individual development, while the Italian system favours a more traditional, theoretical academic preparation.
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