“You have to write the exam yourself?” American students shocked by SA schools

South Africa's schooling system is not simple. It's layered, intense, and depending on where you went to school… a little painful.

While South Africa ranks below many developed countries in average literacy, mathematics and science scores; Our curriculum is highly structured, exam-driven and academically rigorous, especially in high school.

Now, thanks to TikTok, South Africans are debating whether our schools are secretly tougher than America's.

Also read: Study: Nearly quarter of Grade 3 students can't read in their home language

It all started when an American student studying in SA took to TikTok to express how hard school is here.

What did he say?

Mal complained that:

• There are a lot of assignments.
• Teachers “teach hard.”
• Students get work at home which they have to settle. Umm… sir. This is called homework.

However it did not stop there. He also complained that tests in South Africa are difficult because “you have to write the whole exam yourself.”

On the contrary… outsourcing it?

To make matters worse, in his first four weeks, he already had four assignments and another coming soon.

For many South African students, it's just… February.

Take a look at his frustrated statement here:

The comments section quickly turned into an international education summit.

One user wrote: “We have real school. You learn concepts so you can apply them.”

Another joked: “So you're telling me I can get into Harvard?”

And then the question everyone was wondering was: “'You have to write the test yourself'… who else can write it?”

One commenter gave a final warning: “It's only word 1. It's the easiest word.”

Also read: SA vs USA: Top 3 things South Africa does better than America

Cruel, but beyond the jokes, it raised an interesting question:

Is South Africa's schooling system really more difficult than America's?

Or is it just… different?

let's compare

Assignment – ​​Who gets more?

South African schools give structured assignments which usually count towards your final mark. They are formal, classified, and taken seriously.

American students also receive assignments, but many are classified as classwork, quizzes, or participation rather than larger formal tasks.

So it is not that Americans do not get work. Ours just feels more official and higher pressure.

Test – Do we write more?

Yes. South African tests usually rely heavily on written answers. You explain. You inspire. Show your thinking.

American tests are often a mix of multiple choice, short answer, and essays. Multiple choice is more common, but writing is still required in subjects such as English, history and science.

So no, Americans don't just paint bubbles all day. SA expects more written responses overall.

Homework – Do Americans Get It?

Absolutely. American students get homework, projects, essays, and study assignments just like we do.

The idea that they don't learn at home is simply not accurate.

Also read: Woolworths tuckshop is now a thing in private schools

So, what's the real difference?

Well, South Africa is more exam-centric and structured.

The US is more mixed and flexible in its valuation style.

So, are South African schools hard? not necessarily. Yet are they different? Definitely.

How to listen to East Coast Radio

1. Listen to East Coast Radio on FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.

2. Listen to ECR live By click here Or Download ECR App (iOS/Android).

3. Listen East Coast Radio on DStv Audio Bouquet

4. Switch to Audio Bouquet on your OpenView decoder and browse to channel 606.

5. Listen to us amazon alexa

Follow us on Social Media:

· Facebook

· Twitter

· Instagram

· tiktok

· whatsapp channel