Walking into an American High School for the first time felt like a movie scene and a dream coming true; bright hallways, classrooms, and students being frank with the teachers and calling them by their first names. American High Schools and Pakistani High Schools may share the same goal – education, but the daily experience, culture, and freedom the students can feel are completely different worlds. 

On my first day at Dinuba High School, I was nervous and excited at the same time. I was wearing my traditional dress, and many people recognized me as an exchange student for the first time, guessing I must be one because of my attire, which is not common here at all. Anyways, I arrived early with my host family and checked in at the main office. The hallways were busy, and everyone seemed to know where they were going except me. I received a printed schedule and a guide to guide me towards the campuses and classes. 

I took “easy” classes, I guess. I was taking US history, STEAM class, English, Life Management, Creative Writing, and Graphic Design.  I quickly realized that this education system is quite different from the Pakistani one. In Pakistan, we sit in one class, and the teachers move from one class to another to deliver their assigned lectures. In the US, students move from one building to another, and I think this is kind of cool, but sometimes it is exhausting. The next difference I observed was in the electives. In Pakistani schools, there is no concept of electives, and students are required to take all classes mandated by the Government. Here, I had the choice to choose my own classes. 

On the first day, I went to my history class, and the teacher introduced himself. He was Mr. Rocha, and he was suggested to me by an alumnus from Pakistan. I was asked to introduce myself, too, and I told them that I am an exchange student. Students gathered around me in the cafeteria during lunchtime, curious to learn about me, my family, and my culture. They asked me about the education system in Pakistan.

Lunch was the most intimidating part. US High Schools cafeterias are loud and lively, with different groups sitting together. I was sitting with my exchange friends from other countries, which is how I got to know them and their countries as well, and I felt a bit relaxed. I noticed that in the US, classes are more interactive and fun, with discussions and group projects. Pakistani teaching is more lecture-based, and students mainly focus on notes, memorization, and exams. 

In the grading system, grades are based on homework, quizzes, participation, and tests. In Pakistan, final board exams (such as matric and intermediate) play a major role, and there’s greater emphasis on final exam performance. US High Schools offer volunteering, sports teams, music clubs, and many events, such as homecoming, winter formal, and prom, at the end of the school year. In Pakistan, such activities exist, but they are usually less central, and academics are the main focus and priority. 

The most important difference that I have observed, and I love it, is uniform. In American High Schools, you can wear whatever you want, as there is no strict dress code everyone needs to follow, but in Pakistani High Schools, Uniforms are almost always required. You need to maintain similarity with the other students, and you should look like a High Schooler. In the end, the Student-Teacher relationship is often friendlier and more approachable. In Pakistani High Schools, Teachers are highly respected, and the teacher interaction tends to be more formal. 

Some very common questions that I have been asked are: “How long do you guys fast because they know that Muslims fast in the month of Ramadan?”  I told them, “We fast from sunrise to sunset. It’s not like we fast the whole 24 hours, but we fast for 12 hours.” They were happy because their doubts were cleared. I also got questions like what is the age of smoking, and I said 18. They asked me about food, drinks, and everything I miss from Pakistan. I answered their questions, and I always love clearing their misconceptions about Pakistan. I show them Pakistan through a very beautiful view and lens. I love my country and being a representative of my country.