Random conversation with fellow Big Bank Worker leads me to question the intelligence level of my country and the quality of the education presented in this country.
Me: So, moving to New Zealand, blah, blah, blah, blah
Him: New Zealand, is that like near Holland?
Hand to G-d, I swear this conversation took place. Which got me thinking. Enter Diatribe:
The higher education system in the United States is probably the most expensive education in the world. Our education costs continue to rise every year, our University system is ever at war with each other trying to lure the best and the brightest and the standard cost for an education went from $2,000 in 1980 for in-state tuition verses today's $20,000 for in-state tuition. Don't even get me started on private and out-of-state-colleges.
However, I do believe that those that are educated in the United States are not the most well educated in the world. Nor are we even slightly worldly. Personally, I think that the Germans our kicking our ass in education. Consider that my young cousins all under the age of 10 already speak three languages.
Or perhaps this lack of world view has nothing at all to do with our higher education system and everything to do with our elementary education. Get'em while they are young and some stuff might actually stick.
So are we in the United States under-educated? Perhaps the only reason that we continue to be the domineering country is because everyone else is coming here instead of staying there. Do the math. The influx of intelligence workers as immigrants into the United States is staggering. Other countries will continue to educate their community and those individuals will continue to emigrate here.
So, will Americans be able to continue competing in a world market?
