What is school really like in Russia compared with Canada? And how different are the Russian and Canadian education systems?
In this interview, I’m talking with Eseniya, a Russian student who has experienced both school systems. We’ll compare Russian schools and Canadian schools, including grade levels, graduation, homework, exams, teachers, school life, and what happens after high school.
We’ll also look at some important differences between the Russian education system and the Canadian education system, including what students can do after Grade 9 or Grade 11 in Russia and how the Canadian school system compares.
If you’re interested in Russian culture, learning Russian, studying in Russia, Canadian education, or simply curious about what it’s like to be a student in Russia vs. Canada, you’ll enjoy this conversation!
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I’m really excited to hear about your experience with both the Russian and Canadian school systems and to learn what you think are the biggest differences between them. Can you tell us a little about yourself and where in Russia you are from?
Im Esia. I’m originally from Moscow, Russia. I moved to Victoria, BC, with my mom, and I’m currently going into grade 11.
Before coming to Canada, what grade were you in, and what type of school did you attend in Russia?
I finished 9th grade at a public general education school and received my first diploma.
What was your first day at a Canadian high school like compared to your first day of school in Russia?
In Russia, on September 1, there’s an opening ceremony; students are expected to arrive in their formal uniforms and usually bring gifts for their teachers (a bouquet or candy). We sing the national anthem and watch special performances prepared for the occasion (dances, songs, poems). Then everyone goes to school and starts classes. In high school, I usually had 7–8 classes, each lasting 40-45 minutes, and then I’d go home and immediately sit down to do my homework. So when I went to school in Canada for 30 minutes to pick up my schedule and then go home, I was very surprised…
How are the daily schedules different in Russian and Canadian schools?
In Russia, as I mentioned earlier, high school students have 5–8 classes a day. These are 40–45-minute classes with 15–20-minute breaks in between. And you can only choose additional subjects in 10th and 11th grade, when you select your academic track. (For example, the chemistry-biology track has 1–2 more biology and chemistry classes.) But all students still study absolutely all subjects at nearly the same level. In 9th grade, I had 16–18 different subjects for the entire year.
In Canada, on the other hand, you have 4–5 required courses, and you choose the rest yourself. So, for example, if you don’t like chemistry, you’ll study it for only 5 months and then forget all about it.
In Russia, there are also trimesters/semesters. The school year is divided into 3–4 terms, and at the end of each term, you receive a final grade for each subject. At the end of the year, they calculate the average of all your grades from these terms and then assign that as your year-end grade for each subject. In Canada, it’s much simpler: you have a percentage that goes up or down depending on your grades. Then that percentage is converted into your grade for that subject.
What are the main differences between graduating from school in Russia and Canada? For example, when do students usually finish school in Russia, and what options do they have after 9th or 11th grade?
In Russia, you can graduate from school after the 9th grade or stay until the 11th.
Basically, after 9th grade, you can either go get a job or apply to a college/vocational school, but you can’t go straight to a university. Or you can finish all 11 grades and apply directly to a university.
After 11th grade, graduates are usually around 17 or 18. If I had stayed in Russia, I would’ve graduated 11th grade at 18. But here in Canada, I’ll finish school when I’m 19 because of the difference in grade levels.
Which school system gives students more freedom? Can you give some examples?
Canadian schools tend to give more freedom in course selection. You can often choose electives, drop or add courses, and shape your own schedule. Russian schools are more standardized, with less room to choose what you study, especially before 10th–11th grade.
Which school system do you think has higher academic expectations?
Russian schools, because there you need to know a lot more to succeed in everything.
How is homework different in Russia and Canada?
In Russia, I usually spent about 3–5 hours on homework, but in Canada, I either didn’t get any homework or did most of it at school and finished the rest at home in 1–2 hours.
How many students are in each class in Russia?
In Russia, you usually have one class for your entire school career. That means you study with the same group of people, 20 to 30 students, for all 9 years.
In Canada, on the other hand, you’re always in different classes, and the students aren’t always the same age as you. There are classes where students from grades 9 through 12 are mixed together.
How do schools support students who need extra help?
There isn’t much of a difference here. Teachers everywhere are willing to explain things to you if you don’t understand something. Also, sometimes schools in Russia offer extra classes after the regular schedule if someone needs more practice.
But I really liked that everyone in Canada uses Google Classroom. If you happen to miss something, you can always find the lesson materials there.
What role does technology play in learning in each country?
In Russia, we use electronic whiteboards. We can write on them, visit different websites, and watch videos, but we only use computers in the computer lab.
In Canada, on the other hand, everyone uses Chromebooks, there are always computers available in the library, and, in general, education involves the use of the internet and technology.
What do you miss about your school in Russia?
I really miss some of my teachers, as well as the overall atmosphere of our schools.
What is one thing Canadian schools could learn from Russian schools?
Possibly a stronger emphasis on foundational skills and academic rigor in core subjects from an earlier age.
What is one thing Russian schools could learn from Canadian schools?
Make it possible for students to have more free time.
Has studying in two countries changed the way you think about education?
Yes, I now realize that every country has a completely different approach, so in the future I plan to carefully research how the education system works in the country where I want to apply.
What advice would you give to a Russian student who is about to start high school in Canada?
Be patient with the adjustment. The freedom and informality take some getting used to, but they also mean more room to explore what you’re actually interested in. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; participation is expected, not seen as rude.