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Growing up in a European country and never witnessing what it's like to go to an American school, watching American high school comedies, to me, has always been a pretty surreal experience. I'm sure that most of you fellow non-Americans reading this article could relate to me on this.

There are so many things about American schools that have always seemed utterly fascinating to me. For instance, you get letter grades instead of number ones, schools have swimming pools inside them, there's a club for almost anything, you have to get a hall pass to go to the bathroom during class, and lunch meals are usually pretty bizarre. The list goes on. With that being said, Bored Panda invites you to look through this list of tweets from non-American Twitter users in which they share things that they find the strangest about American schools. Feel free to explain to us the things we don't understand or add your own in the comment section!

#1

American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

scultator Report

GC
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t ever know what A levels etc. are. One of these days I need to look it up.

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    #2

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    morosexuaI Report

    konnarw1
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    mine starts at 8:00 till 3:00

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    #3

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    bieberexhale Report

    Caitlin Davenport
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but the cheerleaders were just normal students, not stuck up and they didn't wear their uniforms in class.

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    #4

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    chromaticaution Report

    Jamziee
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, because if you're in the hall without one, then you MUST be commiting murder (Sarcasm lads)

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    #5

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    hilaryagro Report

    Charlotte A.
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Sweden it starts in august and ends in june. Nothing odd about it, to me.

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    #6

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    ShadyFennec Report

    #8

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    Nonisbitch Report

    Caitlin Davenport
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They used to have E as a failing grade, but people thought it meant Excellent, so they changed it to an F.

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    #9

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    kirstyclyne Report

    GlassHalfWay
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, even a snowboard & skiing club in the Midwest.

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    #10

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    Iivingxproof Report

    ramen noodle
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    huge, loud, head-ache inducing cafeterias.

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    #12

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    argentdols Report

    Aunt Messy
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Canadian here. They don't close schools in Canada unless it's been colder than -40C for three days in a row.

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    #13

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    wintersfalcvn Report

    Imtiredandiwannagotobed
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because we put all our budget into our announcements and lockers

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    #14

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    insatiate0 Report

    GlassHalfWay
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because a gallon would be too heavy on the lunch tray.

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    #15

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    lisaislovesick Report

    Jamziee
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They aren't cool it sucks

    Flare
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, it's either "I can barely get the water to come out" or "the fountain spray is so strong that it made a hole in my water bottle"

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    Harløw-Banditø
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes we have them but they are gross AF because kids will put their mouth on the spout. But you’re allowed to bring a water bottle and they sell water bottles in the cafeteria so you don’t have to use one

    Whawhawhatsis
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They either put out a water stream that's barely half an inch (1 cm) above the outlet, or they shoot the water halfway to the ceiling. So you either have to get everyone else's germs trying to get the water out of a little bubble, or you get sprayed in the face. Fun.

    Forty-Two
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They taste like rust

    Caitlin Davenport
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are great and in Wisconsin, they are called bubblers!

    Ingrid O
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wouldn’t exactly call them cool. More like warm.

    CincyReds
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lil water fountians for lil people

    Amber odom
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes and they are gross. they are always covered in spit.

    Scratch
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You've never seen a water fountain? I find that hard to believe. I'm in Europe and they're everywhere.

    Mia Maya
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ever had water sprayed in your eye? and enjoyed it? Then yes they're awesome

    jonnotheGOAT
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they ain't cool there's always blood or a spider in one

    MyWeird “WolvesGoTo” DailyLife
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They aren’t cool, they are sources of mono, sometimes have YELLOW water, and always taste bad….

    Little Epic12
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah.. watch ur hair with it, it will get wet

    Elizabeth Tunney
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They always break and then none of us get water

    Philly Bob Squires
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never used them... idiots used to spit on the fountain.

    Windkissed
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Especially the ones with soda in them!

    backatya
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    how little is your measurement that you're talking about?

    Miranda Prince
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, we have them. And I've seen kids putting their WHOLE MOUTH over the spout. Super gross. Do not use.

    Faith Hurst
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some do. Ours were recently replaced with bottle filling station ones.

    BananaJo
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They smell like rusted metal

    Carol Lewis
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    New thing in our schools, cold filtered water to encourage kid to usr reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste. They almost all bring disposable water bottles to school. Not all schools have the filtered ones tho. It has helped reduce our plastic bottles use. It really adds up when that many people use disposable water bottles every day.

    Emily Smith
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, we do have them. They're nothing really special around here but handy if you're thirsty in a pinch.

    TheDemonUnderYourBed
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The annoying kids put their whole mouths on them. SO yeah, pretty darn cool if you're trying to spread every germ possible.

    beautiful plumage
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    in the age of covid, they're all shut off and you have to bring your own water bottle (theoretically full of water).

    womb gremlin
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NO, THEY ARENT DONT DRINK FROM THEM

    Seth Linn
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The water is always nasty and warm and when it’s not the fountain is out of order. Honestly, it’s better when it’s out of order because people are gross.

    Cal Capone
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah and they exist in other countries too.

    001Frozendude
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they taste like crap! and metal, and copper...and lead solder.. yuck

    JessG
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a weird question, of course they are going to make sure kids have drinking water! What goes on elsewhere? It’s not just school either, but lots of public places

    Amber Duhs
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wait is this an American thing? where the heck do you guys get water?

    Jane_Doe
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the lonely students make out with the nozzle

    Navy Blue Bandana
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes and people put their mouths directly on them.

    Cee Mor
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes but the water always tastes and smells like rotten eggs

    Blackheart
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They, like everything are closed due to coronavirus.

    Bunzilla
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah they break down a ton and they're usually really gross

    Wilson Pickett
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not all of them. In Milwaukee they have bubblers

    I_am_not_human
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes and mine even has a water bottle station

    Hello Dolly
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes and if you have ever drank from one you are probably familiar with the metal taste it leaves in your mouth.

    ArtistinResidence
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but no one who is even a little germaphobic uses them. Nowadays most of the students bring their water bottles to class and fill them as needed. And we also have a school store where they can by fruit juice and coffee.

    Full Name
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That makes no sense. There's no difference between drinking from it, or filling your water bottle from it.

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    Melissa C
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Xenia Granados
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One time some kids stuck leaves and stick REALLY in there and the pipe burst

    Hermione Granger
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they are not cool. kids will literally lick them and then the teacher won't let you get your water bottle so you have to either drink some weirdos backwash or be beyond thirsty and unable to focus.

    jewel cat
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yes we do. they are not cool. they are a nightmare to drink from. they also dont work half the time

    CR Harvey
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Germ factories when they work.

    Imtiredandiwannagotobed
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, water fountains, yep, most people don’t use them, sometimes we have a water bottle filler, that’s the best

    Aiyana Menrige
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Push a button, water comes out, drink, leave. CALL THE PRESIDENT

    The Zooble
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some English schools have them too but we hardly use them

    angie but who cares
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah i dont like them but the water is realy good but they are hard to drink from

    Benjamin Lensgraf
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, Americans don't deny children water

    PjandBolt
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup and they're full of lead! Except for the one in the locker rooms, they're always the best

    PikachuFan7
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once at my school it was so cold in the morning that there was icicles on the playground and the pipes were frozen.

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    #16

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    http_taehyungs Report

    Brett
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish I had school lunch that good

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    #18

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    CryinInATaxi Report

    Eva Bryson
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, teachers want you in class to learn, not loitering in the bathroom.

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    #19

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    alienrat Report

    SimplySarcastic40
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yep...at least in the suburbs because most of us start driving at 16

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    #20

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    _smell_ya_later Report

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    #21

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    sapphicnile Report

    The Zooble
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be very honest, I'm English and I usually do page count rather than word count

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    #22

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    LazarusRags Report

    konnarw1
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah i wondered this and are the woman stale or something lol

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    #24

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    livculture Report

    #25

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    bollobas Report

    Caitlin Davenport
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So we aren't "distracted". Even rooms with windows usually had the blinds closed.

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    #26

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    unsaidalex Report

    Caitlin Davenport
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not really. We have nearby schools we compete against in sports, but any rivalry is very light-hearted.

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    #27

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    prostrider Report

    SimplySarcastic40
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    we had an apple machine...for $0.20 you got an apple.

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    #28

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    hemsbucky Report

    Brett
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The high school I’m going to does

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    #29

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    aidansarson7 Report

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    #31

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    00lisa0 Report

    konnarw1
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah sorry but you should move to america.(JK)

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    #32

    American-Schools-Weird-Things-Non-Americans

    ThaumPenguin Report

    Caitlin Davenport
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Candy was usually a very tiny part, if it was there at all. But it was the most exciting part!

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